Saturday, July 23, 2011

Family

Mine.is.awesome.  And today, it just got WAY bigger!!  My brother, who I absolutely love unconditionally, got married today.  It was the most real, beautiful, full of love from all gathered ceremony I have ever had the privilege to attend.  Some other time I will post about how awesome my brother is. 

So a few months ago, when he told me they were getting married, I was not on board. At all.  I thought it was too soon.  His last marriage did not end well, and I guess I am a bit of a mother cub when it comes to him, but I was not going to let someone else come along and take advantage of him.  The beauty of our relationship is that I could air my concerns, and he listened.  And told me that he heard me.  And really loved this woman.  And don't get me wrong - I had met her, and she was sweet, and nice, and fun - but you want to marry my brother?  Really?  Well, you gotta prove yourself woman!

Now, I don't know this for fact, but I suspect my brother shared it all with his now wife, because that is just who he is, and were the tables turned, I would too.

The first time I went to my brother's house after she moved in, I will say, I was well, a little anxious. All these people had moved into what I considered my family home - and I was I admit, scared, that it just wouldn't be the same, and I was going to lose my safe haven.  My issues.  So I went there, and yup - it just wasn't the same.  IT WAS EVEN BETTER!!!!!  The energy in that home, and the people there, well they were just awesome.  And I felt bad that I had had so many misgivings.  And I patted myself on the back for being open to the possibilities. 

And I realize why.  Because I always wanted a sister.  Really, I did.  And the last person who called me sister, well, she really ripped my heart out.  And I had to deal with that, and put it into perspective.  And separate the "no one is EVER going to take advantage of MY brother again" from who this new woman in his life was.  And I appreciate that she gave me the space to do that, and never took it personally, and has never been anything other than genuine and kind to me.  Exactly what I would want for my brother.  Oh.  Yeah, Melissa, connect the dots.  I have witnessed over the past months how happy my brother is, not because he is in this relationship, but because he is happy with who he is, and she is happy with who she is, and they complement each other. 

I am sending them the link to this.  I am tired.  I am emotional (in a good, no make that GREAT way.)

I am feeling very blessed right now to know the people I call family.  They are a small lot,  But it's quality, not quantity as I like to say.  WE are blessed.  And today, the people I call family have expanded.  I have neices - YAY!!!  

I also got to meet my cousin, who I have know existed since I was 15 (35 years!) and never met - and felt an instant connection with.  And her kids are awesome!  Anyway, my heart is very full, and I am very tired, but in a good way for sure.



It's the only picture I took today.  I just needed to be present and there were plenty of others taking pics which I will share at a later date. 

Today was just perfect.  I am blessed!!!