The Anecdotal Life Part. 74

There are great shifts in life when one must redefine oneself and all other relationships as well. Huge movements occur like those plates on the surface of the earth and you stand there wondering what just happened. The first time you find yourself off on a train for college, waving goodby to your sisters, the first time someone says " Good morning Mrs. Crabtree" or " Mrs. Crabtree would you like to hold your son" or " Mrs. Crabtree, are you certain your marriage has no chance of being restored?" or the first time you hear the word that someone you love has passed away. All these are obvious upenders of the status quo, though at least you get some choice in college or a marriage occurring and to some degree, birth. Death just smacks you up the side of the head and leaves you standing there.

Last week Logan Crabtree was born. My son and daughter -in-law were jolted into redefinement and face to face with a stranger of their own making. In the pictures their faces were filled with wonder. I hadn't expected, myself, that it would make such a profound difference. All of a sudden I wasn't an aunty anymore; I was a grandmother. My son Eric wasn't on the cousin tier anymore; he was an uncle. I realized in the last two years a really strong troop of new recruits had been replacing what we all knew as "the cousins".

I also had a sense of completion that threw me. I felt I had a full family again at last. Divorce had left me with the sense I had lost my family, especially when my sons went off to college and beyond.. and boom!.... one little baby tied Eric and Stephen, Mark, Annette and myself into a unit. I am sure the Annette's family have felt this in some way too, as Logan's appearance on the planet rejuvenated and recreated all their connections. Unimaginable that one little person can effect all that. It had been occurring right along as I look back. The older cousins were having children, but I just didn't really get it until it was one of my children's children. Wednesday, I fly to Santa Monica and I get to introduce myself to Logan. Another plus is that I get to dodge some extreme cold here. When I return, I am hoping to get a membership in a new marina. When I do I will add Logan's name to the list of people allowed access to my boat. He has a lot to learn...
Copyright: January 20, 2008