The Family that Fell Apart

This is my grandmother and Aunt Susan. This picture was taken this past weekend by Wanda at Sara's baby shower. Sara is my cousin - and I do not even know her. This family fell apart back in spring of 1985 and our lives ended up taking different paths. In a few emails back and forth tonight with Wanda and Leah, I remembered the last time I really spent time with Sara. My family went over to Susan and Buddy's house that following December ('85) to give Sara a Christmas gift. Susan and Buddy acted like nothing had ever happened with the family and everything was just fine and normal . . . we were all very confused. It was an awkward visit - but we felt very good about spending that time with our cousin Sara. We cared so much about Sara - and we waited a REALLY long time for her. We always wanted Susan to have her own child - because she always wanted to be a mom and we wanted a cousin. The sad thing - is that we never got to know her. We do not even know her to this day.

I remember that visit in December 1985 like it was yesterday. That was the last time I set foot inside my aunt's house - and our relationship began to crumble. Wow, I think about what she meant to me when I was growing up. She was the perfect aunt - easily a favorite. She would do anything for me, for us, and then it was all over. It really is a tragedy in so many ways.

They have their own life . . . and we have ours. I always wonder how my life could have been affected had this never happened. How different would my life be even today? I know it would be different.

My grandmother . . . I feel deeply for her. It makes me very sad. I have great memories of growing up with her. I like it that I can call her at any time. I will miss her more than I probably realize someday . . .