Sibling weekend July 31, 2023 280 words

For over 12 years, most of my siblings have gathered at my brother Brian’s cottage on the shore of Lake Michigan. There we tease, tell stories and remember the past.
The first years included the head Bull, Dad Bruce. That year , all the siblings were present.
My husband and I have not been to the weekend for several years due to medical issues. I wonder how we will find each other as we age.
We will bring the tandem and see if we can bike the trails by the Mackinac Bridge. Maybe a boat to the Island or the drive to Picture Rocks. Brian will plan the activities. Time to walk the beach and have fires in the evening.
This year, Three of us will gather. Mike and Dad are gone. Kathy, Craig and Karen will not attend. We will still tell stories but there will be a bit of sadness for those missing.
I will be grateful to be with my brothers and sister in laws. Talking, laughing and sharing meals and time. We draw strength from each other. Family bonds grow stronger with each passing year.
So Brian will bring out the canoe and the pedal boat. We will walk to the little store for ice cream. Maybe a dinner at the Polish restaurant. We will repeat mom and dad’s favorite quotes. Renewed, we will give enough hugs to last another year.

Siblings
Sometimes we don’t agree.
Innocent comments can be taken wrong.
But no one goes to bed angry.
Life as a family goes on.
In so many ways we are different.
Nothing to work through.
Glad to be with other again.

Carol is currently enjoying siblings weekend up
north .

carolaspot@aol.com July 31, 2023