Family Matters

This past weekend we got on a plane and headed to the suburbs of Detroit to spend a long weekend with my husband's extended family. This was my fourth trip to Michigan since we met and I have had the chance to get to know and have put forth the effort in remembering everyone in this large family - 6 kids, 18 grandchildren (not including in-laws), and 11 great grandchildren - it can be a lot to remember!

However, this family has been very welcoming and warm from day one. This trip was especially meaningful as we were able to introduce everyone to Ella. She met her great grandparents, numerous great aunts and uncles, and most of her second cousins. 

In preparation of our trip, we arranged a play date for the second cousins. Leading up to the trip, we weren't sure how many would show up. Luckily, we had planned a trip while another one of my husband's cousins and his family were visiting as well. We were lucky to have 8 of the great grandchildren show up with their parents and some of Aaron's cousins without kids showed up for the fun too. It was a crazy morning with kids running around and cousins bonding. I wouldn't have traded that experience for the world - and Ella had a blast!

We also planned an adult night with some of my husband's cousins which ended around a fire pit with our designated babysitters a/k/a grandparents/great aunts and uncles. It was a beautiful Michigan evening, with a clear sky perfect for star gazing and telling stories of days gone by. We ended up staying up way past our bedtime (11:00!!), but it was worth it. 

As things go, with the sweet oftentimes comes the bitter. My husband's grandfather has been battling Alzheimers for a few years now, with a rather quick progression in the last few years. Members of the family made a difficult decision to move him out to an assisted living home. It was important to my husband to introduce Ella to his grandfather, even if neither of them would remember, Aaron would. And the sweetest thing happened, Aaron's grandfather leaned in to Ella, took her hand, and said "I love you, baby." 

We may not always understand the disease, but I believe some things are stronger, and one of those things is family. 

We had many meaningful and life filling moments over the short weekend visit. I am glad we were able to be there and strengthen family bonds in the process.