It was so good to have everyone home again.
Recently all of the Braley children, and their spouses, and their children, made it to Massachusetts. It’s been a long time since that has happened.
They were here for my grandson Carson’s first birthday and baptism. His mom and dad decided to combine the two events so, hopefully, everyone could make it.
I can’t remember the last time we were all under one roof. We all have busy schedules and it always seems that when some could make it, others could not. It doesn’t help that three of them are in the Navy. It always seemed like someone would be on deployment or away training for a mission. There have been weddings and graduations before but someone was always somewhere else in the world.
This summer they were ALL able to be here and it was fantastic. A little chaotic but fantastic.
I never really thought of us as a big family, it was just me, my wife and four children. It was just the way things were. However, seeing this picture that my friend took of us in church…yeah we took up a few rows.
The four children all have spouses or significant others now. Add in three grandchildren (two more on the way) and we do fill up a room.
I can’t thank them enough for all making the trip.
Sarah, Steven and Liam flew up from Texas. Liam even stayed another two weeks at Grammy and Grampy’s. I take him home tomorrow.
Doug, Marla and Ella drove up from Virginia Beach instead of flying. Marla was almost eight months pregnant so flying was not recommended. I’m also pretty sure that car ride was not the most comfortable thing she wanted to be doing this summer and I do appreciate it.
There were so many stories to be told sitting around the campfire at night. There were plenty of laughs and memories to share.
“Remember the time….”
We all had a chance to go see my son, Hunter, play at a gig so that was pretty cool. And the fact that we are an instant crowd definitely helped with attendance that night.
It was very interesting to just sit there at times and observe it all. They are still the same in many ways but also different if that makes any sense. I miss each and every one of them when they’re back at their homes but I’m proud of them all. They’ve found their place in the world and I couldn’t be happier.
Yes I miss them terribly when they are away but my wife always reminds me that this was our job as parents. Raise them up and let them fly on their own.
A few years ago my son, Matt (Hunter), wrote and recorded a song about the family. At the time he was still living at home and missing his siblings. We all called it the “Sibling Song” even though he titled it, “Under One Roof.” When he released it he compromised. It’s officially called “Under One Roof (The Sibling Song).”
To be honest, I can’t listen to it without getting a little teary-eyed. Yes there were challenges and it wasn’t always easy but “I miss those days when we were under one roof.”
It seemed we were waiting and waiting for that week to come and it flew by so fast.
Thanks for making the trip home guys.
Miss any previous Sunday Columns? Catch up by clicking here.
Leave a Reply