Hi!
We've started something new for us in our family, family meetings. Once (sometimes twice) a week, we all sit down to a time of open communication and discussion. Wow! For me, this has been so BIG. I tend to be a bit (ha!) passive aggressive in dealing with inter-personal issues, which means rather than talking about things, I stuff them down and become depressed, angry, sad, and isolated. Yeah! Great way to become crazy and to make all those around you crazy as well.
I have found that our family meetings have helped me to open up and share the things that bother me and to share my feelings. It also has given others the opportunity to share their feelings and their heart with me. I cannot tell you how much this has meant and what a difference it has made in our family! I think the thing you find out is that the other person was not trying to hurt you or treat you badly, they were operating from one perspective with no idea what your perspective might be. Amazing!
I was so disappointed when I found that I could not move out when I planned to, but now I am SO VERY GRATEFUL that I didn't. Staying has given me and my family the opportunity to get to really know and understand one another better than we ever did, including my son and I. I feel that my love and appreciation for my family is growing day by day and deepening as I learn to know them for who they truly are rather than for the image/perception I have had of them. I am beginning to see depths I did not realize were there.
Two things I specifically want to mention that have really touched me. My granddaughter, Gabi, I have come to recognize as such a mature, beautiful spirit. I mean, I knew she was special, but I have come to appreciate her wisdom, loving spirit, and compassion so much more than I comprehended previously.
The second is my son, Amir. As I watch him dealing with a household of three women (sometimes emotional), I see in him a love and strength and wisdom I did not realize he possessed. He sometimes surprises me with his ability to understand and speak into a situation with respect and love for each of us. And let me tell you, for a man to be able to balance his love for his mom and his wife and his daughter in emotional situations, that is such a BIG THING! A truly remarkable man!
Yes, I just have to say that I am learning to love and appreciate my family so much more than I am ashamed to say I did. I am just so glad that God decided that I needed to stay much more than I needed to go. I guess He does always know what is the best for us.
Love,
Ev
