Today is Saturday, but it’s not any Saturday. It’s the day my middle son comes home for a very short visit, the day I will have all three of my children home at the same time.
Today’s letter is the letter F, which stands for family. Every person goes through stages in life when family means different things. As a child, for me, family meant Mom, Dad, my sister, and my maternal grandparents, the paternal ones having died during the first year of my existence.
The first three people on that list remained part of my family until 2019 when my father died and in February of this year when I lost my mother. My sister is now the only natural family I have from that group, although there are still a few cousins around that I rarely see.
As an adult, my family expanded when I married and acquired in-laws, a second mother and father, another sister, and a brother. Eventually, there were more in-laws and nieces and nephews. Today, my family consists of a husband, two sons, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren, one of whom lives overseas.
I was lucky enough to be able to stay home with my children when they were younger and I didn’t go to work until they were all in school. As a teacher, I had almost all of the same days off as they did which made it easier, but I didn’t write then. I started that long after everyone had left home, and I retired from my teaching position. I tip my hat to those brilliant people out there who can juggle family, work, and writing.
Being a parent and a grandparent has helped me include children in my stories, but more than that. It’s given me the impetus I need to be the best person I can be. It’s also given me great joy. Having my family together this week will be one of those moments. The world is a smaller place despite the geographical distances that still exist, and while Face-Time and Messenger bring people together, there’s nothing like in-person hugs I intend to get my fill. Enjoy your weekend.
I’ll see you on Monday for the letter G.
You can read more posts in the A to Z challenge. Check out blog posts from other participants here: https://tinyurl.com/w54yupwe
Living the Dream 
I agree about those family hugs. My children and grandchildren mean a lot to me as I grew up without siblings, cousins or aunts and uncles. My father died when I was ten and my mother when I was 46. I love our reunions which occur maybe three or four times a year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree: there’s nothing like and in-person hug. Enjoy your time with your family.
Ronel visiting for F: My Languishing TBR: F
Gorgon
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! Glad you’re having some good family time this weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m reminded of the five years I spent away for my family when I was living and working in Darwin. The thing I often missed was physical contact. I called in HDS – Hug Deprivation Syndrome. Enjoy your time with family. I agree. It’s very special.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had a wonderful day. Thanks.
LikeLike