At certain times we really feel the distance from our family in England. Ali speaking with her Dad about his dad's funeral was certainly one of those times, 'The only ones who weren't there were you'. It wasn't said with hurt... it was just the facts.
It reminds us of what we don't have any longer in those close, supportive family relationships that many take for granted. Seeing the kids with their grandparents and cousins and uncles and aunts on our recent trip to England crystalises it even further.
We have to look for those sorts of relationships in our church family in the absence of our physical family, but I'm not sure the two equate to each other. They certainly don't in practice. (although don't get me wrong, we have amazingly loving and supportive friends here who I'm sure would do anything for us)
But should they equate to each other?
3 comments:
Hi Graham
Read your blog with interest. Sorry if I upset Ali with my thoughtless words but I'm sure she knows that I really didnt mean it to sound that way just trying to tell her about the day in general. You as a family are always in our thoughts and we look forward to coming to visit you as soon as we possibly can. Dave (Dad) XXX
Dave, please don't be sorry. Ali wasn't upset by your comments. And I wasn't making any judgements of thoughtlessness.
I was merely reflecting on the reality of being away from family and the words you spoke conveyed that. I'm so sorry that it sounded a bit judgemental.
Hi Graham, Ali et al
I'm trying to post a comment. Never done this before. It's my 3rd attempt! If it works I'll send you another one soon with something to say
Anne XXX
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