Spread Positive Vibes Today - We All Need It

My oldest nephew has been dealing with intestinal cancer for almost two years now, and he's finally losing the battle. He has a young daughter - probably somewhere between 15-18 (I start to lose track after a while) and lots of brothers and sisters, most with children of their own. (It's like a circus when we all get together.) In any case, Michael slipped into a coma about 24 hours ago and it seems unlikely that he'll awaken from this. His Mom visited his bedside yesterday, and we were invited to join the family at his bedside, but since the other seven kids have rallied around, I'm quite sure they don't need any additional people added to the mix. I left the decision up to DH, who decided that since Michael was in a coma and couldn't interact with him, he'd stay away. I'm not sure I agree with his rationale, but it's his decision. I guess I'll have a funeral in my immediate future, but at least Michael will finally be free from the constant, never-ending pain he's been in for more than two years. 

We won't be in the main car for this funeral, we're one of 
a lot of relatives in a very large family. I'm hoping I can 
attend the funeral, but no guarantees. We have a business 
and can't really be closed, but it's a possibility that 
Chickie Mama might be able to come over and be here 
so that both DH and I can attend whatever ceremony 
Michael decided upon. 

Family is a funny thing. You can't choose your relatives - you either embrace them with all of their faults, or you avoid them. My personal family is almost nonexistent, so the family I married into is really my family - my oldest nephew worked for DH for several years, and we were always close to him. My oldest niece is the person I had lunch with last week. We keep in close contact. I'm actually in contact with all of the nieces and nephews through Facebook. We're scattered across the greater Twin Cities area, and one nephew lives several towns to the south of the metro area. But the eight kids are all in touch all the time, and that's what family is all about. 

I didn't experience this growing up. I was an only child. My best friend across the alley was Patty Carter, the oldest of three and the only girl. We were almost inseparable until I moved to a different neighborhood when I was starting Middle School. I rarely saw her after that. I heard she married and moved to Alaska. I hope she's had a happy and fulfilling life. 

My "cousin" Missy and I were as close as sisters. We grew up across the street from each other, and our parents were best friends. Missy and I are still in touch. She lived in California for a long time while her hubby worked for the California government, and she moved back to Colorado about 10-15 years ago, settling up in the eastern part of the Front Range with her horses and her music. She loves her life out there. We haven't seen each other face-to-face for decades, but I know it would be just like coming home - seeing a sister I hadn't seen in decades and picking up from where we left off. 

I am part of a LARGE family on DH's side of the 
family. His sister had 8 children (5 adopted and 3 natural), 
and most of those 8 kids are married with kids of their 
own now. We're not quite into the next generation yet, 
but it won't be too long, I suspect. 

Well, I've rambled in this post today. A little of this and a bit of that, but it all comes down to family. I expect I'll be attending a funeral within the next week or two, and I'll have a chance to see most, if not all, of my nieces and nephews. It'll be good to see each one of them, but I sure wish it was for a different reason. So, today, spread some love. Hug your kids or your spouse and give your pets some extra cuddles. We need more love in this world, and I need the positive vibes. *hugs* Slava Ukraini.