Growing up I was surrounded by generations of family. I had a vague understanding that my friends didn’t have this same set up in their family. But I was generally self consumed and unaware at how unique my childhood was.
January birthdays were celebrated as if we were royalty. First my birthday on the 6th, then Great-Grandpa Odin’s on the 13th, then Aunt Holly’s on the 16th and two days later came Grandpa Sonny’s, today on January 18th. My first birthday with out Grandpa Odin was my 15th birthday. But the rest of my family birthday club remains in tact.
While we don’t always get to gather together for one birthday celebration anymore. But our children are still being raised the way I was raised, around generations of family.
Our son has an example from Grandpa Sonny who is a gentleman from a generation that America owes our freedom to. We are honored to have him alongside of all of our family as our mentor, loyal fan and friend. Today my mom did a fabulous tribute earlier on GriggsDakota filled with old photos from his childhood and The Barefoot Boy for Grandpa Sonny.
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Happy Birthday Grandpa Sonny. We love you. |
While Hunter or I could not be at the farm tonight, Nathan and the girls were able to be. In true winter dramatic fashion, the electricity went out during the birthday cake time. But Nathan still sent me the above photo. I hope our kids recognize someday what cherished moments they have and truly how unique being raised around generations of family is. In case they don’t know they’ll at least maybe have this blog in a book to read and be reminded!
What’s a fond childhood birthday memory you have?
truly awesome, and yes, sadly a unique situation these days.
laughing about the power outage! 🙂
Found your blog through your sister’s, and just want to comment on this post: I also grew up with a big web of extended family, and didn’t realize what I had until much later. I so wish my kids were going to have the same thing, but it hasn’t worked out that way. I’ve had to create some of that through friends.
Your family looks lovely–nice to have found your blog.