isany1listening

I come from a big family, well a big extended family.  My mom is the oldest of eight.  As far as I can remember, we have had breakfast every Sunday at my grandmother’s and grandfather’s house.  Since my grandmother passed away a few years ago, we still keep the tradition.  Some Sundays, only a few family members show up, but some almost everyone does.  It can be hit or miss, but regardless of the number, there is never a dull moment.

Today was an exceptional Sunday when half of the family was there.  Lots of conversations, eggs and sausage, pancakes, little kids running around and of course the new puppy made an appearance.  To any outsider, especially those who wish they had a big family, it would be quite a warm and friendly site.  Who wouldn’t want to have breakfast on the weekend with their family?  A chance to spend time with those who you are closest to and love the most.  And for someone like me, it is a great free meal.

But make no mistake, as much as I can say about the benefits of the family breakfast, there is also some disadvantages.  The fights that break out, the yelling that happens, and the kids running amok!  Why do I torture myself?  This is the question I ask every other week, but truth be told it can be fun, especially when you are not in the middle of the drama.

Money, politics, religion, there is no topic that goes without comment at the table.  Today we spoke briefly about politics and then as more and more of the little ones arrived, things descended into chaos.  I spent more time taking my two year old cousin by the legs and hanging him upside down, then anything else.  Of course that was not half the fun as two of the little ones and myself piling on top of my brother who was exhausted and trying to sleep on the couch.  Regardless, the emotion in the room reached an excess and no fights broke out.  The state of the Catholic church and Catholic education was discussed at length, but I did not pay much attention.  What can I say, I just wasn’t that into it.  My interests were in the little kids and chasing them around, giving me the chance to act like I was five again and I enjoyed every minute.   Of course with the Thanksgiving Holiday coming up, dinner and desserts were discussed in detail.  Something to look forward to: turkey, stuffing, pumpkin and pecan pies!

I guess there is no real point to this post, except to share a bit of my family life with the rest of the world.  I thought it would be nice to change up the topic a bit.  Amidst the changing world we live in, the election, and the failing economy, it is nice to take a small comfort in the chaotic reality of my family.  It is a double-edged sword, and for those who hate their families, I am sure they think this is pointless.  But for those who like their families this may be slightly amusing.  Either way, for me it is bittersweet and I take what I can get.   Happy Sunday!