The family tree is an image that can makes us think of our lineage... those who have gone before us and those that will come after us. I can picture clearly a gift my grandparents were given one Christmas that was a small wood carved tree with little apples all over it to hang on the wall. I loved seeing my name there next to my parents and siblings. It is picture of belonging to something that has branches and life and roots and fruit.
Now the family tree image has a different meaning for me because I have the opportunity to live IN the family tree... let me explain. For one year now my husband and I along with our two children have moved into the home that formerly held just my parents. The reason for moving in was a sudden job change (i.e. no job for me!) and a need to get our kids in school and have a place to live (our house sold...which was great.. and then not so great!) The reason for moving in was stressful and sad and not really something that I look back upon with fondness.
HOWEVER... despite the reason, despite living in a culture that prides itself on children leaving home by 18, despite an initial feeling of inadequacy to provide for myself, despite the repetitious question of 'when are you going to move out' that we get from others, despite the knowledge that my grandmother just might be turning over in her grave, despite all the ifs, ands, and buts of living in a multigenerational household... we have more than survived and instead lived a beautiful year of blessings, surprises, and gifts that come from being a family with three generations all in the same place.
So here we are with a blog! A way to share our story and our family and our life with others! We hope to share stories, facts, and inspiration for exploring your own family tree!
~L (the Mom/Daughter/Wife of the home!)
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