Growing up in a close family is a wonderful thing.
I was lucky to have a family like this. Two boys, two girls. But that's not to say we didn't have our moments. One of my brothers and myself were like oil and water, we could not get along. As adults, we grew out of it, and now we can count on each other for anything.
We were lucky that none of us strayed very far from home, with my youngest brother staying on the farm where we grew up.
My father always wanted us home for holidays, birthdays and family dinners. He was happiest when all of us, our spouses and kids were all there.
We lost mom in 2007 and dad in 2017. What we didn't lose was the closeness that always brought us home. We still get together many times each year, usually at the farm.
I know that for some this may not be a happy topic. All families are different and have their issues, and distance also plays a part in making it hard to stay close.
Whatever you're willing to share is welcome.