Partners for Life

Just came back from a vacation at Disney World in Orlando. Hot, Hazy, Humid and I've never walked so much in my life. For the first three days it was Christine, me, Alec & Alexa and then all of my brothers and sisters (and their kids), Ashley, and my mother joined us for a big family reunion. Thirty one of us in all, (I have 5 brothers and sisters - good Catholics that we are :-)). We had a blast, stayed at the Grand Floridian, did all the parks, great dinners, a lot of wine, etc, etc. We also did something that we haven't done before, we took time out from the larger group and had a fabulous, elegant dinner one night, just the 6 kids and my mother. I have to admit, it was a pretty great experience, a really neat dynamic, sharing stories/experiences that we might not have done otherwise. Then, coming home on the plane I read an article in the NY Times about siblings and the effect that they have on "why you are the way you are". The article in the Times referenced a story that was on the cover of Time magazine here. I've always been fascinated about why people are the way they are. I had always thought that parents were the main contributors - but I gave up blaming my mother and father a long time ago. As I read the article in Time it resonated for me, and it might for you too. Connecting and staying connected with my brothers and sisters is important for me - especially given the fact that they are all in the North East and spend quite a bit of time together. It was great being with my extended family, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in-laws, my mother; but it was especially nice being with my siblings.