Stories from the Hood

The picture over the fireplace mantel was quite stunning.

It was of a large family; each different family dressed in matching colors with the parents/grandparents in black and white.

I admired the picture and said it was amazing that the photographer was able to get that large group to settle down for just a minute.

Yes, she smiled, it was a challenge indeed.

These must be your daughters, I said pointing to two beautiful mothers sitting at opposite ends of the photo....they look so much like you.

Yes, she said.  They are both wonderful mothers, but they haven't spoken to each other in three years. I don't even know if they remember why they aren't speaking, but they aren't.  It's always awkward around them.

My what a tall, handsome young man...your oldest grandson?

Yes, isn't he handsome?  He was the star of his high school basketball team, had a scholarship to play at the local college, but he announced he was gay, so they didn't want him anymore.  Actually, he told us he was transgender...my husband and I didn't even know what that meant!  But, he's a good young man, trying hard to find his place.

That's his father right there.  He just lost his job.  They'll be moving in with us till he can get a job and get on their feet again.  His wife, our daughter, has lupus....it's a challenge.   In fact, they believe the company let him go because of her health issues, but what can you do?

Twins?  That's fun.

Yes, aren't they adorable...they are six now.  Our son works all over the world.  His wife didn't like that lifestyle, so she left him.  But he manages to take such good care of those little girls.  He told us he'll never marry again....not worth it.

This is our oldest granddaughter; she is going to go to West Point next year...she is so excited.  We are so proud of her and all that she has accomplished.  She has started neighborhood food drives, gone on humanitarian missions with various groups; she's just a good, good person.  She's also diabetic, but you would never know it.  She just lives life to the fullest.

Wonderful family, I concluded.

Yes, she said...we are a picture of the modern American family....with all its foibles, challenges, health issues, gender issues, but united in our bond of love.