Cinderella

As a child you always think you are "Cinderella" in the story of the same title. Doing all the work, not the favorite child, pushed aside when the others were around, not getting to go to the special outings. Believe me, things have not changed, I have heard from many who think they did all the work and the other siblings sat on the couch eating bonbons. Hopefully at some point you dream of getting to the princess part!

Please don't think of this as a pity party, I totally take responsibility for MY choices. It is some of the choices I feel that others in my life have made that make me feel that way now, more Cinderella-ish. Not that I did all the work, I have two older sisters for that.

So let me explain a little bit why I am talking about this today. In a discussion with my spouse I told him that I feel like an outsider to my sisters and mom. Of course he listened to me with an open mind, adding comments to help support my theory. I could possibly a friend of the family, even a good friend, but definitely an outsider. Which is not the worst thing in life, but is not a thrilling fact either.

You see my sisters all live in South Carolina and have been there for many years. They have celebrated births, marriages, birthdays, holidays and jobs together. This has formed a significant bond between them, some good and some bad times. But seem to be related, when you talk to them there always seems to be a certain familiarity between them. I have always tried to call them during holidays, birthdays and at times when my parents were there for the winter. So I could be connected as much as possible.

I didn't find out until just recently that those things don't seem to work either. So off with the rest of the story. I hand had a child at an early age, found Prince Charming and got married. Then started to live our life together for our immediate family, making our own traditions while incorporating some from each family. None of those choices was easy but looking back we can see the hand of God leading us each step of the way. It is wonderful as a wife and mother to be able to take care of your family, to see them satisfied is the greatest joy I have ever had. It really seems to be a fairy tale like story when you look back. Even with the good the bad and the ugly and believe me we saw it all.

We joined the Army in the 80's and stayed in there until '86, began pastoring and stayed in Texas until 1992. At that time we chose to be closer to family so the kids could get to better know their cousins and grandparents. Well as most of you probably know that doesn't usually work it is just a gesture that we as people make to try and help heal the holes. Too bad we find this out after the fact, since there are all those moving expenses, and tearing the kids away from their friends. It doesn't make people a better family to be close together, sometimes farther is better. If only it was that simple, we are really dumb to think that a problem is solved that easily.

It is difficult living so far away that you can't see people if they are sick or special occasions. But living at a distance is god for the drama that goes with the day to day stuff. I know, I know that is how families work! Everybody need someone to talk to to share some of the drama to be able live day to day. I just thought that you could use the ATT method! LOL

Cinderella went to the fantastic party and met the prince, ran away, was made fun of by her family. The prince finally finds her, then the family decides that they want to be close. make her a part of the family that they seem to care about. She leaves with the prince but makes sure her family is taken care of.

The party??? Not so much. The Prince??? Yes in my opinion. Family???? Still not sure???? Today an email arrived from family, the answer I got was very unfamilial (if that is a word). I guess I will continue with the journey that I have started and keep enjoying my immediate family, like I started so many years ago!

And they lived Happily Ever after!

The End

Don't every give up on the dreams of your childhood!