Relatives and All That Jazz
Surprises are always in store
I have learned over the years, to expect the unexpected. People who I thought would be in my life forever, are not. Others who were supportive people dropped out of sight. I am not bitter, just disillusioned, and surprised.
This story is about my Mother and Mother-in-law. These were two women of valor. They loved without restriction and supported their families emotionally and physically. If they are watching, from above I feel they are disappointed in what they see, not from everybody, just some.
My Mother grew up in a large family. My Grandmother was the eldest of 5 sisters. They each had children and grandchildren. The family was mostly poor but would become well-educated. My Mother stayed in touch with all of the cousins. She and my Father visited them when invited, often traveling to different states. I only continued with one family, the cousins who lived closest to me.
As my Mother aged, and alone after my Father’s death, she called the cousins. She would relate the family news, births, deaths, and other things. She loved her family and often spoke about growing up surrounded by love. When my Mother died, after a long illness, Dementia, I asked my cousin to call or email the relatives to tell them of my Mother’s passing. He did.
