What is a family?

Here’s a simple example of family.  Baby has a runny nose.  As grandma bends over to wipe it with the only Kleenex in her purse, her nose drips.  (Don’t laugh, it will happen to each of you after 50.)  She wipes his little nose and then pats hers with the same tissue.  “Grandma, my nose is running,” says another grandchild.  Grandma pulls out the same tissue, now more of a Kleenex wad.  “Grandma, don’t you have a clean one?” she asks.  “Nope,” Grandma replies as she blots her granddaughter’s nose.  That’s family — one Kleenex, three noses.

One of the most interesting facts about families is how predictable the members are.  I know which of my children is most forgiving, which one dramatizes every event, which one dares to defy gravity, and which one craves privacy.

What does surprise me is how soon younger members pick up on this family lack of spontaneity.  Last week the eight year old Bug handed me a drawing of stick figures and balloon callouts he’d drawn at church, during a time when he was supposed to be quiet.  I’d say reverent, but all moms know reverence at a young age is really translated to silence. 

Each turquoise stick figure seemed happy enough, except for Grandma, who sported a few wrinkles under her eyes instead of a smile.  The Bug said, “I’m hungry.”  The Worm chimed in, “Me, too.”  Grandpa’s little balloon of words said, “Want a donut?” to which Mom replied, “Phil, no.”  Dad reminded us, “It’s church.”  And the Mouse, crawling on all fours, looking much like the family cat, said, “Goo goo gah gah.”  Grandma said nothing — how could she? she has no mouth.

I’d say he has us pretty well pegged, with the exception of a silent grandma.  That one happens only in m husband’s dreams.

Related posts:

1. Let me introduce you to my family
2. Family vacation nightmare
3. Family vacation Chevy Chase style
4. I’m old enough to be thankful
5. Tacky & sappy but merry wishes to you all