I didn’t know how else to say it, though various words kept floating up to call emotions to the surface of all my happenings. The commercial name was Mother’s Day, and that was one part, yet not all. I hope for you there was some group from two to a multiple of that number that affirmed, “This is where I belong.”
My first descriptive is Car Pool. Yes, you read it correctly. To get to our first family gathering, middle son and I had to make a day trip to Austin. Nothing brings forth closeness like nowhere to go except to be in the car. At times, squabbles, yes, but also questions are asked that need time for an answer. Discussions are not cut short because another place is calling. Maybe most importantly, sites can be noted at the same time and lead to comments like, “That reminds me of …..”
The Austin gathering started at a courthouse with a nuclear family coming together for an adoption. The group unfolded across generations and various related terms from great-great aunt (my designation) to cousins and in-laws. Three screens of Zoom reached out into scattered ties that bound all together. The first half required Kleenex to be passed down a row and either hands squeezed or arms around a shoulder to draw the next person a little closer. After the judge said with a smile, “This child shall be known as a Graves!” approval erupted. Whoops and clapping in the court was made stronger by technically transmitted sounds of joy.
South Louisiana puts new acquaintances in place with the question, “Now who are your people?” We checked on that circle over the next two days. On the way home, we stopped to visit a nephew’s wife, their daughter and husband and two young boys of an age that I gift in return for crayon scribbled thank you notes. They were just coming out of naps enough to want their mother’s lap, but I could read the latest book and they turned pages. Saturday night we ate with an expansion of local cousins at supper in their new house. Togetherness calls forth various memories of growing up. Versions from different participants led to arguable slants of which was correct . A solution was reached only by a loud affirmation of one’s opinion shouted over raucous laughter. Chocolate Caramel Cake helped us wind down with harmonious feelings.
So Sunday came as a titled day. My term mother released me from having to cook. Our family in town ate at our daughter’s house along with a son-in-law _ after all it was his house, too- and his brother – not sure of his specific designation for the relative of an in-law. We shared grace for the meal and love for the gathering. The approved designation for a supportive group in 2023 is Tribe. Much better is Family, that inclusive word given for all mentioned and to those beyond.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
John 1:12
Let Me Tell Ya 