I’m in Bend, Oregon relaxing with my parents and sister, trying to stuff in lots of quality time with my family. During the last few days I’ve been homesick for the San Diego weather and all my friends there, but I wouldn’t trade this time for anything.
Tonight we are watching Superman. As usual my mom and sister are talking through the movie, my dad is slightly annoyed by the constant banter but after years of living with three women he’s learned to accept it. Mom keeps yelling out things like, “oh no, watch out Superman, don’t touch the Kryptonite.” I look up from my computer occasionally to talk with my sister about how hot Superman is and how and how much the movie parallels the story of Christ. (I had to throw in that last part so we don’t sound totally shallow.)
I love my family’s talkativeness. It’s never dull being together, we are always laughing at something. Things aren’t perfect; mom saying #41 is definitely true “our family puts the fun back in the word dysfunctional.” Despite our struggles, the last three years of living 950 miles away has made me appreciate them much more.
My dad, Chuck is one of the most generous men I know. No matter how engrossed he might be in a business deal, he is
willing to drop everything at a moment’s notice to help me. “Dad, I can’t make sense of my bank statement.” “Dad, can you edit my blog?” “Dad, how do I make spaghetti?” There is such security in knowing that I can call my dad with any question, and if he doesn’t know the answer he can figure out where to find it.
My mom, Janis is the perfect foil for my dad, he provides the practical know how and she makes life fun. I’ve realized that my temperament and slightly spastic personality comes from her. With my mom, Christmas isn’t just a one day thing; it’s a month of doing interpretive dance around the house to carols while singing at the top of our lungs. No matter what I do with her, weather it’s running errands, going to exercise class, or watching T.V. it’s never boring. She definitely puts the fun back in a lot of things.
My sister Molly rounds things out wonderfully. She is bursting with personality. Mol is one of my favorite people in the world, I love being with her. My favorite thing she does is her Angelina Jolie impression, if you are ever with Molly, ask her to do it. Somehow she manages to hold her lips completely still and move just her eyes to make all of Angelina’s facial impressions. It’s hilarious! I’m continually amazed by Molly’s ability to make everyone around her feel at home, she pulls people in and puts them at ease.
In just 7 days I will be saying another round of goodbyes, leaving my family for longer then I ever have before. I’m comforted by the fact that my team will become a second family. I’m excited to see how close we will be after a year of being together every single day. I hope that in many ways my team will be like my family, wacky, fun, spastic, willing to sacrifice, frustrating at times, but ultimately stronger because of each other!
