About family…

Be prepared…a Little bit of sad venting on my part. Fair warning—it will be a long post today!

I have been thinking about this ever since I found out my aunt passed away last week.  Just how close to you are you and your family???

The reason I ask…Is growing up.  I felt extremely close to my mom’s side of the family.  I felt close to my dad’s side be in a completely different way.  My mom’s side of the family, I could go to them for ANYTHING.  I could talk to them about anything.  My grandpa Coats was the best.  He made me feel like I could do anything.  He made me feel so special.  My grandma Coats, taught me the foundations of cooking.  I would sit on the counter right next to her and watch her cook.    I feel close to her because there were only two people I would stay with when I was little (extremely shy I tell ya)  And she was one of them.

My parents thought I was going to be a boy when I was born.  They had NO girl name picked out.  Know who named me….My grandpa Coats.  I will also love him for it.  I didn’t like it very well growing up.  Everyone called me Sabrina.  Which it is pro-nouced SUE-PRE-NUH.  My grandmother didn’t start driving until after my grandfather passed away.  When I hit driving Age, my grandpa didn’t like to drive in the early evening and night.  So if they had to go somewhere at night.  They would call me.  He was not only my grandfather but also someone that I admired and looked up to so much.

My grandparents on my dad’s side were more stricked and like to keep ‘up’ appearances.    They treated there step-grandchildren better than there grandchildren (at least I think sometimes).  The ironic thing about there step-grandchildren is that they were actually my 3rd or 4thcousins from there dad’s side of the family.  I know….strange!  Truth be told, they got on my nerves and continue to do so.  (notice I am not mentioning names but I am sure if you are my cousin or a relative reading this you know exactly who they are). 

My grandparents would do something for you and always let other people know exactly how much they have done for you.  And continue to be constantly reminded about it.  Don’t get me wrong.  I have a awesome connection with One unlce and One Aunt and there children on my grandpa and grand-dad k’s side.  And the Aunt that I just lost I was SUPER close to one of there daughters.  I was born on my grandma and grandpa K’s wedding anniversary.  Although, I when we got together to celebrate there wedding anniversary….my birthday was NEVER brought up.  I truly think everyone forgot about it being my birthday as well.  And that is tough on a kid.

These days, I keep in touch with my sister Shawna (who I am extremely close to) and my brother in law Jason.  My mom and step-dad, and my grandma Coats.  I haven’t spoke withmy dad in over 8 years.  And no I am NOT joking.  It has been 8 years.  And truth be told.  It really doesn’t bother me in the least.  What does bother me is that if something does ever happen to him.  Shawna nor I will not be notified.  And I can truly see that happening.

Now….With my extended side of Eric’s family….

Truth be told.  I don’t really know them that well….not even a smidgen.  But this is what I do know…

My father in law—He is a TRUE Texan.  You can tell that just by looking at him.  He has that rugged Texan look about him.  He loves his kids and his grandchildren dearly.  When I first ‘meet’ him, he said he couldn’t remember my name.  So he gave me a nick name of “Soapapia”.  That has stay with me.  Eric will sometimes even call me ‘Soapapia”.  I actually like it.  Now Eric’s dad really doesn’t remember it.  But Eric and I do.

My mother in law—-I want to say this first.  It has been about 7.5 to 8 years since I have spoken to her on the phone or even seen her.  So I don’t really ‘know’ her all that well. She absolutely loves and adores her kids and grandchildren.  She is such a classy lady.  She is a Christian.  She knows how to dress.  And dress her age not looking frumpy but classy!  I swear this lady exudesclass!  I know she doesn’t know this.  But when we did speak I highly valued her opinions and respected her greatly.  Oh and I might add…she is just GORGEOUS!  Silly thing is David (my littlest) looks EXACTLY like her. And they have never ‘meet’ each other.

My brother -in-law Troy~~~Again, I ‘think’ I might have said 10 sentences to him ever….Isn’t that Sad.  Okay, truth be told.  I feel extremely intimidated by him.  He has a big master’s degree.  And I think that is what gets me.  But even before that I felt that way.. Don’t know why.  I know he loves and adores his wife Debbie and there Children.  Which I might add.  Are just WAY to cute…ooooh sorry.  I better say Beautiful and Handsome.  My nephew is 15 years old (Oh Gosh, I hope I got that right.)  And just as handsome young man. My niece is a pretty thing.  Granted, I don’t know them at all.  They probably don’t even think of me as there ‘Aunt’.  But I will claim them as my niece and nephew.  Who wouldn’t that are smart, intelligent kids.  And to continue about Troy.  I am jealous of My husband Eric and there Sister Leslie.  I never had an older brother.  But if I did I would want one like Troy.

My sister in law—-SHE CAN TALK!!!! And a THOUSAND WORDS A MINUTE!  Okay, Okay maybe not a Thousand but 500 at least.  Again, I haven’t spoke to her in a LOOOOOONNNG time.  I do know again that she is a dotting wife and mother.  She is smart to and just beautiful.  She has two awesome kids as well.  Both very smart and outgoing from what I can tell.  Again, I can’t tell much, but from what I hear from Eric.  Her brother constantly tease her about being adopted.  I think it is the other way around and maybe the boys are adopted. 

I do wish I could just pick up the phone and call my sister in laws….because sometimes I desperatelyneed advice.  You see I am the youngest. Eric’s Brother is 46 (I believe) his sister is 38/39, Eric is 41.  And I will be turning 35 at the end of the month. And soon to be the only one without a degree.  That might be my problem as well. 

Anyway, I guess with my Aunt passing away.  I feel like I just don’t hardly have any family.  That I can truly talk to.  Yes, I have my mom, grandma and sister.  But gosh….I just wish I had a extra ear or too to talk to.  Yes, I know I can always talk to Eric. There are things sometimes that you just need a women to talk to and not your mom or your sister.  I really feel like If anything every happened to my sister I would be VERY VERY alone.  And I hate that feeling.

Gosh, this is SO EXTREMELY LOOOONNG!  I am so sorry.  Tomorrow, I will be more upbeat….

Have a great Monday!!!!