Over the last few days, we have spent a lot of time with family without having to venture too far from home. Thursday was Brooks’s first Tae Kwon Do class just down the street at the rec center. Friday was cribbage at my dad’s house, which is only a mile or so away. Saturday brought swim lessons and a family BBQ, both less than ten minutes from home.
It’s easy to take our proximity to extended family for granted.
I never really knew anything different because, growing up, most of my family lived within twenty minutes of us. I never had to think much about it. But so many people live hundreds—or even thousands—of miles away from the people they love, and honestly, I’m not sure how they do it.
My kids are incredibly fortunate. Both sets of grandparents live nearby, as do their aunts, uncles, and cousins. My sister and brother-in-law are even within walking distance.
They show up to school events and sporting events. They come over for dinner during the week. We spend weekends together. This summer, Brooks is spending some of his days at their houses while Jillian and I are at work.
We are incredibly fortunate to have everyone so close by.
It’s the little moments that make me realize just how lucky we are.
Running into the kids’ aunt, uncle, and cousins at swim lessons. Stopping by my parents’ house to pick something up on the way home from work. Staying at my mother-in-law’s house while our water was shut off this week during the plumbing work.
It’s easy to recognize the importance of having family nearby during the big moments—holidays, birthdays, graduations, and celebrations. But it’s those ordinary, everyday moments that often get overlooked.
Who knows what my boys will remember about growing up surrounded by family?
Maybe it will be going to the same school as their cousins. Maybe it will be seeing family members drive by while we’re out on a walk or spotting familiar faces on the sidelines of their games.
For me, some of my favorite memories are riding my bike to my grandparents’ house and sitting at the dining room table having a cup of coffee with them. Or going to a Saturday morning movie with my uncle and cousin.
I don’t know if the next generation of our family will stay here or eventually spread out across the country.
But for now, we’re going to take advantage of everyone being nearby and make as many memories as we can with the time we have.
The Young Napoleon Project 