There are few experiences I cherish in this world as much as my Thanksgiving vacations in VA. (Disclaimer: A statement like that could get me in trouble with others in my family, but they are part of the other couple experiences I cherish that are not the subject of this particular post.)
On the first day of our vacation, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law open the door to a world in which I can truly escape my daily life. Although not a spiritual retreat, our visit is a retreat in the true sense of the word for me. I am miles from the cares of work and my obligations at home and become part of an entirely different home. Not only do they willingly open the doors of their house, but their hearts, allowing the four of us to come piling in with all our "accoutrements". Some might consider the visit a practical invasion, but in their case, I can only believe it is a welcome one, since they keep feeding and entertaining us. :-)
The invasion goes beyond the physical space of the home as there are some philosophical differences as well. I enjoy an honest discourse on all the forbidden topics (religion, politics, parenting, Coke vs. Pepsi, video-games). I believe people like me need such conversations, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. I want to be challenged and I like to be challenging. (After all, the goal of my weekend was to beat my 12 year old nephew at Wii boxing.) Thankfully, we all willingly and openly discourse on such matters reasonably and with charity.
Then there are the other aspects of my personality. My wife is accustomed to most of these, but to subject her sister's family to them intermittently over several years may not be very constructive. Nonetheless, they receive me, my wife, my children and our accompanying quirks with all the dignity due to human persons. They treat many others the same way, which is an important and virtuous practice lost on many these days.
Despite all the potential for division in one week, we are family, with a bond that such differences ought not sever. I actually believe our open dialog, mutual acceptance, and having some home-spun fun and tradition makes that bond stronger. So, to my dear family in VA, I send all my love. Thanks for helping me experience the true meaning of Thanksgiving every year. May God grant us countless more.
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2 comments:
Aww...this is a truly heartwarming post. I, too, cherish our Thanksgiving week and our full complement of traditions, quirks, and open discourse. What better way to be reminded of all we have to be thankful for than to have the house bursting at the seams with family--and the requisite "accoutrements" :) The memories will have to see us through until New Years! Thanks for the uplifting post...
I've read this post dozens of times now... You make me feel good about me. I think that is what family is all about. You are always welcome here.
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