The Family Portrait

This is the family portrait we gathered to take on Thanksgiving 2000.

Nancy was very ill and wanted a record of the family together before she...

Well, you know.

This photo was taken toward the beginning of her 4 year battle.

The only good thing her death did for me was bring me closer to my family.

Not that I was entirely estranged...

But for a few members of the family my being gay was a bit of an issue.

Which just made things a tad weird thru the years. And kept me away.

Before we left for the photography studio my niece Crissy pulled me aside,

"Uncle Chuck, I really owe you an apology."

Curiosity crossed my face as I asked, "An apology? For what?"

She continued, "I wasted all these years thinking you were weird."

Oh that.

I gulped and tried to make light to deflect the awkward moment, "I am weird!"

Crissy stopped me, "No. You're so cool. I hate that I didn't see that before."

I pulled her to me in a tight and tender embrace - one of genuine warmth.

While well-hugged she concluded, "I just hope you can accept my apology."

I was tip-lipped owing to tearing-up but I managed a quiet, "Of course."

That moment may be a small moment for her but it was pivotal for me.

And from that day forward our relationship deepened & it's been wonderful.

Hmm, beyond.

***

Crissy is the young blond on the left just behind the boy, Nancy's son Alec.

Comments

[Diane]

Great picture and a nice story, good memories.