And I cannot even express how glad I am to be back home. I cannot wait to sleep a full night in my own bed.
Family is really quite exhausting and for what ever reason, this side of the family just can’t get along. The funeral was lovely for Grandpa, he even got military honors. This is when the bad business started.
When Military honors are bestowed at a veteran’s funeral, the first born child is to accept the flag (when no wife is alive or if the veteran is no longer married). In lieu of the first born child, the oldest son is given the honor of accepting the flag.
My mother is the first born child. She was not given the honor of accepting the flag from a grateful Nation. Aunt Diane, who is neither first born or first born son, was the one who accepted the flag. I was jilted so that my head physically jerked as tho I’d been slapped.
There were two other things that really got me riled up. First, Aunt Diane didn’t even bother to speak to me the whole time I was there. We had several occasions to speak, when I first got there, when we were at the funeral and then the after funeral. She even watched me load up my cloths and purse, and yet still said nothing. Yet, her best friend of whom I don’t even know did come up to me and tell me how glad she was that I had made it in time.
Finally, there was a lovely Christmas dinner for the family, you know… Aunt Diane, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Chuck… but we were conveniently excluded.
I have to say that not being invited to a Christmas dinner is very insulting to me. I mean the epitome of insulting. Mom said it was because they were slighting her, that it wasn’t me. I’m sure she’s right. However, being serious Christians on the most important day of the Christian holidays… very, very rude and very, very nasty. I am so personally offended that I just want to spit nails!
And people wonder why I want to be a hermit and a recluse…. That’s the problem with the world, everyone is worried about them selves and not loving family and others. This generation should be called the “Me” generation…
So… I’m home and I’m so happy to be back here with Papa. I missed him so much and after being away, I can say that I love him all the more for all of his wonderful qualities!
So ends this chapter of “The days of Fizz’s Life” stay tuned, more to come!
© “Fizz” 2008
Michigan Dreaming --> Texas Tortured 
immaturity can cost so much. im really sorry, juli. it has always amazed me how some one can be a Christian and not desire to grow up. but i see it all the time.and yes, it is a me generation these days, like never before. its a sign of the times my dear.btw, thank you for the Christmas card :) it was a delight to get one from you.kïrstin☼
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I read somewhere today that this is a really bad time of the year because many families get together and that can be traumatic. Lots of old baggage and it affects everyone. I agree with Doc…she does not walk the walk! Nasty people. Not the horrible part is they say when you die your family is there waiting for you so I guess you can hash it all out again. That might be the only real thing keeping me going. No thanks! Take care and welcome back….
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Welcome back! It’s so sad that funerals can bring out the worst in people. Sorry you had to see it first hand. As for the Me generation…oh ya…it’s all over the place. Common courtesy is a thing of the past. And don’t get me going on respect…that’s long gone too!
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I’m so sorry for you and your mother. Aunt Diane may be able to talk the Christian talk, but she surely doesn’t walk the walk. I had a very similar experience with my brother (the details are unimportant here) which has erased him from from "my" family. It’s just easier. I haven’t had to deal with him in over 20 years. So I know what it feels like and I’m offended with you.Peace, Doc
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First off I want to say I am glad you are back by Papa safe and sound. Next I want to say my Father’s flag was given to the first born…my sister. She was given the honor. I am so hurt by what you endured of the petty differences a family and extended family can have. For you not to stir anything up shows you are better than lowering yourself to the pettiness. Although crashing the family dinner did come to mind oops. My hat is off to you MS Fizz! There is allot of that family thing in WI too BUT I don’t see that here in Missouri to my knowledge. Here family is cherished etc. I’m glad you are feeling better too! You think the weird weather is adding to it all? Can’t wait for another chapter!! HUGS!!!!!
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I’ve dealt with many funerals and weddings and if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that insults when emotions run so high happen very, very often and can create rifts that are sometimes never healed. This of course has nothing to do with Christianity nor anything to do with Christmas. This is classic example of man’s failure to capitalize on the mercy of Christ. I could go on but why? I just pray that you find the time to walk away from this thing and as my mom and dad always told me when I’d been hurt by someone: "consider the source". You are a good friend it’s just some people for whatever the reason don’t recognize the treasure you are. Blessings dear Juli.
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I would say that is an unforgivable offense for your mother to be slighted, for you to be slighted and for the spirit of your Grandfather to be slighted by their actions! I am glad you are home where you belong now!!God Bless!Teri
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Drama drama drama… that’s what family is. They beat it into our heads to love one another and family is everything and then they contradict themselves ten times what they have preached for years. Unfortunately it usually comes uglier around the death of a family member. I’m sorry you and Mom had to go through with this. I’m glad you are home with Pappa and the girls. Take care and get well darling! I know that this Michigan weather can kick ya in the dupa! TTFNxoxo
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I am offended on your behalf Fizz, Family is everything and I can’t imagine you and your mother being treated that way. I received the flag at my husband’s funeral and I am saddened that your mother wasn’t given the fag. Life must go on dear Juli so try to forget the sadness of the past days and look forward to the future.Hugs, Beth
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Hi Fizz: Oh hunny I’m so sorry your visit home was so bad for you. I guess I am lucky because I have never been exposed to that kind of treatment. If I could reach out and hug you I would. Hope your New Year will bring you lots of happiness. Take care sweety…………….Rusty ((HUGS))
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<sigh> family ain’t easy, is it? To me it takes continuing love and forgiveness, love and forgiveness as infinitum. A friend of mine described it like this: "There’s usually some stupid thing which raises the stress level when 20 relatives get together with their tribal memory of past slights—" I like her phrase "tribal memory." Let’s erase those unhappy times and stick to the good!Best,Nan
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