Strength of unity

Today my gorgeous nephew turned twelve (he also beat me at pool but let's move on, shall we?).  We had a lovely (loud) dinner to celebrate followed by our family tradition of my aunt's chocolate cake and out-of-sync singing of "Happy birthday".  

The celebrations tonight have allowed me time to reflect on how awesome my family are.  Sure, they piss me off from time to time - they're family after all!  But they are brilliant people.  There is always a lot of conversation at our family gatherings.  In recent months I have entertained people with my potty mouth and tales of my depressing cesspool of a life but the stories are always with humour and light.  No one is ever left alone; we all wander around chatting to each other and everyone pitches in with the preparation and clean up.  There's never one person bearing the weight of the work, which I love.  

We always miss those family members that cannot join in - like my cousin who now lives in Sydney.  It's not the same without her but we all understand why she's there and we are truly happy for her.  I think that's the essence of our family.  We actually care about each other.  It's not a superficial veneer.  There is honest affection, consideration and love for each other.  And I know, no matter what happens, they will be there for me.

I have missed out on my family for over a decade and I find it positively rejuvenating to be immersed in them again.  I am recharged (albeit exhausted and perhaps suffering short term hearing damage) after being surrounded by my family.  Around them I can truly be me.  I can wear what I want, say what I think and know that it will make no difference to them. I am free to mingle with kids, playing games and talking shit but equally accepted in deep and meaningful conversations with my peers and my elders.  

I can see the patience in the men in our family who put up with the antics of us women; we are a vibrant lot!  I also see how damn lucky those same men are to be surrounded by strong, competent, beautiful and intelligent women.  Women who are capable, confident and sassy.  

I am proud to be a part of my family; ashamed that I allowed myself to be pulled away for so long but thankful to be in among it again.