Monday, June 23, 2008

Family Moment Monday-- extended family bonds.


Every year my brother, my sister, and I (and one close family friend) take a one week vacation together.  This makes for usually ten cousins to spend time with each other, as well as the aunts and uncles.

I happen to be on this vacation at this very moment, so it's very convenient that it's Family Moment Monday, sponsored by Motherhood for Dummies

We are at a large home a short hike from Lake Michigan.  It's a lovely, big house, gorgeous setting, and very comfortable.  Well, it's comfortable now.  Last night when we lost power during a thunderstorm in the late afternoon and it was out for 11 hours.....well, let's just say I was ready to come home.  Although the kids had a ball playing hide-and-seek in an unfamiliar house in total darkness.


Today is a different story.   As every year, this week strengthens the ties that bind.  There is unconditional love here.  The cousins LOVE spending this time together.  We aunts and uncles love reconnecting with our nieces and nephews and with each other.  (None of us live in the same town.  We have three states represented here.)


Everyone is relaxed.  Our goal is just to hang out and spend time with each other.  


It's just family members loving each other and having fun together.


Young and old enjoy each other's company.




But these family moments are not just about having a fun vacation together.  It's about loving each other and being loved.  As my brother once said about one of the kids who had just had a meltdown (He was much younger at the time.)  He's our Joseph (not the real name ).  No matter what he does, he's our Joseph.  

And that's the way it is.  These kids consider these cousins some of their best friends.  There is unconditional acceptance.  Family unity is reinforced.  What is lost by distance is knit back together again by a week of 24-7 togetherness.

I believe each child leaves knowing he is part of a family and that he occupies a position no one else could replace.  Self esteem is built up.  But most importantly, each child knows that this is my group.  

These are my people.


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow again! Great post! I want to send it to my sibs so we can have an experience like this, too. Very sweet =0)I miss knowing you're near but am happy you are having such fun. Love to All!

Rosemary said...

Mary, anything new? How was house hunting? Any promising showings on yours?

Suzanne said...

Rosemary...This is beautiful you all together in such a lovely way! I am so envious...I don't know why our families never started traditions like this, but I'm going to try to find a place like this ...by the way..where is this place..how about an email and fill me in on how much something like this would cost and where it might be? It is lovely..it looks like the actual SEA coast.
In the meantime, enjoy, enjoy...the blessings! :)

Kellan said...

What a marvelous vacation and so nice to spend time with your family like that. Our family spends time together like that!

Have fun - Kellan

Blessed said...

What an awesome vacation! Our family tries to do that - we are having to get a little more diligent in keeping our relationships close and strong now that all of us kids are adults! Have a great time!

Lisa@UnexpectedJourney said...

That is so wonderful! I would love to do this with my family. Maybe I need to initiate something myself!

Suzanne said...

Thanks for the info, Rosemary!
I doubt that I can get enough of us together the first time around to afford this "little hacinda," though.
If you learn of anymore up that way that are far a bit more reasonable,
let me know or some rental companies that I can go online to check out, let me know...I would have never guess this would look so beautiful...where you are...two big old cities nearby? Surprising!
Keep having fun! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Rose!

We have a contractor here all this week and(most likely) the floor refinisher here next week to get the house spiffier before we move. No big news yet. There are lots of great possibilities in South Bend, but we don't want to buy something until we sell or rent this one.

I wish were vacationing with you! I'm tired of cleaning and packing! Enjoy!
Love,
Mary

Sarah - Kala said...

Fantastic! Do have a wonderful time feasting on the love!!

My sis and her girl are coming to visit us in 14 days!! Hurrah!

Anonymous said...

Hey mom! Wish I could have gone : ( Work's driving me crazy already! The pictures look great.

Anne

Rosemary said...

Hi Anne! Wish you were here too.