extended family
All about how to stay connected, strengthen ties and talk politics with your big, happy extended family.
LuLu Arrives
LuLu came into our life desperate to get out of the place her old people called home, she was a mess, at best. She hadn’t been bathed or groomed in years and had been living under a porch for going on five years. She’s a sensitive gal, eighty pounds of sensitive. When her owners brought her over we weren’t looking for a dog this big, this dirty and this ungroomed, but destiny strikes at odd times and you take advantage of it.
By Gregory Dolan Dies6 years ago in Families
Dear Gertie,
Sighing, I placed my paintbrush on the drip tray. My swollen feet and aching back were crying out for a break, but with the baby's due date rapidly approaching I'd been hoping to finish the mural on the nursery wall today. I took a few steps back to survey my handiwork. Friendly animals peered out at me through lush vegetation and a riot of wildflowers. I had incorporated Gertrude's favorite colors and flowers in the mural as well as placing little mementos of her throughout the room.
By Elisabeth Mayer6 years ago in Families
My Cousin Naomi, Knot Redefined
Dear Naomi, I've been thinking about you a lot lately, with fingers crossed, sending out prayers and good intentions that your up-coming appointment with the specialist will bring good news and a healthy prognosis. You're an amazingly strong woman, and I know you will get through this, but it's so unfair that you have to face it. You've been through more than enough shit already.
By Peri Livesey6 years ago in Families
Tiny but Mighty
Dear Aunt Maggie, No one in the family ever talked about it. But in order to be brought to the States by your uncle and sold to my grandfather’s brother at age twelve, you must have been around seven when you were orphaned. Auntie Filor was even younger, maybe five.
By Gaylon Emerzian6 years ago in Families
Dearest Doris
Dearest Doris, I can’t believe it has been over four years since you left this world. I didn’t have a lot of friends, and even fewer close friends. You were the closest. I never had a sister, but if I did, I could only hope she would have been someone like you.
By Janice DiMichele6 years ago in Families
One Tough Woman
Dear Auntie Jean, How have you been? Sorry I haven’t written before now but I got busy with life after you left. I thought I should sit down and catch you up with a few of the thoughts that I have had about you over the last 60 years or so. I don’t exactly know where to start so, I will just jump right in – sort of like you would do.
By John Oliver Smith6 years ago in Families
A Strong and Kind Person
Dear Missy: I am writing this letter to you because you are not only one of the strongest women I know but you are also one of the kindest. You are such a good person I think you could be a saint one day. We have been friends since the day you were born. I am five years older than you but the age difference never mattered, we always had the best times together and when I need your help, you are always there. But you are always there for everyone who needs your help. You are not only a wonderful cousin and friend but you are an exceptional wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, and teacher. One reason we have such a great bond is that our grandmothers were sisters and best friends and we both took care of our grandmothers when they got older. We have always had much in common.
By Margie Anderson 6 years ago in Families
