Not long ago I wrote about what will happen after my mom is gone regarding my visits and family connections. I think back to Timmy's funeral and Justin's first real exposure to my sister, Carol. After everything was over and the family was gone again, Justin commented to me, "I really like Carol---we should get to know her better." This was his own aunt and he didn't really know her. I've reminded her of that on occasion, the most recent time being Mom's 90th birthday celebration. Sadly, he wasn't here for that, having gone back to FL already. In the past decade since Timmy's funeral I think I've seen Carol probably 4-5 times. Not for my lack of trying....
Lynn, Jill, and I went shopping Monday and had lunch together. It was great fun, though exhausting. While shopping I ran into a 'girl' from my old neighborhood who is married to a classmate of mine. He was gone deer hunting with family and she was hunting in the stores! Kathy's brother lived next door to my mom in the years prior to Mom buying the duplex. Jill asked how her brother and his wife were doing and Kathy answered that she was sure they were fine but hadn't talked to them in a while. How can this be? They live in the same town and yet don't communicate. Interesting. She explained that her husband and she spend time with their own family....Is that how it goes?
Tuesday Linda and I were leaving Bible study and talking with Kathy, the leader. She comes from a family that has remained connected. They are together regularly, if not in person, then by phone or online. She even lived in Malawi for a time and remained in touch. Her parents are the same age as Mom so the day will come when this large family won't have their parents any longer. I hope they will stay connected when that time comes.
My sister-in-law's parents, Harvey and Clara, who both are now passed away, would get together weekly with their siblings who lived in the area to play cards and just hang out. Nieces and nephews came to see them in their apartment and later at the Home. Perhaps not every week but at least folks knew they had relatives, and the family knew what was going on in each other's lives.
While I am here visiting my family I am also thinking about my friends and church family back in FL. And, of course, my boy. Last night I did FaceTime with him and he got to see his Grandma and his aunties, and they could see him. Mom loves that! He was able to show me the new slacks and shoes he got, plus the wax warmer for his room. His room smells now of pumpkin pie! He was getting ready for church, and on his way there he called me one more time to report about the giant full moon on the river. We could not yet see it here, as there is no view from Mom's apartment to the east. Tonight I will have to go out and look for it. During the football game? NO! Go Pack, go!
