Last week we had a near perfect storm of family at it’s best, tarnished silver and all.

My sister, her husband and their Super Dog Zeiss arrived for a visit. Since Father’s Day my father had his children together in stages as it is when some of us live out of state. It’s difficult to get all of us in one place at the same moment, but we get damn close at times.

It had been a whirlwind of visits with dad and siblings for a week, then we rolled right into the weekend and more family. It was a true celebration and one that we all needed – a wedding.

It’s funny how the generations shift – a snail’s pace to tell you slip into the next phase of role as person. Not long ago we (siblings, cousins, friends) were getting married, dancing every dance the night had to offer. Our parents’s generation leaving after the tossing of the bouquet.

Now our children, nieces, nephews are the ones getting married and we are leaving like Cinderella before midnight. But since we weren’t dancing every dance, we had time to catch up with family members we hadn’t seen in a very long (too long) time. The longer we talked, the bigger my heart felt – the warmer I felt because I connected and re-connected with family.

I can admit to becoming my parents’ generation while they step into their next step. It is that dreaded circle of life – no forever youth, no eternal midlife crisis. Instead, we all ride the rollercoaster – the ups, downs, twists, turns and loops. We hang on for dear life or throw our arms up in the air to feel the rush of the wind, to scream our exhilaration or laugh with sheer joy. That is life. That is family. Sometimes we are always experiencing life without knowing we are in the moment.

Last weekend, I was in such a moment. I knew it then, and this time I’m riding with my arms up in the air, screaming and laughing at it all.

I am more complete having more spent time with family.

Note: This photo was probably taken by my Grandfather – an annual occasion of Easter – in their backyard – “Our Family Tree” as he called it. Cousins and siblings together. Perfect, nest-ce pas?