"and Family is Crazy!":

Growing up on a farm I became familiar with "The grass is greener on the other side of the fence."  Certainly the cattle believed this. They were constantly finding and testing the fences around the farm. Even with an electrical wire added, they would just seem to know when something would short it out, and they would make their move.  I'm not sure how many hours I spent chasing, sorting cattle, and fixing fence as a kid.  Other than a few scares from the T-posts and some barbed wire, I will admit this was one of my favorite "jobs" growing up.  Most of the time it meant time spent on my horse, 'Steale."  Time spent with him, was always something I looked forward to.  I think he understood me growing up better than anyone else.   He was my escape when I wanted to get away.  I'm sure he will be a topic for a future post.

Like cattle, we too look for "greener grass" as we branch and make our own ways into the world.  Looking back over my childhood, I was very blessed in having so much of my extended family so close by.  Almost all of my Aunts and Uncles, and both sets of Grandparents lived within 20 miles.  This meant seeing them often and as I recently saw, "My cousins were my first friends."  Family get togethers were frequent, and we were all part of each other's lives.   As we grew, this same closeness also seemed like such an hindrance.  As any normal teenager, I wanted to spend times with my friends, not my family.  What was even more irritating was that growing up in such a small town, EVERYONE knew your business, and many times, if you did something, your parents knew before you even got home.

As many, I couldn't wait to get out and spread my own wings.  Its funny where life takes us.  Even after going away to college, I found myself back in that same small town close to family.  I know I didn't talk to them as often as I should have, but it was comforting knowing they were all there.  A peace just knowing, if  and when I may need them, I knew they would all be there to rally around me and help to hold me up no matter what.  That's what family is for.  Support and love unconditionally.

That "family" also became some other folks.  I've heard it many times, that "you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family."  Well what if your friends become part of your family?  Over the years, I have met some people, that I would argue are "family" to me.  Family can take many different shapes and sizes.  As a single person I know this.  Now I love spending time with my family, but as we grow, family members start their own families.  As much as those close to us try to make us feel welcome, its hard not to feel like an third wheel tagging onto their activities.  So, my friends, have become my family.  We may look different, have different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, but they have also had a profound influence on me just as my own family has.   They have helped "round" some of my beliefs.  They have stood by and been a shoulder to cry on when I was hurting, too embarrassed to admit my failures within my blood family.  They were the first ones I messaged when I had some good news to share.  They were the ones that spent hours on the hiking trails with me, enjoying a great cup of coffee or grabbing a pint.

Now that I find myself once again separated at least by distance by my "Family," its funny the little things you miss, even some of the things that drove you crazy when you were nearby and able to see them on a regular basis.  I don't think I would admit that I am homesick.  I realized that when I was back during Memorial Day Weekend, but I do realize how much I miss "Family."

In time, a few more folks will come into my life and my "family" will once again grow.  New people are introduced into my life almost daily, but they have a ways to go till they pass my "3 year rule."   Until than, its good to hear about those family members however far apart we may be currently.  And if you are looking for a vacation destination this summer, the Pacific Northwest is an awesome place to visit!  Oh ya, and I do have a spare room!!