"MY COUSINS, MY COUSINS"

This weekend I visited my hometown of Rochester, NY, a place I usually avoid like the plague. However, this visit was such a great one I had to share it with my "Truth Seekers".
I went home for a my older cousin's wedding. I've always seen him as an older brother so there was no way I was going to miss the event. My parents seeing an opportunity for everyone to connect also decided to plan a family barbecue for the following day. Knowing the drama that is usually a part of any event we have, I was somewhat cautious but mostly excited. The entire weekend resulted in the polar opposite of my reservations. There were gut-busting laughs, long healing discussions, dancing until young bodies were sweating and old ones were aching, and planning for the future! It was beautiful!

In my close to thirty years on this earth, I've had more ups and downs with my family than any Tyler Perry movie can ever address! After relocating to Philadelphia for school, I all but severed ties with them, thinking it was for the best for everyone. I could not have been more wrong. Although the mere mention of certain members of my family dredges up feelings of contempt and pain, my choice to distance myself has done little to heal old wounds. It has however, caused me to miss some beautiful moments in my younger cousin's lives and seek solidarity in weak friendships. Well, later for that! I'm making a commitment to myself and my family to just be there more. I know things won't change over night, but there are a few things I'm going to try to make things solid. Check out the tips below for reconnecting with family...they may work for you too. Also check out the pics of all of the love and fun (rumor has it that the drink and music took control of me there're aren't that many pics to view off my camera:)!

TIPS FOR RECONNECTING WITH COUSIN PETE N' THEM:)
Call More-even if it's just to say hey (this is something I struggle with...after years of working at a call center I hate the phone)
Connect using social media-you never know, that old uncle may just have an FB page and a Twitter account
Send Cards-call the oldest person in your family (usually the "Bigma") and find out when everyone's birthday is
Go Home-even if "home" is the most boring hick place on earth, it's home
Let them come to you- people always enjoy getting away so let them come.