My Extended Family Tree
by Peter McKay
This past Mother's Day weekend, my 15-year-old son was hard at work on a major spring school project. He had to prepare a large detailed chart showing his extended family members. All of the ninth graders in our neighborhood were doing the same that weekend, anxiously cutting out circles and squares, drawing exacting lines showing bloodlines and marriage dates. My wife and I both come from huge families, and my son's chart, as a result, stretched across three big poster boards, names spread o ...
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11 Comments | Post Comment
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Posted by: Katie
Comment: #1
Sun May 24, 2009 7:52 AM
I am sorry for your loss. Most of my 'close family' are people that I have picked, who love me and my children, AND now my Granddaughter! My children have many Aunts and I have no sister's and only one sister in law.
My Sunday just feels off if I don't read your column online with my cup of coffee. Your column gets sent all over the internet and sometimes printed out to share with co workers. Thank you for making me laugh AND cry. Thanks also for reminding me to call those I love, and who are far away.
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Posted by: Kristelle
Comment: #2
Thu May 21, 2009 10:58 AM
Sorry for your loss Peter! I know exactly what you mean about extended family, sometimes they are easier to count on and trust than the family you are born into.
Hang in there!
Another loyal reader!
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Posted by: kd
Comment: #3
Thu May 21, 2009 8:04 PM
I am so sorry for your family's loss. We do understand some of where you are coming from. My youngest sister's best friend died at 19 in his sleep. No one even knew he was ill, including his parents. We miss him still today, but we still see those beautiful blue eyes and bright red hair, as he posed himself at the front of my mother's glass front door. Everyone loved him and as with your friend, the largest church in our town could not hold all who knew and loved him. He now watches over us and keeps us inline I am sure. I also enjoy your humor and fun side, and I do well keep both feet on the ground. May your healing be quick, but the memory of your family friend live on. Keep up the good work, she would have had it no other way.
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Posted by: megan
Comment: #4
Tue May 19, 2009 12:29 PM
First off I want to give my condolences and say thank you for writing such a touching pieces that makes one think about the people in our non-biological families and how much they mean to us.... I absolutely adore your weekly piece and you brighten my day so much... thank you
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Posted by: Kuixotiq
Comment: #5
Tue May 19, 2009 1:43 AM
Hey Peter,
Ever since I found your article on yahoo, I've been a fan, I read your articles every week without fail. They never fail to make me laugh - I know it gets updated every Tuesday! (at least over where I am.) This is a very touching article and quite insightful. Stay strong :)
Cheers..
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Posted by: Kristy
Comment: #6
Tue May 19, 2009 1:51 PM
I read your column every week. You alway brighten my day!!!!!!I Absolutely love your columns. I wish you would write a new one everyday!!! I always ask co-workers if they read your columns and they say "who is that". They don't anymore... they love you too. Keep writing...more people enjoy it more than I think you realize.
LaFayette, GA (the tiniest dot on the map)
Kristy Powell
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Posted by: CynCatz
Comment: #7
Tue May 19, 2009 4:12 PM
Peter, I am sorry for you and your family's loss. I recently read a quote that I feel is very true, as I have a friend who is more like a sister to me and mother to my kids, than just a friend. "Friends are Family Members That You Choose"
By the way I read you each week too!
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Posted by: Kim
Comment: #8
Tue May 19, 2009 5:45 AM
Hi Peter,
I read your article every Tuesday, and can't wait to lunchtime break so I can check for updates. Keep up the great work!
K
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Posted by: Shannon
Comment: #9
Tue May 19, 2009 6:46 PM
I'm very sorry for you and your family and the loss of your beloved family member.
It's never failed to amaze me how strangers can turn into family and the bond be as strong, if not stronger, than that you feel for your blood relatives. My family tree has been grafted many times and I think that it's a stronger family because of it.
Thank you for sharing this with us. I look forward to your column each week.
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Posted by: Crystal
Comment: #10
Tue May 19, 2009 8:51 AM
I read you! I anxiously hop on the computer first thing when I get to work every Tuesday to read your latest. You're hilarious! It definitely makes my Tuesday when I can start my day with a laugh. Thanks!!!!
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Posted by: Crystal
Comment: #11
Tue May 19, 2009 8:52 AM
Not that this one was funny, but you know what I mean!
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