Mi Familia

One of my goals this year is to reconnect with my family. My folks live in New Mexico and my sister and her family are located in California. We typically see each other just once a year for the holidays. I chat with my mother on the phone maybe once every two weeks….maybe. My sister and I typically only chat on the phone if there is a special occasion. There were a few recent events that made me realize that I not only need better relationships with my family, but I WANT better relationships with them.

My sister recently got married. I found myself a little jealous and saddened when I realized what amazing friends she has. I wasn’t sad that she had great friends, I was sad that her friends knew her better then I did, they had inside jokes with one another, they knew each others favorite drinks. They KNEW EACHOTHER. It made my heart heavy and made me remember back in the day when I knew everything there was to know about my sister. I knew what drove her crazy, I knew what her favorite food was and who her favorite basketball player was. Even though we spent most of our high school days arguing with one another and rolling on the floor with one another in headlocks, we knew each other, we loved each other and we would do anything for each other.

My second eye opener came during Christmas. It was a little disturbing that I had no idea what to get any of my family for Christmas. I didn’t know what they were currently into, what their hobbies were, and what style of clothing they were wearing now. I didn’t know what my nieces favorite colors were, what she enjoyed doing. I didn’t know. I had to buy each person a gift off of their list (which isn’t a horrible thing). I could not have completed my Christmas shopping without my family telling me who they are and what they like.

My visit home this year was one of the best I have had in YEARS. My sister and I did not fight with our mom, nor did we fight with each other. Some of you might not understand what a huge accomplishment this is for us. We are all free speaking, open, honest women and sometimes, having three of us together can be a bit much. Not this year. I don’t know what was different but we all were able to enjoy each other and appreciate each other. It was nice to have a conversation with them and not once did I imagine myself choking one of them out…..that is huge! I think the number of time my eyes rolled on this trip took a huge dive as well.


My niece and nephew have turned into two amazing, smart, talented, considerate and kind young adults, and I have missed most of it. That in itself is heartbreaking.

It made me realize that this is MY family. They have always been there for me. They love me unconditionally and always will. They have stood by me when my decisions were not always the best and they have celebrated achievements with me. I realize I need to know these people. These people helped create and mold me into the person that I am today. I am me because of them. I am committing to call my family at least once a week. This may drive my niece and nephew crazy having to chat with aunt Shannon that regularly, but you know what? Tough! I am also committing to making that 8 hour drive to Albuquerque more then once a year. And California…here I come!

I miss them, I love them, they are my family and family is forever!