Day 142 - Southern Comfort

Now, before you ask, this entry is not about alcohol, though there may have been some involved somewhere in this story.  No, this entry is about new family and the South.  (The picture above is a small portion of that new family.  With divine intervention (and some conversations), we recently became connected with more of my father’s family.  If I thought the family was big enough before (7 brothers and sisters), I was in for the surprise of my life to discover that there were a few more people with whom I share blood.  My first encounter with this additional family was Thanksgiving of last year, and I must say that the Southern air and ways began to call to me immediately.  Naturally, I was thrilled to return for Christmas when my little brother was on leave, because it gave me another opportunity to enjoy time down South. 

And this past trip was no exception.  While the warmer temperature had been comforting in the winter months, the heat of the approaching summer made more family and more fun possible.  We enjoyed a cookout on both Saturday and Sunday with more food than I can imagine cooking in my lifetime.  And the environment was just nice.  It was relaxed and fun.  There was laughter, plenty of food, kids running around, and lots of genuine care for each other and especially for the elders among us.  The “after party” was just as fun with spades (though there may have been a little trash talk) and dancing (who can resist doing “The Wobble”?) and all around good times. 

And what I realized was that this is what family is all about.  I’ve said before that there is a difference between relatives and family, and I stand by my statement.  But it’s a beautiful thing when the two can come together, and I saw that this weekend.  For you to love someone you just met and show that love in the way you interact with them and make sure that they are taken care of… the generosity, the kind-hearted nature, the care… all of it is part of what I’ll call my Southern Comfort.  So whenever I get the chance to take 95 South down near Hartsville, SC, you best believe I will find my way down there.