A Day of Gratitude: Family

One of the reasons that I dislike working on the holidays is that it seems like every holiday that I work, somebody dies. I know that when I have to go tell the family that Grandma died, Christmas will never be the same for those people ever again. A couple of years ago, I had an older gentleman die on Christmas Eve. We waited and waited for family to come in, but no one ever did. This poor man died, and he had no one. No crazy Uncle Harry who drove everyone insane, no dysfunctional sister who antagonized everyone, no annoying mother who could never be satisfied.

I suspect that we all have our fair share of dysfunction in our extended families, but today I am thankful for that. I grew up in a family with a mom, a dad, a brother and a sister who sometimes screamed and shouted but who were always there for each other. Out of the house for over 18 years now, it is usually my sister that I call when I am worn out and emotionally bankrupt. I have a brother that was willing to come and watch all 4 of my kids (even though he has none of his own yet) when we were strapped for childcare. While my parents are getting older, they are still willing to pitch in and help out to watch my kids.

I am also very fortunate to have an extended family of in-laws who are amazing. Despite the fact that they just can't understand why all their children are married to obsessive planner-types, they accept us just how we are. I am looking forward to my in-laws joining us our next Disney adventure. I know that they won't likely be able to keep up with our pace, but I love that my children will get to share these memories with them.

As I sometimes experience frustration and stress with all the family logistics of the holidays, I am reminded about how fortunate and blessed I am to have them.