We live continents away from our extended family. Among other things, this means we're raising our children without the support of family in the traditional sense (this also means that we've been out on about 2 dates in the past 12 years). This has it's positives and negatives. But, ultimately, it's all that we know. I've been fine with it until the past about 12 months - since then I get, occassionally, that longing... yearning for lineage.
And then, I have beautiful reminders.
Moments like this...
... afternoons surrounded by old friends.
Friends who have seen my highs and lows.. and love me in spite of it all.
Friends whose laughter and tears are all part of each other.
Intertwined and connected through time - simultaneously, where time is both finite and limitless.
Friends.
These are the moments I savour.
This too, is family.
What a fantastic photo -- these kind of gatherings are the best, aren't they? That everyone is at one large table together is how it should be!
Posted by: Claudine | 05/30/2012 at 10:56 PM