Thursdays are for Thanksgiving!

Happy Thursday, my blog reading friends!
I am, admittedly, a little sore from yesterday's yard work. Some days the work is just a little more intense than on most days. Fortunately, I have the option to do little to nothing today -- balance, right?

Several months ago, I ran into a friend that was hosting an aunt and uncle that were visiting. When I asked later about how their visit went, the reply I got (after a long, thoughtful pause) was -- Sometimes family is hard.

Yeah.
Isn't that the truth!
Whether it is differing and divisive politics, divergent lifestyles, religious beliefs, personality clashes, unmet expectations, or something else -- conflicts within families can be difficult to manage. It seems to be far easier to walk away from friends or other relationships that cause stress than it is to leave behind the people that are connected to us through familial relationships.

My family and its extensions are a pretty diverse group and we are not without our conflicts, but (so far) we have managed to remain close and loving to each other. I often think that it is strange that such a large, close family seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
After spending the weekend with family, I have to admit that the introverted part of me is happy to be back to my quiet, rural, and somewhat isolated life, but it was so good to see everyone and feel the loving energy that exists in that large, diverse group of people.
I honestly don't understand families that have disowned members or have completely cut ties with each other.

So...
Today I want to express how thankful I am for my family and extended family.
At our recent reunion, each of my mom's kids was missing one of our kids and their SOs and kids -- 13 (I think) more that would be in this pic, plus a number of cousins and their families that were unable to attend.

That's quite a clan!

John