family ties

...yesterday i went to another family reunion meeting (every other year we have a reunion in a different state). for the last 1.5 yrs, family in illinois have been meeting to plan for our july event. unfortunately, there's always tension, arguments, drama over some of the smallest things, but the issues flow from problems of years' past. hurt feelings of what was said time ago. and lack of interest in dealing with the gorilla in the room head on. but things came to a head yesterday. our normal 2-3 hour meeting extended into a 6 hr venting session. voices were raised. tears flowed. apologies were said. and hugs were given. and though i thought at one point this reunion would truly be the last that we'd be able to host together, we came full circle (as family should) and at least began to heal old wounds. emotionally, i was drained afterwards, but content in knowing that hopefully we can create some better memories with the time we have left. you said it right, marilyn. the only thing really important in this life are those you call family. and since nothing is promised us, we need to be mindful of how we spend our time together.