FAMILY....how do you define it?

What does family mean to you?  How often do you get together with family?  This is such a broad topic to discuss but tonight made me think about it.  I come from a large family where grandma had 8 children...so I grew up with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins....there was always parties, dinners, holidays together and of course fights....but through it all we were family and the good times outweighed the bad.  But one of the most important thing I remember was that grandma held it all together.....and when she passed, it all fell apart.

As a mother of five and grandma of six (soon to be seven) I am trying to hold it all together.  But I am not having much luck.  While I grew up with everyone not only living in the same neighborhood, but also the same block.....today's children move away.  I am not complaining....away for me just means the next neighborhood....a short drive away....I am lucky.  The furthest is about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic.  So I am blessed that way.....


My problem is getting everyone together.....young people these days have their own agenda and I respect that.....but we used to drop everything when a family gathering came up.  And it just ain't so anymore.  I know I should go with the flow and I know these are changing times....but when I think about how much longer I may have....I just want to keep the family close to me.....

I am happy they all have their own lives, they are doing so well, that they dont need me every minute....but there is a bit of empty nest syndrome somewhere in there.  I love the freedom i have now to pick up and go whereever with hubby......but there is a part of me that needs them to want to be with me....I know there are grandmas out there...How are you coping?