VERY well. Many do. After all, I blab about every part of my life. Well, almost every part.
Many people don’t know much about my dad and four sisters. I didn’t know about them during all my growing up years. Long story short, my mom got pregnant in college but my father moved away before I was born. We reunited in 2006, and there are times I want to pinch myself realizing there is the whole, new, cool family out there.
Last week John, the three kids and I went to So. Cal to hang out with my family. My dad took us to the San Diego Zoo and Disneyland. I stayed with one of my sisters and hung out with the others. We had a few family get-togethers and we laughed and had fun. The more I’m around them the more similarities I find. For example I discovered my family’s love of stories. My dad told many … including the “Big Fish” tales that are always fun. Can story-telling be genetic? I think so.
I have to admit it’s still odd for me to be with them … but odd in a good way. It’s like waking up one day and discovering Santa IS true, chatting with the Easter Bunny over for lunch, and flying off to the nearest star with Peter Pan. These are people I’ve wondered about for as long as I could remember, and I discovered they are more wonderful than I could have ever dreamed.
I also came home from this week thankful for the family I grew up with: my stepdad, mom, and brother … especially my mom. I’m a good person who loves and cares … and that’s due to her influence in my life. I’ve been blessed twice over, and for family–all my family–I’m especially thankful.
My daughter paid me a compliment yesterday after church. She said “I like how I’ve been raised. It’s how I plan to raise my kids.” Brings tears to my eyes just remembering, to be honest. What validation (and it’s very infrequent, can I get an Amen??)!
Sounds like you just gave your mom (and your family) the same validation. I didn’t realize when you were twittering (tweeting) from CA you were with a “new” part of your family. HOW FUN!
Tricia there is nothing more precious than family. And I am glad that you have two daddies and four sisters to share the love.
The older I get the more I appreciate the love of my family and what a blessing they are to me. I’m so glad you enjoyed visiting with your family in California. What a blessing indeed.
So gald you enjoyed spending time with your “new” family! I’m sure you’ll have plenty of more gatherings with them in the future :o).
Tricia, I had the same experience with my family. The last time I had seen my dad was when I was 7 then again at 15. I had 4 brothers and sisters that I had met 2 of them at age 6 or 7 but I still to this day have not seen any of them again. Today I’m 46 and just now trying to connect on FB. I’m looking forward to getting to meet my family someday. Last week I met my youngest stepsister and that was cool.