Famlies

Last week a cousin of Terry's came over for a visit. Although they have never met they share a greatgrandfather. (Terry's mom's dad - Albert Hoch) Grandfather Hoch died after a car accident in New Mexico when Terry's mom, Viola, was four years old.

We invited Viola and Anna Mae, Terry's sister, over to meet Arthur Hoch, the cousin. I find it sad that families drift apart because of life's circumstances. Grandfather Hoch died about 88 or so years ago. After Grandmother Hoch met and Married her second husband, Grandfather Peters, the family lost touch. Viola and Anna Mae, Terry and his brother Daniel all enjoyed filling in the blanks and getting acquainted.

It makes me think...It takes a lot of effort to stay connected with family. My sons do not know some of their cousins. We have a generation shift thing going on. My cousins are twenty years older than me...so and my brothers and sisters too so... my nieces and nephews are my age so... they are not the typical cousins for my boys. They had already moved to the corners of the world when my kids came along. My sons do know some of their cousin's kids...and time goes on and people move and lose touch. Many times the only times we see extended family is at funerals or the rare family reunion.

I try to keep in contact with nieces and nephews with MySpace and Facebook. It takes time but it is worth it. Of course I love to see them face to face and I try to do that when I can. Christmas cards are still important for me to send. I want family to know that they are important to me. I do not want to lose touch!