An Uncles hug. A symbol of Belonging versus fitting in - differentiating can be difficult at best. A few years ago, I had been dreading having to attend a third graduation party one weekend. It was for my cousins daughter and if cousin sounds distant to you, youll have to understand that in my family, my girl cousins are my closest friends. Truly we are that close, they are who I ran with and experienced life with and Ill write an entire piece about that some day. We have of course over the years started our own families and got busy with our lives but we will forever have a place in our heart reserved for each other. My Uncle was there along with all the cousins. When I walked in I got an Uncle hug and I hope that you can understand as I try to explain how that hug was symbolic of feeling and knowing that I belonged. Unlike other parties or social events it didnt matter who I presented myself to be, it mattered that I was there; I, the Me that he knew from all time, before I knew myself. I belonged because I was his and my very presence brought him joy. I hope you all have families like mine, where the Uncles, Aunts and Grand parents are the thread that holds the quilt together. That sounds so simplified but it really is that simple, I did nothing to deserve it, I didnt have to qualify my reason for being there, It didnt matter what I did for a living or what I looked like. There is an overwhelming freedom in belonging, in just being myself with my guard down, knowing that I mattered. I left that event feeling rejuvenated and with a sense of satisfaction and acceptance. Have you experienced the difference?
Posted on: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 07:07:08 +0000