"It's as if a great bird lives inside the stone of our days and since no sculptor can free it, it has to wait for the elements to wear us down, till it is free to fly." Mark Nepo

Monday, December 28, 2009

Brotherly Love, Part One


We had almost everything we needed for the first annual Lyons Family Christmas Turling Tournament: the slip & slide, a frozen turkey, a broom of sorts. The competitors were in full gear and ready to roar. Two family members and their partners were missing, and the shadows of their choice stood in quiet contrast to the bright light joy of the day.

This event was organized by my youngest brother's daughter, who clearly has too much time on her hands. Trash talk had been traded via e-mail for days as we practiced getting into character. Characters assigned to us by my twenty-something architect NYC-living niece: Mad Mabel (mine), Walt R. Brawn-kite, Geoff Goldbroom, Mark The Grim Sweeper, the Lynncinerator, and Steezy Nicks.

As we laughed, flung the turkey, and tried not to hurt fifty-year-old bodies being driven by wild children, I marveled at how far we've come as siblings. And I grieved for the one choosing not to join us for this celebration.

I am an oldest child. The only sister to three brothers (actually six brothers, but that's another story for another day). As is the case for many adult siblings, especially, I think, in families where healthy love was not demonstrated let alone taught, ours is a complicated relationship.

Often over the years our differences have separated us - water in crevasses frozen and shattering seemingly indestructible stone. We remembered the one thing we had in common, our childhood, with such wild diversity a stranger hearing our stories would not believe we were related. At times it seemed to me that we would never be able to find a way to express our love for each other in a way that could be received as love.

That we love each other has never been in doubt. Regardless of the fact that in the past that love was often expressed as judgement, criticism and anger. I've been the guiltiest. As big sister I took my role seriously and believed it both my right and duty to share my wisdom and truth, whether my baby brothers wanted it or not.

Growing up, one of us was always a favorite and one always the pariah, with the other two somewhere on the continuum between. Depending on our mom's mood, and our behavior, the roles shifted - much like tectonic plates. So it should be no surprise that in adulthood, almost always one of us stands outside the group.

Even when the group stands with arms open and welcoming.

Right now it's our oldest brother, the charming brilliant family hero, who is unable to reach beyond righteous calcified anger aimed at our youngest brother, to take the hands holding an opening in the circle for him. He actually spent Christmas in Palm Springs alone with his wife, a last minute trip chosen against the invitation to this gathering. This brother who loves the holidays and family and traditions at least as much as the rest of us chose the most un-Christmas possible so he could cling to a ghostly victimhood.

He neither called nor answered his phone, so great was the distance. Yet his need to still be a part of things exerted itself in money and a magnum of champagne sent with our middle brother.

So he was missed, but his absence did nothing to dampen the joy and fun that flowed (or turled) through our time together. Arms remain extended, the circle open, the love of healing adults wanting relationship more than revenge or righteous indignation waiting patiently to be received. Our faith strong enough to hold the belief that this family pattern can and will be broken.


From left to right: Nicky (the organizer), Geoff (baby brother), his wife Lynn, Mark (middle brother), Mad Mabel holding Festus, my husband Walt

15 comments:

Carrie Wilson Link said...

First I laughed: "This event was organized by my youngest brother's daughter, who clearly has too much time on her hands."

Then I cried: "Arms remain extended, the circle open, the love of healing adults wanting relationship more than revenge or righteous indignation waiting patiently to be received. Our faith strong enough to hold the belief that this family pattern can and will be broken."

love.

Wanda said...

Ditto Carrie. Love.

Anonymous said...

Deb, what a lovely family you have there. Turl, how interesting and sounds like a lot of fun.

Wise words chosen, Deb.
hugs
x0

Amber said...

Well, you all look happy here, and that is wonderful...Healing CAN happen.

Our Christmas was also missing a brother, who has run to the other side of the country in order to escape his feelings about our family. (our mother). We missed him. And I pray for him to find his peace, and realize there is more to embrace than run from, these days.

I send a prayer for your family, too. There is always next year...

;) ox

Yolanda said...

This looks so much fun. It made me laugh.

Deb said...

There always seems to be some sadness mingled with the joys of the holidays. Looks like you had a great time turling!!

Yolanda said...

Deb,
I live in McMinnville about an hour from portland and the coast.

Anonymous said...

Complicated, but I pray God will answer your prayers!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Sounds like a normal family to me.

You look hot, Mad Mabel! Looks like much fun. Hope you will all be together next time.

Happy New Year to you. So glad the Catbird Scout enriched my life this year. On to the next.

Anonymous said...

You are all on the right path. Your one brother will come around, hopefully soon. He is missing so much!!
BTW- I can't get the image of you hurling a turkey out of my head! You must show more pictures!

tricia said...

You wear this MAD Mabel role alittle too well. =)

Love this story and knowing that you had a great time with family.

Yes, the other brother will come through, I agree.

JOY said...

What an absolute riot - turling a turkey! Now I'd say that's a family who plays together - at least the ones who throw their brooms in - LOL!

Beautifully written, I've enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to more in the new year!
xx

Jerri said...

Can we talk about how you glow? You are simply beautiful, dear friend.

Your writing is equally beautiful. And I think turling should be an annual event. Perhaps eventually, the open circle will be more inviting than righteous indignation.

Love.

kario said...

Thanks to this, I know there is hope for me and my siblings some day.

Love.

Deb Cushman said...

You look so happy as Mad Mabel. Hmmmm. Maybe a little too happy!
Deb