The Absent Uncle: The holidays

By: 
D.C. Schultz, guest columnist

Here we are again, entering the December holiday period. So many fond memories, and a few regrets.

Years ago, my mom used to reach out and ask me and my wife to return to Minnesota for the family Christmas Eve get together, the Christmas Day festivities, and all of the traditional wonderful times with kin and family.  

We were living in California, I in the military, on a limited budget, and maybe (probably) an unwillingness to give up our newfound independence and return home for the holidays. And through time, the Absent Uncle emerged, developed his own family traditions and did not make room for the old ways.

In those days, moving from Minnesota to California meant a new definition of independence. No more family get togethers for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and all of the extended family firmly expected attendance events. Distance dictated and rationalized this. 

Oh.

Sounded good. Felt good (at the time).

But now, 40-plus years later I realize what I missed. My siblings’ children growing up, having children and families growing. I don’t know them. The events, big and small, not being a part of, or even knowing about at all. I didn’t make the effort.

The Absent Uncle is trying to catch up, trying to re-establish connections that should have never been lost. And trying to fill in the blanks of where he has been in the meantime and let the family know all is well with me. 

For those of you puzzled on what this article is all about – in a short revue – regrets – family is a reason for the season and so much more. 

Happy holidays to you and yours!

 

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The Brandon Valley Journal

 

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