Family. I never realized the importance of being close with your family. Personally, I’ve never really had the chance to get close to my family besides the immediate ones I lived with.
Last weekend I finally got the chance.
There’s been a great divide within my family because of religion. You’ll probably read me going into that trauma in a different blog post though. I mean I used to be a Jehovah’s Witness, if that says enough.
Anywayzz, because some of us are no longer part of the religion we’ve become “outsiders” to the rest of the family. It’s not really cool, but we don’t harp on it.
I’m not sure how the ball started rolling on the plans, but next thing I know I’m in a car driving an hour and thirty minutes to sleepover at some rich cousin’s house to meet all the other cousins and aunts.
When we did arrive, it was so weird. Everyone was in their cliques and we were almost the outsiders again because all my cousins were already cool with each other. I made the bold move to break the ice with someone I knew would be a catalyst into being okay with everyone. My brother followed suit. At first, it was a bit of a stalemate. I feared the worst. A dreadful sleepover of awkward silences and little kids screaming. Two very possible realities that could’ve been true. That wasn’t what fate had in store for us that night though. No, fate gave us laughs and new friends.
It was a fabulous evening. Before I knew it, the little cousins were trying to show me their cartwheels and I was teaching them how to runway walk. We were happy and I realized that for the first time, household excluded, I actually had family that I liked. It took a death in the family to wake us up, but that’s when I realized the magic of family. It’s great to have friends. They can be their for you like no one else can, but the bond that forms with your own blood is sacred. You can just feel so connected and joyous especially when you get along.
I never realized the feeling until just recently and I wish I would’ve known sooner. This may be silly, but I just wanted to share this in case you didn’t know either. Maybe try and reconnect to some family if you’ve just been “too busy” to talk. It’s not always possible to have a relationship with family, but if possible just spread some love to someone. Remind them they’re valued and loved because as humans we surely do forget to do this too much. Overall, let’s make the promise to share love together. ♥
I’m so glad you shared this experience with us, Diego! I always adore reading your narratives because your writer’s voice feels so wise, yet so comforting. This is an incredibly impactful piece, and the message of joyfulness and connectivity come through the work eloquently.
I’m so happy for you, hope all continues to be good for you!