I’ve always had a small family, relatively speaking. Mom, Dad, sister and me. Now this is my nuclear family… it’s getting bigger with my brother-in-law and his son. Only recently have I realized how much I absolutely adore my family and have realized what a great value they pose in my life. There’s a certain point that I come to in my weakness, where no friend could help as much as I need. Yet my parents or my sister are the people who know who I am and keep me grounded at the critical times that I need to be. They know the core of me, and I don’t think I ever realized it. They may not know the details of my life, they may not know all of the people I spend time with, but you better believe they know me.

My mother’s calming touch, talking me off the ledge when I’m scared, there’s nothing like it. And my father’s sweet words, and to hear when he’s in pain because I’m in pain – it shows the utmost love and support. And my sister’s soothing and thoughtful actions, I’ve never known a woman to care so much for her loved ones, to the point that she’ll go to any length to ensure her sister’s comfort. I’m blessed to be a member of my family, where the love runs as rich as I’ve known, and to know that there’s really nothing that can divide us.

I’m thrilled that I get to spend a few days with all of them. Growing up with them has been a treat, and who knew it could get sweeter as I go further into adulthood.

In just over a week my Big sister is going to be married. I will be the sole female in the family bearing the surname Lord. I will wear the name with pride! Not that I hadn’t before. The great thing was, in the end, that I was completely uncertain if she was going to change her name or not.  She’s been engaged for some time, and it was only a couple of weeks ago that it occurred to me that I should ask her if she was going to stay a Lord like me, or cross over the line. In the oh-so-formal way of communication, I texted her to ask if she was keeping her name. To be honest, I thought she would. It’s only the precedent set by my mother. I guess as logic follows, if she was following precedent, I wouldn’t have a wedding to go – as our parents eloped.  

I guess I could see it either way. It feels like there’s a bit of solidarity that will be lost, but I guess gaining a couple new family members, in the end, is well worth it. My sister will always be my sister. And really, I never actually use her last name unless I’m sending her a piece of mail of some sort. Hell, I rarely use her first name… typically we use the general “sister”.  Now this ensures that if I were to ever get Alzheimer’s – I would likely have less of a problem and wouldn’t need to worry about hurting her feelings. 

So, that’s that. In two weeks, I’ll be the one and only Miss Lord (yes, there are others, and yes, I have one aunt, but let me mourn the falling of a great name). This change in her life is nothing short of fantastic. I’m more than excited to see this happen for her – so I certainly revere this change. She has bigger and better things to go on to, I guess I get that. I won’t put up a fight, but apparently it warrants a post…