Family

 

I have a brother and a sister; my brother lives just outside NYC; my sister lives just outside the research triangle park in NC.  My location is east TN and while we are all mobile, we seldom see each other once both our parents died.

It was our parents who kept the family together, mainly our father even though he did not demand our presence, we all showed up anyway just to make sure that we did not disappoint.  We made time for that to happen - we no longer have the time to make time for that to happen,

Several articles have been written, some of which I have read stating how important family is, especially when we become senior citizens and eventually retire.   Both my sister and I have retired, our brother is still working albeit more pleasure than work.

I wonder sometimes if these people who write these articles know what they are talking about after thinking about how my family performs.  These thoughts are supported by my neighbors who, are my age, and who are also estranged from their brothers and sisters as well.

THEN...  I look at my wife's family and her brother lives in VA, her sister just outside Washington, DC and all of them stay in touch almost every week or so, sharing what is happening to them and asking about what is happening to us.  Their ages are similar to our ages 85, 78, and 72.

NOW...  don't get me wrong, I don't have to have my brother and sister in my life...  but it would be nice if they were.  My wife and I are perfectly content enjoying our neighbors and friends here or when necessary, not enjoying anybody at all except each other.

My father died in 2001 and my mother in 2016; my wife and I have been living just fine without them but miss both of them, just as she misses her mother and father.  Her father died before we met, and her mother died in between the death of my father and mother.

In the past, I believe that families were important but in 2024, I don't believe families are that important anymore...  at least not for me...  and, if that happens to you, don't let it bother you...  as it is just the way it is these days...