A Weekend of Reconnection?

Have I mentioned how much fun I'm having being sober? Well, I am. Right now, I'm sitting in my parents' basement. They are at church and I probably should be too, but I didn't go with them this time. I came up to spend the weekend with my family because my youngest brother is leaving in 17 days for Tanzania. He and his wife will be there for two years working as missionaries. This was the last big hurrah before they left.

Yesterday we had a get-together to send them off. I thought it would be mostly family, and it was, but if I had to guess right now, I would say there were close to 40 people here. You have to understand where my parents live. My dad's parents were farmers for 40 years. They retired a few years ago and gave small parcels of land to each of their seven children. Of the seven, five live within sight of the original house. So when there's a family get-together it's some serious business. The joke around here is that they are a chapel and a fence short of a compound.

The family scandal a few years back was that my aunt and uncle were divorcing. I trumped that by coming out, but that's another day's topic. I haven't seen my aunt in years. Liesa came by yesterday to wish my brother and his wife well. I left with her to hang out a little and catch up. One thing led to another and let's just say I went to bed the latest last night since I moved out of my parents' house. We went to BW3 with some of my sister's friends and had a blast! These guys, these dudes, these college jocks were trying to pick Liesa up. I stepped in and said she was with me. I often miss opportunities to help someone out of a situation, but this time I don't think she needed my help.

All I know is that by the end of the night, Liesa had given someone her phone number (She's a dental assistant. She was drumming up business.) and had gotten someone's phone number (She just happened to be looking for a plumber).

Last but not least, my homophobic uncle, (not her ex-husband) shook my hand before the night was over. Um, were the planets in some strange alignment? I'm not looking for a fishing trip or anything, but I have always thought that despite your beliefs or prejudices, civility is necessary. My uncle hasn't spoken to me since I came out. It has been very quiet from that corner of the compound for almost 9 years. Last night he actually offered his hand before I left.

Sometimes, people think that family has to love you because they are family. Let me tell you, they don't. I have to say though, that I am proud of my family because even the bigots will eventually shake your hand. Reconnecting and seeing people you haven't in years is always fun for me. Breaking through, no matter how small, is better.

It's time to put the ham in the oven, so I am gonna sign off for now. Have fun and be good.