Today I am remembering Grandpa G. I reflect on family and the ties that run far deeper than blood – the ties that bind us together.
This morning I received news that the person known to my children as Grampie G has completed his journey in this realm and now beings a new one with Divine. Now, grampie G is not related to us by blood but has been an important and consistent part of my life and the lives of my children and is part of my family. This got me thinking about what that word means.
The dictionary defines family as a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit or all the descendants of a common ancestor. For me family is not limited to these definitions but includes so much more. I grew up in a culture where Aunt and Uncle were terms used not only for those related by blood but for those who were older and close family friends.
I remember the first time that Mark came to visit and I introduced him to my family. By the end of the first day he was overwhelmed and asked
“Just How many children did your grandparents have!!?”
That is when I had to explain, well not all the aunts and uncles are my parents siblings, but they are my aunts and uncles. These connections are based not on blood but on ties that run far deeper – they are about love, care, support, safe places to land; they are about standing on common ground and accepting the other, warts and all; they are ties that bind; they are people with whom you sit at table and who are only ever a phone call away. This is family.
So today I give thanks for family and for the ties that bind us one to the other.
In this season, as we prepare for the light of life to be born anew in us, may we remember that love is the key to building relationships and creating family.
Blessings
Valerie