Sunday, November 25, 2007

Kin

The holiday went about as well as could be expected, which is to say it was all a bit much. I've been away long enough now that I am truly a guest when I go home. They have whole conversations about people and places that I know (and care) nothing about.

I found myself sitting at the kitchen table at my grandmother's house, surrounded by siblings who seemed more like acquaintances. In some ways, this is comforting. It reminds me that I have my own life, a life that I built, apart from them. But, in some ways, it's a bit jarring. I mean, they all still look like a lot like the people I left when I moved away years ago. But then they start talking, and they sound like people I don't know very well at all.

Or maybe that was the wine. Who knows.

6 comments:

CS said...

That part where they have conversations about people you don't know? I hate that. It's so dreadfully boring. But I still feel tied to them, and we do share a history, so I like seeing my sibs at Thanksgiving.

Neponset River Bridge Dig said...

Hey, how's med school going?

Vic said...

When I go home, they have conversations about people and places that I do know, but still care nothing about.

People grow apart, even families. You don't have to know them well and you'll still be tied to them in a way. (Dammit).

Cheers, mate. I'll join you in the wine there.

Cheryl said...

Being single, and having an only-the thought of us growing apart is frightening. I hope she wants to be around me and our family forever.

dive said...

It gets worse as you get older, T.
I have no idea who most of my family are. I wouldn't recognise them in the street.
Long ago I whittled them down to three people who I find socially acceptable. I am completely free of the rest of them and that makes me so happy.

Maria said...

Personally, I have decided that the next holiday, I am bringing a bong and using it right in front of everyone (okay..not the kiddos, but everyone else)..

I think it is time that I gave them even more to talk about...