Weekend Wonderment...

The family “fun” has begun.


A few posts back I mentioned that with the spring and summer brings family “fun” just about every weekend. In the beginning, I also mentioned that my family puts the “fun” in dysfunctional and boy this past weekend has certainly proven that point.

On Saturday, we had a beautiful spring day here in the great northeast. The temperatures reached into the 80’s and the flowers were all blooming. It was a perfect day for two little angels that I am related to. My #2 brother’s 3rd child and my #7 brother’s first child made their first communion. This was very exciting for the two of them. After spending the last two years in preparation for the big day it was finally here and they looked beautiful.

The family all gathered at my mom’s house after the ceremony to celebrate with the two of them. The extended families came. We had a great spread of food that was put out by my SILs. There was salad and sandwiches, meatballs and pasta, really yummy homemade clam chowder, baked good and lots and lots of beverages. The spread was devoured by over 34 people. We were missing a few family members. #1 and his family, #5, and #3’s family were all missing. Had everyone been there, it would have added at least another 12 people. This would have been fine, we spent most of the day outside.

The stories were flowing and some of those I will get to in another post. But today, I just want to talk about 1 individual, well actually 3. This would be #2 and his wife and 2nd child.

I don’t hate anyone. No matter what has been done or said, I find that hating someone just cannot be done. So please do not take this story as hate, take it more as disappointment for situations that arise.

I have mentioned in past posts that my #2 brother has not been himself lately. Truth be told he has been a shell of the person we all know and love. There are many theories floating around in my family and seeing as though I am in my bubble most of the time, I hear them but don’t respond. I can only say what I see for myself. He never smiles anymore. #2 was one of the biggest jokers that ever walked the earth. He always smiled and flirted and his famous line to any female that he ever met was “you look more beautiful every time I see you.” That is not the case anymore. For at least the last year, if not a little longer, he stays away from the rest of us. Whenever we get together, he can be found in a room by himself or standing in the corner of the kitchen. Back in February when the kids came to visit, the kid’s half sister S, nicknamed him the lurker. The entire time they were there, he stood in the corner of my kitchen. He talked to very few of us but without his wife around he was at least more sociable than he had been for quite some time. This Saturday, he spent the ENTIRE time (minus getting his food and the two minutes that will be discussed later) in the living room, on the loveseat, speaking with no one.

I also mentioned within the last two weeks, that #2 has become a “Crumpa”. I remember very fondly, my dad whenever he held a grandchild, the smile of pride that would overcome his face. Even that did not put a smile on my brother. In fact, he would not even look at the camera. The baby arrived and the ooh’s and ahh’s were everywhere. I knew that #2 was in the living room with the baby and went in to talk to him about it. He grunted a few answers to my questions and then ignored the fact that anyone else was even there. I did get a picture or two, and that baby is just a joy.

Come back tomorrow for the rest of the story…