Dedicated to my family

One of the other expats eloquently pointed out that homesickness is like the stomach flu – not always there or dull like a cold, but catches you just on certain times and really sucks. http://loudamericans.blogspot.com/
This week is the annual family outing back in MN/WI, a tradition from before I was born of trekking out somewhere “up North” together and hanging out, relaxing, golfing, laughing and ideally sitting by a fire telling stories (sometimes the same stories as last year). Last August on just such an outing up at Lutsen, perhaps my favorite place, my entire family – Grandpa and Grandma, and the chorus of aunts and uncles and cousins came to know of my crazy idea – maybe I should move to India for a year or so. And without dissent they said, “what a great opportunity – we’ll miss you!” Maybe not the reaction I was expecting, but testament to what great family I have – like the book I read to Caden most nights “I’ll always love you, no matter what.” There are, as I reflect, a number of defining things like this where I realize my family’s values. Starting with my Grandpa and Grandma, who would NEVER say: do as I say, not as I do. They absolutely live their values – family comes first, the right thing to do is the right thing to do, laugh a lot and celebrate life with the things that matter. From a kid going snowmobiling to get pancakes with my Grandpa on Sundays (wearing my purple helmet) to the annual vacations together to all the times our family grew – marriages, kids (I’m the oldest of 23 cousins now I think, and there are great-grandchildren too), it never occurred to me that a family so large wouldn’t try to spend time together at least once a week. These are values you don’t realize you have, until you see from the outside. Another time I remember when I wanted to move in with Wade, Grandpa just said “it’s not the decision I would make for you, but it’s not my decision to make.” Times like these where you know what “I’ll always love you, no matter what” really means.
I remember my Dad telling me that “no matter what you did, lying about it is worse” until I believed it. And him coming to ball games not on time, but 15 minutes early so he could watch the team warm up – showing me every moment counts. And it’s awesome knowing that I’ll never be too old too need my mommy – even after 30, it’s still ok to put your head in your mom’s lap and get your hair played with. And even grilled cheese counts as a home cooked meal. And it’s always ok to call home.
Some people might be lucky to stop there… but I could use up all my space on google writing about my family. My husband I love so much, and that took a year off to be here with me. My son who brings me joy every day with his smile and laughs. My sister who makes me so proud of who she is – and regarding accounting, who she isn’t! My brother who serves our country and still pushes me to be better – even if I can’t go back and get better grades. My cousins – from the “favorites” and everyone I can’t believe how big you’re getting – my God! My aunts and uncles – Jeff and Ann, Joel and Shelly, John, Jody, Jim and Lisa, Julie and Jerry – all different and yet all amazing. And fun. And good-hearted. And loud. And caring. And such a part of who I am.
I miss you guys, and I wish I could be there with you now. But thank you for supporting me in this, and we’ll see you soon!

The, uh, I don’t know – interesting? part of this is that I can’t stop there. Because not in the same way, but in a powerful way, I have a family here now too. From everyone in our house that sometimes make me crazy, but care for us nonetheless – Lokesh, Swapna and Ms. Pinto. We have made such great friends here – the quick way in which expats look after each other – sort of an “I don’t really know you, but I’m here…only” unconditional and unprecedented support that feels like family. Tom and Tracy, we could never thank you enough for “looking after us” the way you have these last six months. And Michele – you are an inspiration with the determined way you face your own struggles being apart from your husband, and our smoke breaks and spa appointments really make a difference! I’m also lucky to have the work family – more people looking after me and teaching me every day. From new friends like Radha and Stuti, my new buddy Sriram, and so many others to all the people that have looked after me from relocation to work issues. And my team already has taught me so much too – from vain efforts at Hindi to good lessons to look back on long from now.
So, next summer sitting around the campfire, I imagine I’ll get a little “flu” and realize how much I miss my family in India too.