Family Ties
By: Red Velvet
Whenever I mention family, more often than not, I’m referring to my mom’s side of the family. All my life, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins have either been living with me or right around the corner. It’s something I’ve always been grateful for (even when I think they’re all insane). Their constant presence keeps my house warm and full and when I’m with them (which is often), I know I belong somewhere.
I do not, in any way shape or form, view my dad’s side of the family in that same loving light. Instead, I usually feel like the black sheep when I’m around them. We only get together for weddings, funerals and the occasional holiday. My conversations with them consist of questions like - “How’s work?” or my favorite, “Do you have a boyfriend now?”. We might as well be strangers. My dad does keep in touch with his siblings regularly via email and there are tiny “cliques” (for lack of a better word) within the family who are close. But needless to say, I do not belong to one.
