Grandma is moving into a retirement community in 2 years-ish. (They havent started building the community, but they have already sold all their units and expect move in to be in 2 years.) And god love her, she is starting to plan for every little thing now.
Thus last night I was asked: "Do you think you might want my condo in 2 years?" Yep, thats right, grandma is potentially giving me her condo. But, of course it really depends on where I am at in life in 2 years. So then we were talking about all of her other possessions- and let me tell you she has some pretty cool possessions from living all over the world. And while lots of things have great meaning to her, there are some of those possessions that have great meanings to me such as: her dining room table, and chairs; the Zanzibar chest; the doll with the red hat box of clothing. Then came the promises of things that dont mean much to me, but are incredibly sentimental to her, and thus would be an honor to be given such as: the portraits by Jane Peterson the Indian baskets and Grandma's silver.
While all that gifting was exciting and wonderful, it was only the cherry on top of a great day with my extended family. My cousin, his wife and their two girls are in the state for the week and they invited us all down to the house they are renting on the lake.
Let me give you a bit of family history: I am the youngest cousin of the family, and there are a total of 7 of us. The eldest cousin (M) is 42, he has 2 sons, one that is 1 year older than me who also has a son who is almost 4. His brother (B) is the one that lives in GA, hes 39-ish? and has 2 daugters, who are almost 4 and 18 months-ish, his wife is Colombian and super awesome. Then you have my only female cousin, K and her brother S, who are kind of nonentities in my life. K has lived in Florida for the last 10+ years and has only been back once to visit. And S well, during most of my childhood he was "living out of town" aka: in jail. But I dont know where and I dont really know for what. He doesnt really partake in many family events, and hes a bit creepy. K and S are both in their mid to late 30's. That brings us to my brothers who are in their early thirties with 2 kids each. And finally, you've got me, in my early 20's.
So when it comes to family get together's I feel super awkward, because 1. I dont have a significant other 2. there's no one else my age and 3. I dont have any kids. Thus, my recent solution has been to hang out with the kids, as much as possible. Therefore, since my B's kids are around the same ages as my nieces and nephews its like I have 2 extra nieces, which I absolutely LOVE.
Today I leave you with a toast to family, promises and finding a little bit of joy each day. :)
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