Sisters and brothers

My grandmother turned 82 today. To celebrate the occasion two of my aunties flew in from across the country to organize a special birthday luncheon in her honor.

This morning my sisters and I loaded our respective families into cars and set out on the two hour road trip to her country home where the party was to be held. After a long drive with numerous toilet breaks for the kids we finally arrived. 

With everyone helping, before too long the party was in full gear. The time was appreciated as it is a rare that we have the opportunity to all gather together as a family. My parents were invited but much to everyone's relief declined to come. As they have cut us off and have had nothing to do with us in for years it was no surprise.

We talked, we laughed, we played and teased each other like families tend to do and all in all had a blast. 

Anybody walking into that room would have no doubt that the smiles and laughter were genuine and we were having a great time.

I sat at the table and looked around the room. I looked at my brothers and sisters. I thought how fortunate I was to have them.

I saw the smiles on their faces the joy in their voices but when I looked carefully I could also see pain lurking behind their eyes.

I watched my brother discuss with my husband how hard he is trying to rid his drug addiction. I observed my sister who is no longer religious talking to her boyfriend, finally at peace with herself after a messy divorce. I watched another sister running after her four adorable kids, blessed after years of infertility.

But I didn't only see the pain. More than that, I saw the acceptance of one another, the friendship, the love.

In some families abuse can tear the children apart it ours it only brought us closer together. My siblings mean everything to me. 

We have been, still are, and always will be there for one another. They have been a part of my journey standing beside me, supporting me and always behind me every step of the way.

I am the luckiest person to have them and I would not change that for anything in the world.