Family of Choice

This is cross-posted from my personal journal, so I'm sorry some of you are getting this in stereo. I thought there would be some curious friends here as well...

FYI, new Blood is Thicker than Water is up!

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Well, that was a fine weekend.

As many of you may know, I decided to have my own family reunion this weekend. NOT with my family, which many of you know I have discarded, but with my family of choice. There's been a lot of getting ready and prepping for a big cookout which we had Saturday night, but it was so worth it.

Special shout outs to: Dan for working his fingers to the bone grilling veggies and meat; Diana who, along with Bryon, toted most of the stuff for the picnic around with me; and the English department office assistant Lorna, who lent me all sorts of stuff that made the cookout possible.

It was the best family reunion that I've ever been to, and that includes any put on by Bryon's family. As you choose friends, sometimes those choices are made on commonality, which means we have things to talk about. I was so pleased to see so many interesting people I know talking to other interesting people I know. About 40 people attended.

People were super nice to me. Everyone seemed to know that giving up my biological family was a tough decision, and most folks were determined to see that I had a good time. I bounced around, and I was pretty shot yesterday, but I was in my element. I talked to everyone there, and tried to have some quality interaction.

People are also enthused about doing it again. At this point, I think the incarnation will be a cookout again, with the addition of a gift game (often done at family Christmas parties.) And, of course, if you're in town, let me know. We're hoping for some long lost relatives next year.

I'll admit (emo alert!) I was a little sad when I was driving back at 10:30. It did make me think that this was what families should be like, and mine isn't. All those people loved seeing each other and meeting each other. Their enjoyment of each other, and me, was palpable. I am very glad I traded my old family in for a new model, but I think it's only natural to feel sad for them, and what they're missing. Not just me, but the whole package.

Thank you all, chosen family, for celebrating with me, and appreciating me for who I am. Remember, no one parties like people in recovery!

Catherine

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.