I come from a very big family, as most of you know I am the youngest of nine children. My father passes away when I was three years old and my mother never remarried. She worked hard to give us the basics of everyday life. As we all mature and have families of our own, we seem to forget some important people in our lives. Last year I noticed that my siblings weren’t coming around my mother’s house like they used to. So I decided to write everyone a letter. In the letter I stated that I know we are all busy with everyday life but once we need something we seem to remember where she (mother) lives.
I came up with what seemed as a good idea, that we will take turns every Sunday and get the families together. Going down the line the eldest would start the following Sunday and he would be in charge of the main course and all the other siblings would be in charge of the side dishes, dessert, drinks, disposables, ect.. I started receiving phone calls from my brothers that their wives didn’t feel comfortable around us, or that we left her out. This really made me upset, when did this letter turn out to be about their wives? I decided not to mention anything about what I thought, just to keep the peace! FOR MOM'S SAKE!!
These family dinners happened every Sunday for about three months and then we noticed when it was one of my brothers turn, they never had time. I told myself, I can’t force anyone to do something they don’t want to. All I can say is that I gave it my best. My two other sister and I meet every Sunday at mom’s we have dinner play the Wii with the kids and sit around the table and talk about the past, present, future.
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It is neat to see how effective writing can be and in some cases how ineffective it can be. :( Some people have trouble in dividing up their time and prioritizing--it happens to all of us unfortunately. I think it is awesome that you were able to address how you felt to do something caring for your mom. Nice job on being responsible! :) And being persuasive!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is awesome really, brought tears to my eyes. I know the importance of Mom, mine is very ill and we get together with her at least once a week and talk to her daily. It is excellent you and your sisters come together. I can tell hwo important family is to you and feel your writing on this blog is strong.
ReplyDeleteYour idea and intentions to get your family together was really cool. I don't really have much contact with family other than my parents, siblings and one of my grandpa's and sometimes wonder about how my aunt's, uncle's and grandma is doing. Again, you're intentions and thoughtfulness for your mother is very commendable and thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, Olivia. Sometimes it's very frustrating when you have different ideas of priorities than your siblings. I'm glad you didn't give up on your idea and are sharing these memories with at least part of your family.
ReplyDeleteI bet you're eating good food, too. :)