Reset

Tribal Solidarity

I talked to my sister last night. Yesterday I proposed "it is possible that things have changed since I've seen them all last," when speaking about my mom's siblings. As it turns out, things haven't. The old matriarch hasn't died yet, but the infighting, squabbling over possessions and madness have begun. We all learn important things from our families growing up, so the touching episodes of the Wonder Years tell me. I learned to fend for myself, to be independent, and distrustful. I learned that people can be unpredictable and violent. I learned that I genetically have the propensity for rage and aggression. More importantly, I've learned control, I've learned to be quiet, and I've learned that I don't need other people to survive. Having them around is nice, but I can be fine on my own.
I know it sounds callous, but I am not unfeeling or unsympathetic. If I were, I wouldn't even be writing about this. I'm concerned about my mom. Her family has never been really kind to her, but family is important to her. She's always had a feeling of inadequacy around them, so she's always wanted to show them how strong her family is. We don't talk much, the four of us, but they are my tribe.
So, my sister is on her way to Carrot Creek to get my mom today, to take her to Red Deer. This weekend, instead of working through my days off, like I'd planned, I'm also going to Red Deer, to stand with my mom, to give her brothers and sisters a sense of our solidarity. To show them that, though perhaps we aren't all hugs and kisses, we are a family.
And just in case, I'm bringing my short sword.

posted by September @ 7:19 AM