My Dad often laments on his sadness with the family not being in the same place at the same time for visits. Hes always been distraught over my sister and her family's infrequent visits and the overall lack of time spent together. It has bothered him as long as they were married.
My family is together at the moment with my oldest being home for spring break. Having my family together brings feelings of happiness and completeness. Serenity if you will. The feeling of being whole. I never felt that quite so strongly as now - when my mom is dying.
Now I understand why it has bothered my dad all these years when the family hasn't been together. At the same time in the same place. It's sad to think it is a feeling he yearns that has rarely been fulfilled or satiated.
The circle was rarely ever complete for my side of the family.
I love the feeling of being with my wife and kids and relish in it during this sad time. I understand why it bothers my dad that the family hasn't frequently been together.
One thing about my wife's side of the family is they vacation together and L and her sister make it a point to visit during the summer. Because there's nothing better than being with family.
As we've been married we've started certain 'traditions' of when we gather. Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve. And those are wonderful times.
The beauty of it is these times of togetherness evolved naturally. Nobody made everyone come together. It just sort of happened when everyone was able to travel. It wasn't ever done out of obligation but out of wanting to be other.
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