My favorite time of the year is when the sun is out, the smell of BBQ resonates through the summer air, frozen drinks are the beverage of choice and relatives you haven't seen during the cold-weather months, drop by unannounced looking for some free air conditioning. We are all guilty of having the family member who may be way too loud no matter the topic of discussion; or had one to many alcoholic beverages and now he/she just has to share just how much they love you; or the one who enjoys the great times we share but always seems to sleep throughout the festivities. Although I am old enough to know all the "family stories" by heart, I am guilty of having my favorite stories retold over and over again. It's all about nostalgia, being able to relive the memories as if you were there yourself. It is also about being able to laugh at the children my family members once were. Sometimes that one crazy relative allows you to have your own story that must be retold - for laughs of course.
Uncle G is loud all of the time. Morning. Noon. Night. No matter what the circumstance he is always shouting DAMN!!!!
Let me give you an example.
Its Thanksgiving. The men are in the living room watching the football games, the women are in the kitchen whipping up an elaborate dinner all except for my mom. Weird.
Out of no where, Uncle G screams DAMN!!!!
No one is alarmed. The team he was rooting for has seemingly lost the game and Uncle G is just disappointed or mad. I can't tell. Two minutes later the children run into the kitchen begging for candy or sweets of some sorts. They are turned away by their mothers because dinner is almost ready and their appetites should not be spoiled or all the work putting together Thanksgiving dinner would be in vain.
"But NuNu (my mom) is eating candy over in the corner! Why can't we have some too???"
Two seconds later, M&Ms go crashing, scattered like pinata candy.
The children dive to the floor.
"DAMN!!" - There goes Uncle G.... "DAMN Nunu..You're Busted!!"
Now that I think about it, Uncle G encompasses all the characteristics of the crazy yet well-loved family member. Uncle G is in his 60s yet he doesn't look like a typical 60 year old. His favorite topic of discussion is always family. He believes in his heart of hearts that we are each others best friends and protectors - that's the true definition of family.
One hot day we are sitting on the porch listening to Uncle G rant about how we need to do better as a family unit because we no longer take summer vacations together. The conversation gets heated when my cousin disagrees with him on the basis that not attending costly family trips shouldn't define how much we love each other. Uncle G gets so heated he screams "DAMN" with so much force his front teeth fall into my lap then on to the floor. He quickly retrieves them and shoves it right back into his mouth. We are all shocked. No one knew he sported dentures not to mention the fact that it wasn't securely locked onto his gums. My great aunt breaks the silence.
DAMN!! G so your not gonna wash that before you put it back in your mouth.
Come on in this house let me clean that for you!!!
- Good Times
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