Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply.
— Jane Austen

I’m so looking forward to returning to Dallas in a few weeks to spend Christmas with my siblings and with Steve’s family. I love our new home and community in Avon Lake, but moving farther away from my siblings has made me realize what I often took for granted–being close in proximity to my siblings.

Following are some family photo “re-dos” over the years. The first photo is from 1965. My dear Uncle Fizzer (my mother’s brother) was the photographer. Always a perfectionist, his desire to get “just the right shot” was a bit lofty considering the energy of the five children (ranging in ages from my 1-year old brother, Chuck, to 7-years old–me.)

The “re-do,” a spontaneous photo taken by iPhone barely balanced on a home-made tripod of books, was an attempt at lightness on what was to be my father’s last Christmas. Though my dad still felt weak from chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I know having all of us around lifted his spirits. That night, we shared memories, told a few jokes and cherished every moment we had together. The night brought some tears and much laughter.

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The next picture was taken in 1972. Don’t the clothes practically glow the ’70s? (Especially Chuck’s print shirt and plaid pants!) I remember the vest I’m wearing was one of my favorite Christmas gifts, though Tami’s is even wilder.

Our dog, Chim, lived a long life of almost 20 years, but not long enough to make the “re-do” of 2020. So, in rememberance, we used a teddy bear in her place.

Another item of note is Chuck’s attention to detail in the re-do. See his grape juice “moustache?”

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At first, I thought the original photo, below, was a year later, 1973, until I started comparing the Christmas tree in the background, upon which I surmised it’s the same year as the previous photo, 1972, only we aren’t modeling our Christmas presents. Instead, you see us in our natural, casual sloppy state.

The “re-do” was taken at my mom’s house, on what would have been her last Christmas with us. For anyone who knew my mom, it’s very evident by the Christmas tree in the background that she was not feeling up to helping with or “guiding” the decorations that year. So, we “threw” together the decorations. With my mom so ill, none of us truly felt the Christmas spirit that year, but we went through the motions, and, as always, being together lifted our spirits.

I’ve been working on a family memoir. As I’ve read through 20 years worth of letters between my parents, as well as my diary, I’m reminded of both the joys and the challenges we had growing up.

I can’t honestly say I’ve always considered my siblings a blessing. I’m pretty sure they’d all, at the very least, clear their throats to remind me of a time, as the oldest of five, I considered them brats more than blessings.

But in my adult years, especially through the aging and illnesses of our parents, their support, humor and love have been some of my greatest blessings–my favorite gifts.