ONLY Child

Do you know what it's like to be an only child? Not just the only sibling in your family but a real only child...but a real only child...perhaps I should say only family! Don't get me wrong, I am very blessed to have my Mom and Dad...I don't think I would change it for the world as it has made me who I am today, and I truly believe that is stronger and more emotionally inept than many.

My parents moved from Hamilton, Ont. to Vancouver, BC before they were married....they left both sides of their family as well as my half sister for a life on the West Coast. I don't blame them although my heart for many years tugged East...one life altering "move" changed that (perhaps I'll blog about it one day) and now I know why they fell in love with this amazing city.

BUT....

Birthdays...a card in the mail, a gift that the wrapping is often ripped in transit. Easter egg hunts alone...sure I get all the chocolate but there is no race, although it is great finding the candy a month later! NO summer BBQs, no Birthday parties...I found a photo the other day of an ice cream cake my Uncle Rick & Aunt Judy bought me because they knew it was my fave...sure it was a few weeks late but it was special because it was shared with family. I can't feel sorry for myself because I DID have it great but I've always wondered what it would be like to have a huge family meal!!!

I have an amazing memory...the last one I remember I was 3ish...I was at Aunt Bevs not all the kids were born yet but Grandma and Grandpa were there! I really wanted this wedding to have all the family (moms side) together but 2 of the cousins won't be able to make it. I do want to make up for time though...in todays day and age we have the internet, texting and all that stuff so I want to catch up and keep that family vibe going! I hope they know how important it is to me!!!

I mentioned my half sister...I wanted nothing more to have a sister growing up. Someone I could talk about New Kids On The Block with, share clothes, learn about make up, talk about boys....I knew I had a sister but I didn't know her. I'm staying with her and her family....MY family this week! I'm SO excited about it....I really don't think anyone knows how much it means to me. As I sit here writing about it I have tears in my eyes...I'm excited! I want to see everyone...I bet my other cousins don't even know I wear their COP shirts all the time and smile thinking of that side of the family every time my pinkies go up! My Papa used to do that and if you look at me closely I never use my pinkies ;)

Next family dinner/gathering...tell them you love them! Because some of your friends don't get to!