Family is disappearing

[Janet]

It really is hard to face, even at this age. When hubby and I first met, he had such a huge family. His family was a his/hers/ours family. He even had all the grandparents which was totally new to me, because mine had passed right before or shortly after I was born, so I never new what grandparents were like. His were wonderful and I loved them so much.

Then of course as time goes on, the kids marry, move away, come back for visits, but then start having families of their own and it makes it harder. I understand completely, but it's just hard knowing we'll most likely never see each other again unless it would be at a funeral. Crazy isn't it...people will travel to see you dead, but not when they can enjoy you alive. Sad.

[Shada]

Isn't it sad how the world is progressing?

Family and neighbors... used to be so close! Growing up all my Aunts, Uncles and their kids were at Grandma's and Grandpa's every Sunday for dinner. So many happy good memories of those times. Holiday get-togethers were huge!!

Neighbors were like family. Sit out on the porch and visit... kids running from one home to the next.. like a big family.

Family values have changed. Its sad.

[Marilyn]

Janet, sorry you are feeling sad about what is happening. We're in the same boat here. I've mentioned some of our family issues in the past. We are basically the ones at the top, our parents are all gone, and we don't get together with our siblings. Melissa married into a huge family, so the wedding pics of her and hubby with his side are amazing. When our family stood for the pics, we invited some friends to stand with us because it was just the 4 of us and her new hubby. Sad, but that's how it works sometimes.

When I was growing up, both parents came from big families, so I had a bunch of aunts, uncles and cousins, but once the older generations passed on, the families splintered off. Hubby came from a big family on his mother's side, but the same thing happened to them.

Hope you are able to pull your's together as Diana suggested. We've started inviting friends from small families who are in our same situation to join us. It's not quite the same, but at least we can help each other.

[Janet]

That's a great idea too Marilyn, inviting friends. I remember growing up we would have cookouts with the neighbors and I remember these different colored glasses made of shiney metal that we would put cold drinks in and I still remember how they would sweat. Always neighbors stopping by.

You're right Shada, it is definitely not the same. I miss it all so much.

[Emmsmom]

My husband's aunt finally passed away. I say finally because she had been holding on for a week now. The doctors are shocked that she last that long. She was ready to go and wanted to go. We went to the funeral home tonight for the family night. I had to hold back tears before we got there. Not only because she had died... (This was what she wanted and she was very much as peace with it all) but because I knew that more than likely this would be the last time my DD would see some of her great uncles, great aunts, and cousins.This is the aunt that held all the family gatherings. We went to them all. They live on a farm and my DD got to see her counsins and they had a blast. We don't have any family here where we live and (long story short) are not close to my husband's sibling at all. So it kinda feels like we are loosing a huge part of the family. I think that is what was the hardest part of Loretta passing. She was a big part of this family and will be sorely missed. Without her the gatherings will be very hard for her kids to handle. I can certainly understand it. I guess sadly it is all just a fact of life. Family members won't be here forever and you need to enjoy them while you can. Take lots of pictures and make loads of memories that will last a lifetime.

[DianaB]

I'm so sorry about your Aunt's passing. Hopefully, someone will fill in her shoes when it comes to family get-togethers and you'll still be able to get together. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

[Janet]

Michelle, I sure hope someone steps up and takes over the get togethers. I'm going to try for my hubby's side of the family, I'm just not ready to let go yet.