Ohana

"Ohana is an idea in Hawaiian culture. The word "ohana" means family in the Hawaiian language, but in a much wider sense, to include not only one's closer relatives, but also one's cousins, in-laws, friends, race, and other neighbours. The idea is also that family and friends are bound together and everyone must work together and not forget each other." ~ https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohana

At one point in our recent sister-visit, the three of us were sitting around the kitchen table when my sister's husband joined in the conversation for a while. My sister married the brother of Mom's sister's husband (Got that? My sister had an aunt who was also her sister-in-law? Clearer? Nope? I'm moving on anyway)...

I had visions of Mom sitting at her sister's kitchen table with her sisters once upon a lifetime ago. I could envision three sisters visiting among themselves with my uncle (my sister's husband's brother) walking in on the conversation. Suddenly I had a feeling of life repeating itself. The essence of Mom and her sisters is woven deeply into the tapestry of our lives. But it was the presence of my sister's husband that made me reflect on the parallel path we are living. 

We spoke of "thinking of Mom and Dad moments". Little things that bring them into our thoughts. Sitting at the table with my sisters brought Mom into my very being. I believe that is why our brother's presence is what I am craving. I yearn for that piece of Dad to join us as we merge our past lives with our future. 

"The idea is also that family and friends are bound together and everyone must work together and not forget each other." I like that idea. I like it very much!