Second night of visiting

Oh man! Steve and I stayed up until 3am last night. We are usually in bed by 10:30 every night. Last night was a combination celebration for my father-in-law's 72nd birthday, and my brother-in-law's mother coming to stay with them. It was all family, and it was wonderful.

I am always thrilled and amazed at our family gatherings. My sister-in-law, Shellie is an incredibly warm, loving, open person. Her house is often the gathering place for the family. She married a wonderful man with grown kids. His daughter and niece both move to with in three miles of Shellie and Rich's home, and they have become part of our family. Rich's mom coming for an extended visit truly is a reason for celebration. I know not all families are like this, but I am so grateful mine is.

I have a cousin on Steve's side who is a reader like me. Her mom is one of my favorite people in the world. Even though we always talk, and like each other, last night we got to really talk. There is a pleasing consistency to knowing someone for many years, and seeing their life as though through a window. When you get a morsel of intimacy, it is that much sweeter.

Cousin Susie did not keep me up until 3am though. No, that was the perfect storm of Steve, his sister Shellie, and a magically refilling wine glass. Everyone left the party by almost midnight. My kids were all draped over furniture, covered with throws and blankets. Shellie, Rich, Steve and I were the last ones standing. We seldom have the time together that we want because we all have things and families to attend to. We laughed and talked and got way too personal. We scolded each other, and encouraged each other. I knew it was a horrible idea to stay up so late, and I woke up today wanting to fuss at Steve for it, but I realize now it was the right thing to do. If you have a good relationship with a family member, you should never take that for granted.