Monday, October 31, 2005

Family

I returned late last night (well, early this morning, actually) from a whirlwind weekend in Florida. A memorial service for my Uncle Milt. The weekend was full of fun and family - centered around a memorial service for an amazing man. We toasted him at every opportunity - with everything from Florida wines (mango and key lime), wine, beer and Mojitos.

I hadn't been looking forward to the trip, honestly. Wanted to see everyone and be there, but I'm not that keen on flying and my 'schedule' being disrupted is always a challenge. It was a truly FUN weekend and I am so glad I went. My sister K. was there (from Ohio), as was my Aunt M. (from Massachusetts) (whom I'm named after). Also lots of cousins, their kids and family. We scattered Milt's ashes on the river, told stories, said prayers, cried, laughed and celebrated being family. So many stories and memories and shared histories. Remembering people we've lost and miss, remembering Milt, talking about our families futures (our kids). I stayed ON THE BEACH and listened to the surf every night and felt 'at home'. I can't wait to take J. and the kids there - I'd love to retire there. Or at least rent a place for a month or two and try it out. Lovely people, lovely sites, river and ocean practically next to each other.

My sister K. and I reconnected, which I needed. I've missed being in 'touch' with her. Our busy lives intervene and it's hard to write or call as much as we'd like. But we're going to try to keep in touch via email - even if it's just the same old 'boring daily details' of life. When we were planning our mom's 75th birthday party (K. in Arizona and me here), we emailed constantly and had so much fun in those months before the party. Sadly, Mom died 6 months later and K. and her husband moved to Ohio - and we lost touch. But we're back now - and I'm happy about that.

Family's a good thing. It's good to be reminded that you need them.

March

I'm starting to think maybe I will just do a monthly post and call it what it is - whatever month we're in.  Here we are winding dow...