The other evening I was with a group of people who started talking about how different life seems to be today in terms of frequent family gatherings. There were 8 to 10 of us and most were fairly close to my age, a couple considerably younger.
One guy was talking how when he was growing up that come Sunday afternoon it was a given that he and his family, which included three or four siblings, were headed to grandma and grandpa’s house. There wasn’t any invitation that was ever needed.
Another commented similarly that on the weekends it was off to at least one set of grandparents.
I mentioned that almost every Sunday evening my family and I spent some time with my grandmother and Doc (on my mother’s side of the family). One of my mother’s sisters and two brothers, and their families most always were there also.
One of the guys mentioned he has three sons who have families and kids. All are within 30 miles, he said. In today’s world, that is about 30 minutes or less away.
Yet, he said, he rarely sees two of the sons and he not only misses them, but their wives and the grandkids as well.
Some of it we guessed can be chalked up to changing lifestyles, work schedules in the lives of families, and proximity.
Several of us noted our families seem to still gather around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, even July 4 celebrations. But I know that Pat and I have had to adjust in the past when we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas due to the occupation of our son-inlaw who has had to work those holidays.
This year we are more fortunate though.
A few of them said they have family fairly close in town or not a great distance out of town which helps. Our daughter and son-in-law and grandson are about 45-50 minutes away.
But what is important, we seemed to agree, is taking the time to enjoy our families when we have those opportunities. Making the most of that is almost paramount in our lives anymore.
We all understand our kids and their families have busy lives these days with work, school, and so many other activities.
Taking the time to be with our families and not just taking them for granted when we have the chance is really what it’s all about. Hopefully, they in turn realize that as well.