Monday, August 19, 2013

Thoughts About Family


I noticed something a while back.

When I talk about my family, I mean JB and Jess and her family.

When Jess talks about her family, she means Mike and the kids. 

I could be sensitive and sometimes I am. Jess is number one to me (forgive me JB, please understand) and I am number six to her. That is the normal arc of the circle. I know that when I am needed, whenever there is big news, I will be sought and I will be there in a flash. I have not achieved true elder status yet but I do think my daughter is proud of who I am. 

But look at her and look at Mike and now their four children. This is a happy family. This is all I could ever want and hope for for my beloved Jess. Too often I struggle with questions like do I spend enough time with them? Do I help enough? Should we move closer? Too often I find no answers, but when I look at this picture, taken two days ago on Logan's second birthday, I know the best use of Jess' day-to-day and my day-to-day is that we rejoice in our collective well being, whether the physical distance between us is near or far.  Because we will always find one another at the big moments and in the little treasures. I am sure of that. 

I love this girl and her family to the moon and back. I would step in front of a moving train for any of them. Jess knows that and that has nothing to do with anything except abiding love. And I know, even at number six, I am equally loved in return.

I am so lucky proud. 

love
kj


13 comments:

  1. They are SUCH a beautiful group! It's so true what you say about natural arc of life and position in family. It's when I become more important in my kid's life for no apparent reason that I worry. His wife and family are a true gift to us both. If need be, bring on the train...BTW has Reese grown leaps and bounds in such a short time or what?!

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    1. Reese is quite a fool, Zoe. She was held all afternoon Sunday by do many adoring hands. She is a calm baby; I'm so psyched to know her

      I like what you said about your son. Wise.

      Love
      kj

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    2. Omg spellcheck! I meant Reese is quite a DOLL!!!!!!

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  2. lucky Jess. Lovely family picture, and lucky kj, to have jb and Jess and the kids. Congratulations on little Reese. How could i miss that post?

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    1. Hello hdwk! Thank you very much. I hope all is well with you

      Love
      kj

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  3. This is wonderful, kj. And so much of what you have written applies to our family as well.

    Our grandchildren still love to come here. And our children talk to us regularly.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!
    desert.epiphanies@sasktel.net
    Bears Noting
    Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

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    1. You have two huge blessings, bear! And you no doubt deserve them

      Love
      kj

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  4. I feel rather than thinking of yourself as number six... which creates a line... think of a large circle where you all comfortably fit xo

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    1. I will remember your words forever more, Robyn . Thank you xo

      Love
      kj

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  5. Uhhh except to push one out of the way what good would stepping in front of a moving train do? Unless of course you're in a hurry and forgot your ticket.

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  6. It's not the quantity of love but the quality- you know that. This photo shows a wholesome family and a loving couple and you have allowed that to happen as you have allowed Jess to be herself. And that is the true gift a mother can give her kids (I believe). Unconditional love has always been the greatest thing to give my kids, actually everyone I love.

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