In many ways, I am truly blessed, and I had those blessing re-emphasized over the past several weeks. I went to two reunions, one with Janell's family - The Berklands - and the other with my Mother's family - The Diddens. They were both so affirming and so inviting and so joyous.
I have grown into the Berkland Clan over the past twenty years, even though the standing joke is that the vote was five to four to let me marry Janell and become part of the family. They have opened their homes and their hearts to me when Janell and I were married, and they have enveloped in a web of love and support since her passing. They invite me to visit; they call to check on me; and I know they send their prayers my way. I will forever be part of the family, regardless of any future relationship, if there will ever be one. And if there is, she will need to understand that I also am a Berkland.
I grew up with the Diddens Clan. Our families did everything together, picnics, sleepovers, holidays, weddings, funerals, in good times and bad. My cousins were my best friends; my aunts and uncles were my extended parents. I could not have imagined growing up without them. And then I left; I went away to college at twenty, moved fifty miles away to teach, was moved thousands of miles away by Uncle Sam, and then shifted my family hundreds of miles away for thirty-five years. I rarely visited and when we did return to Illinois for a short visit or a family reunion, it was ritualistic and not authentic. That changed a week ago. I met my family again and realized what I have missed. They are funny, warm, caring, bright, talented and such a joy to be around. I was ecstatic and sad; so happy to be re-connected and so sad to realize what I have missed.
I make a pledge to stay connected to my families. I love them and I miss them and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. I honor them.
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