Family

I have actually had time to read a few novels this summer. Elizabeth Berg is one of my favorite authors. Her recent novel, The Art of Mending, captured the complicated nature of family realtionships. Since reading it I have been wondering, what is family? why are the ties so deep? why do families cause such joy and pain? why are are we all yearning to go home?

I love to call my Mom. I usually talk to her daily. It is like a little touchstone that makes me feel safe and complete. We don't talk about anything particularily deep. Mostly, my day, her day, my work, the kids. I am pretty much past looking for her approval. Our world views are very different, yet, the thrill I feel when she says hello...it's like ahhh she's there...my body relaxes into her voice. I am safe.