Sunday I was able to spend a couple of hours with my baby sister, her husband, Milt, my nephew, Rowen, and niece, Alice, for a quick Easter dinner in Lincoln. While it was a gray and mucky day with the rain and all, which of course we all know we needed the moisture, what came out of the grayness of the day (thanks to Mother Nature) after returning home was an appreciation of the time spent with my family!
My sisters and I have been without our parents for beyond 25 years. Mom’s been gone since early April in 1999, and dad passed away in early July 1994. Both young and both gone far too young, which over the years has made it difficult to get all three of us together for a holiday, a milestone event or just to get together for the sake of getting together.
When I rolled back into Sutton Sunday afternoon and saw my street, South Maltby, lined up with cars for over three blocks, leaving a narrow pass through the street covered with cars on both sides, it actually brought a happy tear to my eyes. Kids were playing in the front yards, after the rain had subsided, parents, grandparents and yes, even great-grandparents, filling the yards as they watched their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids doing what kids do, and that is being kids.
I sat on my couch just soaking up the sounds of kids having fun, playing and enjoying time with their family. It totally took me back to the days in Franklin, Shelton, Paxton, Hyannis, Minden and even Axtell when the Duncans were that family.
It wasn’t sad to be honest, it was a fantastic sound, even having Rose Bauder call out to me from across the street wishing me a Happy Easter. That was touching. But no, it wasn’t sad for me, because I just had the rush of spending a few hours with my own sister and her family, getting “filled up” with what life has provided them since the last time we connected.
It took me back to an extremely important day recent in my life. The day I was able to be with both of my sisters, the day I turned 60 last September. We met in Grand Island, as that is about the center point between Paxton and Thurman, IA.
That day was full of anticipation in a positive way for me. It was perhaps the first time in at least three years or so that all three of us were together. Even though it was short-lived, in a restaurant, it was of great importance for me to have that time. It meant the world to me.
I’ve certainly noticed within myself that those rare moments charge me up faster than a week’s worth of vacation, or a break from the daily grind that we all deal with. Family is so deeply important to me, and maybe that’s because I’m 60?
I know many of you will say, “you’re young,” but with the Duncan genes, it’s not. My dad was gone at 50, my mom at 55, my grandpa Duncan at 60 (or so), so when I get time with my sisters, because of a lot of busy schedules with my sisters and myself, it’s priceless.
So sitting in my house listening to the sounds of young kids just having an absolute blast, outside, when it was only 45 degrees, at best, upon my return from Lincoln and Easter dinner with MY family, it was an unbelievable feeling.
I’m lucky that I live in a busy neighborhood, kids all over the place, riding bikes, running through everyone’s yards, laughing, even screaming, bouncing and rolling through all of our yards, it’s a rush for me, and it really brings the value of family and the time with them home. I love it, and was so thankful for my time with Tara, Milt, Rowen, and Alice, but the sights, sounds, and laughter around my home when I returned.
Life is good!
