All This Bickering…
April 5, 2008 | Reunion 2008
…appears to be inevitable in such a large family. I’m not excusing it, just acknowledging that sometimes it’s going to happen. It’s a sad fact of life that the great amount of work, and the attendant stress, often makes for short tempers, even when planning “joyous occasions” like weddings and (it appears) family reunions.
Speaking for myself (but not seeking an excuse) this has been a stressful week for Nancy and me. Nancy’s been dealing all this school year with two parents out of forty-something students who have decided to make her life a living hell, mainly because of their own inadequacies. And she has had about enough.
I struggle with things surrounding this event because I suspect at least two of my kids won’t show, and won’t even acknowledge the fact that they were invited. I’m sure that Mom knows how that feels. It makes me a bit testy in discussing this thing.
So, I’m sorry to be such a jerk about some aspects of it.
I suspect that Lainie and Brenda, too, have a lot going on, and so a little squabbling is natural.
Mom, you might consider that although some of us DO remember and honor your father “Pop,” and mother “Mimi,” most of us do not remember them, nor have even met them. It is appropriate to honor them, but most of us are more focused on being with you and Dad. Speaking for our family, we want to cement the the two of you in the memories of our grandchildren who, though they are not related “by blood,” were certainly put into this large and growing family for some reason that Heavenly Father knows.
I want them to be happy in their lives, and part of that is “knowing where you came from” and having a sense of continuity.
Perhaps we can have a session – a lunchtime or an evening – where those of us who remember “Pop” and “Mimi” could relate some of our memories of them for the benefit of those who did not know them, to help strengthen that connection.
However, just remember that MOST of our throng are looking to you and Dad as the heads of the family. That’s what they know and remember.
9 Responses to “All This Bickering…”
That sounds alright with me, Bill. Remember, Alex will be there, and Pop and Mimi were our parents. All of you are their descendants. We would like for that to be recognized.
I just got my yearly invitation to the “Jacobs Reunion.” I get one every year, and all of you are naturally invited, because you are the natural descendants of Wilson Jacobs. I forget the genealogy, that is (how far back he goes), but the reunion is for his descendants.
This year it’s being held at the Lake Park Civic Center off highway 41, in Lake Park, Georgia. We got a map, and a Time Line from Saturday June 14 to Sunday June 13 (it only lasts for one day and night). Avalable Lodging is listed. Anyway…it’s very organized. It has been going on for thirty years. It’s very simple, and the budget from last ;year was just total expenditures of $210.00 and a deficit of $90.00, which they paid off by selling some fudge and cook books.
It would appear that we plan something a lot more elaborate, but that’s because we want a lot of time together. Times to remember.
They had Committees.
Recreation…Fun events for adults and children
Genealotgy Committee….Someone to keep up with the framily genealogy and photographs.
Video Recordings.
By mother on Apr 5, 2008
oops, I mean Saturday June 14 to Sunday June 15th
By mother on Apr 5, 2008
Bill, I see your point of those who have been put in this family for some reason, only Heavenly Father knows, who are not by “blood” . Nevertheless, they are with us. Probably, Danny and Rose should be invited.
By mother on Apr 5, 2008
Bill, when my children are sad or upset about something (no matter how old you are) it makes me even sadder. I feel so awful for you because of the treatment that you’re receiving from your two daughters. There’s no reason for it. None whatsoever. i suppose they don’t see it that way, but they will see it some day, and I hope it won’t be too late to say, “I’m really sorry, Dad.” I treated my father awful, and i’m going to have to wait until I can fall down at his feet in the next life to beg his forgiveness, and tell him how deeply sorry I am for my treatment of him. How on earth could I have treated my father in that manner is beyond me. Sure, i know he doesn’t want me to continue to beat myself up over it, but it’s just so difficult not to. I loved him so much, and just failed to show him at the last minute. I hope your girls don’t wait until the last minute.
By mother on Apr 5, 2008
The thing about it, Mom, is that I know that to a degree at least, I deserve it.
By bill on Apr 5, 2008
Bill I want to tell you something I know. If you and I weren’t active in the church things would be alot different. We would probably get to see our children more and things would just be different, but Satan works on the children of Active Parents and that is just the way it is. The thing God wants the most from us is that we just stay active and things will work out right. I love this reading and it goes for you as well as me http://www.philosophyforlife.com/mc31.htm
By lainie on Apr 5, 2008
You people need to stop talking about things you know nothing about
By leah on Apr 6, 2008
Wow, i know i haven’t read or written much in a while but this last post kinda got me. I’ll just say i wrote a LOT MORE than I am writing now and have deleted it. Breath, Breath!! I think I will go talk about something else.
By carmen on Apr 6, 2008
Carmen, I hope I didn’t offend you by any of this. I have a history of offending where none was intended (sounds like someone else we know).
Consider this: What if you were to hear that one of our very large, extended family had passed away suddenly. Would you have feelings of regret in the way that you had interacted – or failed to interact – with that person?
I think the fewer regrets we can leave behind when this life is over, the better.
Right now, I’m afraid I’ve amassed a large pile of them.
By bill on Apr 6, 2008