I live with the belief that family should be forever. When my twin brother and Jana married, she reportedly was a little overwhelmed with the familial ties that bind. She was an only child and had absolutely no frame of reference to know how larger families relate and connect for the greater good.
For the record, she shared that information about herself. It would be a little presumptive for me to make that assessment. My only frame of reference is being one of three siblings. I suspect that being an only child would be an entirely different kind of experience.
Following my brother's status as Missing In Action, our family faced the hurdle of moving forward and knowing best how to provide support for my niece and her mother.
We only had one frame of reference and that was the belief that you choose to love and be available to provide support.
Last night, the General and I had the privilege of visiting with Jana and her husband Paul. I'd say our relationship resembles that of siblings who love one another. They are in town on business and spent last night in our home.
Interestingly, Paul and I are the same age. We also share 03/15/1947 as our date of birth. Paul is also from Odessa, although we did not attend the same high school. For that matter, neither did Jana.
Paul falls in the gifted and talented category. He can do anything with wood - he both turns it and creates furniture with it. He is a natural when it comes to DIY. Any project he embraces is state-of-the-art when he is finished. I struggle not to be envious.
Paul, too, is an only child. Consequently, we are privileged to represent an extended family dynamic for both him and Jana. In return, they enrich our family composition.
I was privileged to officiate at their wedding at the church where we attend. They were living in San Antonio at the time. I don't remember the year. Since my parents were present at the wedding, it had to be before 2007. Paul's mother was also present. His father was already on the other side of eternity.
I can't truthfully say that I fall into the favorite brother-in-law category, not that it matters. Of course, my younger brother Larry is the only other option and everybody loves Larry. Family is family and it serves everyone's best interest when you choose to be loving.
My mother was one of six siblings and they were always a close-knit family. My dad had one brother. The same was true of his family. Consequently, I grew up with lots of access to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I'd have missed a lot if that extended family had not been foundational in my life.
At any rate, last night we reminisced on memories too precious to forget. The time shared went by way too quickly. We was nice to have an opportunity to create a few more memories.
All My Best!
Don