blessed experiences

Mim & Peter never have to deal with people coming up to them to ask, "How's Elsa?"  I, on the other hand, am often ask, especially about how Mim is doing.  Just this afternoon, "Aunt" Mar Pendleton asked what was happening in Mim's life.

It can be complicated, answering that simple question.  Yes, my sibs don't communicate with me.  They don't communicate with each other very much.  I feel so remiss, not being able to give solid information on how Mim is doing or what Peter is up to or is Mike over the moon being a first-time grandpa.  I haven't a clue.  Heck, a lot of the time I don't even know their current address or phone number!  


With "Aunt" Mar, who's known our family since forever, it was easy to be honest.  In her own response, she shared a quote I'd love her to write out - it was spot on.  She got that whether my family experiences were difficult or pleasant or wonderful, they are all blessed.  Every single one.

It is remarkable what balance comes with maturity.  For over four decades, I strove mightily to mend what felt like a broken family.  Never dawned on me it was like trying to fix a broken clock when a piece is missing.  No matter how committed, focused, unwaivering you are, ain't never going to make it run.  

Once it became okay for the family to just be as it is, not having to fit within some image I had of healthy, it could be its own version of whole.

In case you're wondering, am not all that sure how Mim is.  When we talk, she doesn't give a lot of details about what's happening in her life.  Never did.  I am happy to share her address, so friends can drop her a line.  Her poor health keeps her from getting out much, so my guess is that mail is greatly welcome.  

Who are my sibs?  How are they?  I haven't a clue.  It feels like they don't have one, either.  What I do know - without a doubt - is that that all of my experiences with each of them have been blessed.  

Not easy, often challenging, frequently heartbreaking, but always blessed.