the family

I know I'm not supposed to think like this, but I do. I don't like them. I really don't, especially when we come together. This is when you see just how ill this family really is. It's kind of hard to ignore.

The cousins are still at war with each other for reasons we do not know. Reasons even they couldn't tell you, but the battle rages on.

You see that the uncle who should definitely be in jail is somehow still invited to these things.

You realize that your racist neighbor is staying racist and he's not giving a damn about anything, as he expels garbage out of his mouth. Along with the uncle who shares the same beliefs (at least he has someone to talk to).

You see that your aunt is so far gone into the rabbit hole of conspiracy that she cannot even find her way back to the truth. It is impossible to save her without getting lost yourself.

You notice that the fathers are ready to set the house on fire in front of the children. Eager to bring down the very structure under which we are all gathered. Ready to destroy everything we've accomplished, just to prove a point. (Go dad???)

You notice a strange behavior pattern with your nieces and nephews. They are afraid of real things, afraid to go outside, and unable to speak for whatever reasons. They spend the majority of their days in a make believe world, a world with no rules and consequences.

Our mother can no longer keep it together. Her dream of having a family gathering is quickly becoming a nightmare, brought on by her own children. Slowly she slips away. It is hard to watch.

Then there's the family friend whose true identity is still unknown to the family. The one who always brings a friend or two to later ramble about the next revolution they're joining, or quitting, or starting. (Good luck???)

You see the window-man is at the window again. That's the uncle who has to check the window every ten minutes to make sure his luxury car has not been stolen. He values nothing else, so he had to be the first one here to get that spot. He's been here far too long.

Then you have to, without a choice, listen to adults complain about a "sprained ankle". You have to listen to them go on and on about how miserable their life is and how much pain they’re living in. Funny because our baby cousin who is living in a wheelchair after brain surgery, is usually always there to hear their complaints. (Good thing she can’t hear I guess)

And then there's aunt selfie. The one that has to capture every freaking moment. And that freaking moment better be perfect or it's getting recaptured. She's so used to perfection, I doubt she can identify her true self in a lineup. You try to evade her but no, everyone has to take a selfie and then another with her.

And then there's the voice of reason. The cousin we are all afraid to talk to, but the one we should probably listen to. She's eager to speak, but her intelligence makes her impossible to comprehend. She's left alone in the corner to be by herself. (Shame)

You truly see how messed up the family really is at these things. Oh yeah, don’t forget the cousin who's headed for the door. Yes, the one that walked in about nine minutes ago and is ready to leave already. He hates everyone.

This is usually when I go outside for some fresh air. Go lay in the grass, stare at the sun, and enjoy another beautiful 99 degree day in December. Soon coming to the realization that, “I am indeed a member of an endangered species.”