Different Kinds of Families, Different Kinds of Memories

"In the end, you're my sister," Edith says. "And one day, only we will remember Sybil, or Mama, or Papa, or Matthew, or Michael, or Granny, or Carson, or any of the others who have peopled our youth. Until at last, our shared memories will mean more than our mutual dislike."

I could have watched Downton Abbey all night last night, as is usually the case when I watch it. The moment that got me though was that statement from Edith. It spoke so clearly to my heart and to my experience that the loss of a sibling isn't just the loss of that person, it's the loss of all your shared memories. Ernie looked over at me and said, "WHAT? Are you CRYING?" I sniffed, and assured him I was fine, and indeed I was, but it was such a clear statement of loss and memories and family that it has really stayed with me.

I think it's the same thing that brings closeness to people that you knew only tangentially 30 years ago, but with whom you now feel a kinship. As I've watched, just via facebook, John Isberg digging into the music scene of CU in the 80's and  90's and all the responses it has brought forth, I've thought about that. In some cases, the connections I feel now with some of those folks are far closer than they were to begin with, but as fewer people remember and reminisce about that period, those of us that have those shared memories feel a stronger and stronger bond....because it's all really just a different kind of family.