It always seems as if the only times my family gathers is when something bad happens. The news spreads, people come in and then we go away and don't stay in contact. We live our lives and go on until the next event. I've spoken of this to several family members, that it was a shame to only see them when standing at a casket and talking about the fun times we had with someone who was not present. Of course, I am a participant in this dance since I don't call to check up on people.
So my nephew called me just a little while ago. My cousin had an aneurysm burst today, and he is on life support while the doctors gather the organ harvesting teams. The unbearable weight of sadness will visit my loved ones, those who I foolishly expect to always be there when I wish to see them. This despite all the evidence I have that there always seems to be someone no longer there when the family gathers. And I will feel a familiar ache for those who hurt the most. And I will dance a familiar dance.
morose
Might I suggest you be the first to organise a family reunion barbeque...just because.