This evening I am grateful for so many things. First of all, for those of you who commented on yesterday’s blog when I asked you to tell me what you’re grateful for, thank you. I loved hearing about what you’re thankful for. Keep writing, not for me, though you can comment here as often as you like, but for yourself. And don’t worry about how well constructed your sentences are or are not, there’s no grade for gratitude expressions. There is no judgment, no censors, no critics who can determine the worthiness or unworthiness of what you’ve written. I am grateful for your willingness to share your gratitude with me. Thank you!
Today I spent a lovely day hanging out with my sister and her husband and my kids, including my “adopted son” (my daughter’s roommate). I drove about 150 miles or more today, so I’m a bit tired, but it is a good tired. I picked them up in San Francisco, we ate brunch in Berkeley, then drove up to Sonoma State to see Michal. We picked her up along with my “son” Alex and headed off to Bodega Bay (a coastal town north of Sonoma State where Alfred Hitchcock filmed “The Birds.”) We probably spent more time in the car than out, but I enjoyed the time talking and listening and reconnecting with my sister and brother-in-law. Michal got to hear some funny childhood stories about me and her Aunt, and we got to laugh at ourselves at yet another rehashing of family tales that always seem to be embellished in the retelling.
Al, Sandy, Michal and Me Hanging Out at Sonoma State
I’ve written in earlier blogs about how grateful I am for my family. Like most families, my siblings and I each have our foibles, personality quirks, and idiosyncrasies; and there are times when one doesn’t get along particularly well with another or we hurt each others feelings, etc. as is common with siblings in particular. But when I think back over the years when one of us has struggled or had medical crises or needed support in one form or another, one, some, or all of us have responded. In times past I’ve been able to be on the giving side, offering assistance in whatever ways I could. Over the past few months I’ve been more in receiving mode as I navigate through my current difficulties. There’s likely some blessing to be found in both giving and receiving, though I must confess that I’d rather be in a situation in which I am able to give assistance rather than require it.
I hope to get a chance to see many of my siblings during the Christmas holidays–God, airfares for three, and weather permitting. Over the past few years I’ve become somewhat a chronicler of family history–pulling together old photographs and doing some videotaping. My plan is to find some time to record some family stories–like the ones we laughed about this afternoon, and other more poignant tales that are the legacy we have to pass along to my nieces, nephews and my own children.
I know that for many people, their families of origin are not their families of choice. I am fortunate to have family members that I love and respect and enjoy spending time with. I count my siblings among my close friends. Harper Lee (“To Kill a Mockingbird”) said, “You can choose your friends but you sho’ can’t choose your family, an’ they’re still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge ’em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don’t.” Well I didn’t have any choice about who my kin are, but I figure that for the most part, I lucked out. And for that, and for each of them, I am most grateful.
Remember to write and comment about what you’re grateful for! Warm thanks to all my readers.
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