We are back from our Thanksgiving holiday that was spent visiting relatives in New Jersey. It is unbelievable to me that I did not take a single photo while there, though I think someone probably did. Many wonderful hours were spent with Mr. C and there is no need for photos of that because he is always in my heart.
Dad and I found ourselves the elder statesmen at the gathering of cousins. It is not a strange place to arrive at, in fact, because we hardly ever had the opportunity to be youthful. When the grandparents decided that they were going to be the ones to raise the parentless cousins, we were young but had to relinquish any favoritism to those who needed it more. Thus, it was strange after all these years to find out that some grudges were harbored against us for being "perfect".
It was good to clear the air of misconceptions though we still keep some harsh realities to ourselves of the circumstances under which the cousins arrived. Their lives as young people were tragic and we have never lost sight of that. So much happened to them and to us, but that is the nature of living and surviving. Everyone has grown to be nice, productive people, albeit fragile. I've been disappointed in some of them at times, and probably they with me but it's time to move on and appreciate what has been gained.
Special love and thanks to JBN for coming along and adding to the festivities even with the subtext of retrospection. Also thanks for putting up with the new, brash members of the family.
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