Yesterday was my aunt Lily’s birthday. I don’t love Lily, but I’m reasonably fond of her. My wife, having a bigger heart than I, is even more fond of Lily; she often took her to dialysis before having a baby this year. So my wife, made sure to call Lily this past weekend to wish her a happy birthday week. We both talked to my aunt and her oldest daughter (with whom Lily lives) at that time.
That was Sunday. Yesterday, at around 7 o’clock p.m. we got a call from Lily’s daughter, inviting us to a surprise party she was throwing for her mother. In half an hour. We begged off. I was tired from a long day at work and then cooking dinner; my wife was tired from dealing with a colicky baby all day; and the baby, obviously, was colicky.
In a normal family composed of non-crazy people that would have been the end of it. But not mine. No, my father promptly called to try to guilt me at least into going, pointing out that Lily is his last remaining sibling; two of my sisters (the crazy ones) emailed me this morning, angry that I’d disrespected Dad and Auntie by not dropping everything on their say so.
Growl. Can somebody remind me why I haven’t moved to Iceland?
Given your family dynamics, I have no idea why you haven’t left. Job? Your wife’s family ties in the area? A sense of obligation stronger than your sense of self-preservation?
I did leave for a while. But I love Memphis. I love my non-insane sisters who live here, and their daughters. I love my cousin Sam, who’s the ultimate mensch. Many of my closest friends are here. I was just venting.
nod Wasn’t too sure how serious you were, if you were venting or looking for a reason to talk yourself into or out of staying.
FWIW, I like your stories about your crazy family. So hey, while they may cause you all sorts of frustration and heartache, at least they amuse Strangers On The Internet!
Remind me to tell you sometime about how my little sister beat up got jumped by two boys in second grade and beat them both up before I could rescue her.
