I belong to a big family. That I cannot deny! But don't get me wrong please--I am happy and proud that my parents did not practise birth control! As I was growing up, my parents made sure to always include FOODS in the family tradition. As I grow up, it’s always a perfect reminder to take comfort in the things that have remained constant in our lives from year to year—those eating-together traditions that marked our sense of continuity, belonging, and self. It's nice to always believe that with our regular dinner/lunch or even power breakfasts together--it reminds me of what has been before and what will come next! This tradition is so dominant in my family that when I review pictures (regardless if its digital or printed), you will always see us in restaurants, in the dining table or along hallways--eating, munching and savoring not only the foods but the gentle presence of eachother. For me, getting together for either a simple or extravagant meal grounds and reminds me that "this is my family. This is where I belong."
Our meal time together shifts my consciousness from one state to another, forcing me to stop thinking about the negative things in my life and instead share in the special moments of magnificient life stories of each and every member of my family.
For just few years, my family started expanding--but the tradition of eating together provides a sense of continuity among us--things change around each of us—there is death, migration due to career demands, illness—but the tradition continues. I'm glad my parents started this tradition. I know this tradition will leave on until my hair turns gray and my nephews and neices become parents themselves.
I cannot wait to see my family again for our next meal together!
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