This trip was an adventure for me because it was the first time I have ever ridden on a train (except for the Metro in D.C., but I don't count that). Let's just say that I am now a walking Amtrak commercial. The ride was comfortable. The crew was a delight. The food was better than a school cafeteria. The price was unbeatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my family, and I am still processing each moment as they become part of my memory. For now, I suppose what strikes me most is how our families shape us. Despite the fact that I grew up in a town 8 hours away from this side of the family, I see clearly just what pieces of my grandparents are a part of me. Fortunately, it's more than just a prominent nose and round face.
Tucked away in my own quirky sense of humor and dogged determination to my own ideas is the genetic makeup that ties me to other people with the same traits. There's a certain comfort in knowing that someone else out there will laugh for days at a random picture of a dog birthday party or understand the importance of taking photographs with a head stone. I needed that reminder that although I am a unique creation, I am not alone. For that reason, I do love being viewed in the context of family.
All in all, last week was a fabulous experience filled with lots of late night conversations, drives across the Lake Murray Dam, much needed discussions about deceased family members, plenty of laughs, and some of the best food I've ever eaten. Between potato pancakes at a local German restaurant to my uncle's homemade pancakes and enchiladas, I'm surprised I didn't gain 20 pounds.
My latest Twitter update says it all: "I hate saying good-bye."
Comments
It's so wonderful to grow and age and find new levels of completeness as we take in the parts of us that come from our families.