She is the last of all my aunts and uncles on my Mother's side of the family. She's also my Godmother. When I was growing up we lived around the corner from each other and I spent more time at her house than I did at home.
In more recent years we have had an up and down relationship due to some very deep philosophical differences in the way we view the entire universe as well as the drama brought on by an exceptionally dysfunctional family on all sides.
Crazy crosses all blood lines.
Yet each day brings us all the opportunity to start again. To find tolerance and understanding and love.
When I found out that she was ill I decided to take a deep breath and reach out to repair our relationship. I'm also spending more time with her daughter - a special needs adult who lives with her.
I've been taking lots of photos of the old neighborhood and memories are flooding back. I'll be sharing some photos and stories in the days to come.
Speaking of busy ...
Hope was out shopping with her Mom and decided she needed a cart of her own.
And on we go ...
24 comments:
She is delicious .. and you are amazing... Brooklyn isnt all that far from Manhattan .. just sayin'
I have an exceptionally dysfunctional family as well and you are awesome for reaching out. Kiss Hope for me...she is sooo precious. Now go see Daryl!
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I had dysfunctional relatives on my mother's side, pretty normal ones on my father's side and I'm still in touch with cousins that I grew up with. My whole relationship with my parents was about as dysfunctional as it could get so I do relate! Hope you have a great weekend, give Hope a big hug and a kiss and, yes, go see Daryl!
Sylvia
I'll be watching to read your stories and see your photos.
Bless you, dear lady!
Yup...I think most families have some dysfunction going on. God knows, mine does.
And I SO know what you mean, because when my father became ill, he and I both reached out to heal our relationship. It was an amazingly beautiful experience.
So looking forward to hearing and seeing more in the days to come.
Oh, and btw....did I ever tell you how ADORABLE Hope is?
X you guys!
P.S. say hello to NY for me!
Someone has to make the effort, it's good that your heart is big enough to do it.
Hope is just adorable. :)
I would love to see you some time if you are ever even close to Manhattan.
My differing beliefs from my aunt keep us from being close and it breaks my heart because there doesn't seem to be anything I can do about it short of becoming another person.
Good for you for making the effort. I hope her health straightens out soon.
You have such a huge heart, Dianne. And that little sweetie is just delicious.
A good move with your relationship with your aunt, for sure -regardless of whether you iron out differences or not -it's still a very good move on your part.
And that little girl just keeps getting cuter and cuter with each photo you share!
Now all Hope neeeds is a credit card and she's ready to SHOP!
Amazing where these relationships take us - through some crazy hard times to be sure, but I think you're being present for your Aunt and her daughter will give you both something special, something that still remains to be seen.
You are doing beautiful work here, I wish you peace and don't forget to care for yourself!
Crazy crosses all blood lines...ah, isn't this the truth? I love that line!
It is good you are trying to repair the relationship now becuase you won't be able to once she is gone. and really, it's never too late!
Good for you and can't wait to see the photos!
It's good that you guys can reconnect at least on some level.
That was kind (and brave) of you to reach out to repair the relationship.
Where are you anyway? I didn't realize that you are within (I assume) fairly easy driving distance of NY. I have to go back and see if I can figure all this out.
Is there any family that is completely without dysfunction? (Well except for me and my grandkids and you and yours? ;>)))). Hugs. Thinking of you.
Hope is adorable as always.
Good for you for reaching out. Relationships can be repaired when we concentrate on what we have in common, even if that is just "the good old days".
You are a special niece/goddaughter. And Little Miss "I'm-going-to-shop-my-own-way-now-thank-you" Hope is too precious!
One thing I've learned is that even dysfunctional family is better than no family at all. I just returned from five days of a grueling family reunion, but now that I am back home, I can appreciate all I learned about myself, and them, with a little distance between us. :-)
OH my goodness, isn't Hope a beauty! She has grown so much.
Do not let differences spoil good family relationships. Our family differs on politics and early on we "agreed to disagree". We avoid discussing those things that could divide us and concentrate on those things that make us family.
Following here too - hope you can mend the family relationships.
You're a good person wanting to repair a damaged relationship. I'm not sure if I'd have the strength to do that. Kudos!
Oh, and why does Hope always have to look so adorable? Can she stop that already ;-)
Good luck and good for you Di. Cheers Sexy!!
I admire you going forward with your Aunt..repair..it is tough as I know and I hope it is rewarding for both of you...Love Hope's pigtails...Michelle
After my father died, my sister and I lost our close relationship for quite a few years and of course that made things very awkward within our small family. When my grandson was born, she and my daughter made friends again and slowly our relationship has been improving too. It probably won't ever be like it was, but that's alright, we have connection again and it's nice.
Good to hear you've reached out to your aunt and her daughter. Some of the drama and the differences may still be there in some ways but just that you took the opportunity to give it another try is really wonderful. Best wishes for you all. xo
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