Family [Archive] - The Ledge

skcin

07-19-2006, 03:52 PM

You can give as much or as little info as you'd like. Or you can ignore my thread like most people do.

Grandparents: All deceased. Lost the last one when I was 14. (Interesting to me is that husband had all 4 grandparents living until he was 30. His greatgrandmother didn't die until he was 25.)

Parents: Both alive, married 40 years despite their dislike for eachother for at least the latter half of those years. Ah, true love. :D

Siblings: One brother, 2 years younger than I. One (half)brother, 15 years older.

Kids: None, so here's where my pets come in. 8 year old Boxer, 5 year old siamese mix cat, 5 months old stray cat.

Nieces/nephews: 1 nephew from my younger brother, he'll turn 1 this September. My older brother has 2 kids, my niece turned 23 yesterday & my nephew will be 20.

Closeness: I'd say I'm close with all of my fam. I live 5 miles away from my parents, we see them about once a week. My younger brother is out of state but moving back soon, we hope. That's been hard, not having him & his wife & the new baby nearby. Older brother is in Bulgaria with his family, last saw them 8 years ago, but keeping in touch is easy with email. Not as hard as it used to be, that's for sure.

strandinthewind

07-19-2006, 04:07 PM

My father's mother is the only living grandparent and at like 96, she is to fukcing men to die :eek:

My mother turns 80 next week and my dad is 72 - quelle scandal :laugh:

I have one brother (41) and he has four kids 21 and 19 (his wife's froma previous marriage) and 4 and 2 (theirs).

I also have two beautimous Scotties which my mother refers to as my "illegitimate black children" :eek:

I have a string of ex's who either pay alimony or are dead, likely as a result of not paying alimony.

skcin

07-19-2006, 04:09 PM

I guess I should mention I'm married. :o Been together 12 years, married almost 2.

amber

07-19-2006, 04:12 PM

No, thanks, none for me. I couldn't possibly, I'm full.

SuzeQuze

07-19-2006, 04:20 PM

Grandparents: All alive except my father's father who died way before I was born. He drowned when my dad was 12. :(

Parents: Both alive, they were married for 27 years-ish and have been apart for like 6.

Siblings: One brother 3 years younger. He is moving in with his GF 8/1 who has a 3 year old and I adore both of them! Oh yeah, he's okay too. ;)

Kids: None that I know of ;). My cat, Mufasa, is now 3.

Nieces/nephews: I almost have a step niece who happens to look alot like I did when I was little! According to Mom she acts like me too.

Closeness: I'm closer with my family than I ever was. We weren't close when I was in my teens/early 20s because they didn't get me (nor me them). Plus my brother was a jerk but he has grown up a lot and the sweet kid he once was is coming through again. Which is probably how he attracted who I hope will be his life partner! I adore her.

My mother getting cancer brought us closer too. She made me and my brother write her a note of forgiveness for her 50th birthday. I resented it but it actually made our relationship grow a lot. She carries so much guilt! Also just the wakeup call that she is not going to be here forever, the reality of how much I would miss her, really sunk in.

Anyway, that's enough or I'm going to step into "overshare" territory. Okay, I'm already there!

strandinthewind

07-19-2006, 04:30 PM

I guess I should mention I'm married. :o Been together 12 years, married almost 2.

and, unlike your others, he's straight :eek:

amber

07-19-2006, 04:43 PM

But seriously.

My mom and dad got married when I was 15, are still together.

Me only child *does tiny spoiled girl dance in my chair*

Mom's side - Grandma, Great Aunt, Regular Aunt, Uncle. Oh, and second cousin I never see.

Cousins - My aunt has 2 kids(16 &15), my uncle has one. (16)

Dad's side - Grandpa, Uncle, Great Uncle, and millions of various cousins I don't really know.

I never really visited my dad's family growing up, so I don't know them well. My grandpa is cool, and can still kick our asses at tennis.

My mom divorced her mom and brother and sister, and never sees them. So, I don't really see them either, even though I grew up very close to them. I've seen them a few times, but we used to all gather on the holidays, which now we don't do.

I will never have neices or nephews, for the obvious reason that I have no brothers or sisters.
I don't see my parents that much, but we're pretty close. Because we're all the same, really. Hahaha. Though when I was young I was closer with my dad and hated my mom, now my mom is nice so I'm a bit closer with her.

jannieC

07-19-2006, 04:45 PM

Grandparents- All dead by the time I was nine. Isn't that sad? I never got to be doted on. :(

Parents- Dad died at age 54 when I was 17. Very traumatic and life changing.

Siblings- One older sister (42 :eek: sorry, that freaks me out), one younger brother (36).

Closeness- Very close with my mother- this closeness happened when I was in my mid to late twenties. She lives in a separate apartment in the basement of our house. Relatively (heh) close with my sister. She lives in NY with her husband and three kids. I adore my nieces (14 year old twins) and nephew (6 years old) but never get to see them. I haven't spoken to my brother in about 5 years- don't ask. Last I was told, he lives in Florida.

Married for 5 years but have been with my husband for eleven years. I have a twelve year old step-son who lives primarily with us. I'm abnormally close with my step-son's mother (and believe me, we didn't start out that way). So close that we're thinking about taking it to Oprah and/or Dr. Phil and capitalizing on it. (If anyone is interested in that, I'll be happy to expound). :p

I was married once before VERY briefly but have a 19 year old "step-daughter" that I keep in contact with via the internet. That's all from me!

bretonbanquet

07-19-2006, 04:55 PM

Small family:

One Grandparent - Grandmother on Mum's side (79) - the other three are long gone (1976, 1986, 1996 :shocked: - I am hoping 2006 passes without completing the quartet :( )

Mum (58) and Dad (60) called it quits many years ago, and never speak to each other.

Brother (37) lives in London with girlfriend and her son - I think my brother is splitting fairly soon.

One aunt (55), but no uncles, cousins, nieces or nephews - makes Christmas dead easy.

No kids, no wife, no girlfriend, (no pets :( ) Does my car count?

God, doesn't that make my family sound like a jolly bunch of people? We are all fairly content with life, if that matters, which surely it does :nod:

DrummerDeanna

07-19-2006, 05:24 PM

What an interesting idea!

Grandparents: On dad's side: I remember not liking them much when I was a kid. My grandmother (Cuca, pronounced KOO-CAH) began to resemble Nosforatu as she aged, but she did keep a big vat of lard and bacon grease by her stove - she cooked everything in it. My grandfather never washed and I can still remember the way he smelled. They also never cleaned their bathroom - and I do remember that everytime..EVERYTIME I went in there, there was at least one roach in the bathtub. Their house was ancient and had no foundation, years ago it was raised to build one and it turns out the house was on the verge of collapse due to thousands of bug and rat tunnels under it. Oh - and I used to call them by my other grandparent's names.

On my mom's side: I ADORED my grandma as a kid..she was the funnest grandma ever. I used to refer to my grandpa as boring - but enjoyed him as well. He used to pretty much sit around and watch tv - but we had fun sitting in his chair and waiting for him to yell, "GET OUT OF MY CHAIR MEATHEAD!"

Now -they're getting old and the health is failing and my grandma tries my patience very much - but I love them both and they were a big factor in my moving closer to NM.

My mom: No comment - you could write a book though.

My dad: Convicted pedophile, luckily left when I was 7 - but was in prison when I was 3-5...I haven't spoken to him in years. The last I heard he's living in Phoenix and runs drugs between there and New Mexico. Oh - and I did hear that years ago he saw my sister and I at a Big Lots and followed us around..that CREEPED me out.

I've got many aunts and uncles - the only family I truly consider though are on my mom's side.

Closeness My whole extended family used to be close -but now (after my uncle sunk my grandpa's business and got it involved in shady dealings - thus rendering my grandparent bankrupt and pretty much homeless) there are no more big gatherings and everyone is mad at everyone else.

I stick to my mom and my sister/bro-in-law/nephew :D

chiliD

07-19-2006, 05:39 PM

Disclaimer: I'm adopted...all biological relatives are "unknown".

GRANDPARENTS: all deceased, have been for some time. The youngest of the four would be about 115-120 years old about now.

PARENTS: Both alive & kickin' in their mid-70s...actually, they're probably in better shape & health than I am.

AUNTS/UNCLES:
Paternal: Dad was 2nd youngest of 7...just he and his immediate older brother (and his wife) are still alive. The widow of his younger brother is still alive and has remarried, but remains close. There's been a run on funerals on this side of the family in the last few years.

Maternal: Mom was youngest of 8 (and was the only surviving twin at birth)...has two brothers still alive. One of my mom's sisters-in-law is still living.

COUSINS:
Paternal: 11 cousins, 10 still alive...lost my cousin Paul a few years ago. Some have spouses & kids, but I've lost track of who & how many. Despite being strewn around the country, my dad's side of the family has been VERY close and the FIRST cousins have kept in touch quite a bit...but, when it comes to the 2nd cousins, the family tree, for me, has gotten a bit hazy.

Maternal: who knows...sadly, I have never been really close to and haven't really kept in touch with my first cousins on my mom's side. (with the invention of email, that's changing) And, I'm totally in the dark as to the identities or whereabouts of the second cousins on this side of the family tree.

SIBLINGS: none...I'm an only child (see disclaimer. I there's a strong possibility that I have biological siblings, but they're totally unbeknownst to me)

CHILDREN: None. But, I have a stepdaughter & stepson-in-law (grandkid on the way!!). My "boy" Rudy (the rottweiler in my avatar) passed away 4+ years ago...what would've been his 12th birthday was this past Saturday (the 15th)

NIECES/NEPHEWS: Obviously, none. But, my parents are the God-parents of the daughter of long-time friends of the family (who have kind of taken on "sister" & "brother-in-law" roles, of sorts). So, in a way, she's kind of taking on the "niece" role of that weird family dynamic; the biological grandparents on both sides of their family aren't local; so, my parents have taken on the role of "grandparents". It's weird. :laugh:

IN-LAWS: Father-in-law passed away 5+ years ago, Mother-in-law still kickin' and active. 1 human sister-in-law (and her husband)...no kids, but a chocolate lab puppy (well, now "teenager")...their previous dog passed away suddenly last summer (apologies to Martha Davis). One 9-yr old canine sister-in-law (a Beagle) who has moved in with us a year and a half ago, due to my mother-in-law not being able to continue taking care of her because of a household accident. My wife's family is VERY close, in heart, since they're unfortunately not all that close in proximity.

jannieC

07-19-2006, 05:40 PM

My dad: Convicted pedophile, luckily left when I was 7 - but was in prison when I was 3-5...I haven't spoken to him in years. The last I heard he's living in Phoenix and runs drugs between there and New Mexico. Oh - and I did hear that years ago he saw my sister and I at a Big Lots and followed us around..that CREEPED me out.
Deanna- that's so sad, but you have really rised above all that- which is amazing and wonderful!

I've got many aunts and uncles - the only family I truly consider though are on my mom's side.
I forgot to mention in my earlier post; my parents were both only children so I have ZERO aunts, uncles, or cousins. :distress:

amber

07-19-2006, 05:46 PM

DrummerDeanna

07-19-2006, 05:55 PM

Deanna- that's so sad, but you have really rised above all that- which is amazing and wonderful!

Yeah - I was too young, and thankfully wasn't abused myself - but my sister and I both look at who we're related to and wonder how we ever turned out well-adjusted and normal - the only thing we can think of is "education is the key" heh.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post; my parents were both only children so I have ZERO aunts, uncles, or cousins. :distress:

You can have mine...I will send you their information ;) Hope you like motorcyles, cheap beer and pot!

bretonbanquet

07-19-2006, 06:00 PM

It's sounds fine to me. You know what pisses me off? The joyous sounds of laughter and shouting from small children. One child is okay. After that, the decibels are too much.

Oh God, I couldn't agree more. Joy should be withheld from children who insist on celebrating it in a noisy fashion. No wait, I sound like Hitler or something. Scratch that. Maybe there should just be a two-minute warning for people like us when noisy children and joy are brought together. There, now I just sound like Goebbels.

amber

07-19-2006, 06:05 PM

Oh God, I couldn't agree more. Joy should be withheld from children who insist on celebrating it in a noisy fashion. No wait, I sound like Hitler or something. Scratch that. Maybe there should just be a two-minute warning for people like us when noisy children and joy are brought together. There, now I just sound like Goebbels.

Children will always laugh and scream. If you can't get away, you just have to make sure you look irritated. If you know the children, but they're not yours, you can glare at them and go "sssshhhhh!".
What I did, when with my friends kids, was clap my hands over my ears and go "OW! OW! MY EARS ARE BLEEDING!" :)

bretonbanquet

07-19-2006, 06:13 PM

Children will always laugh and scream. If you can't get away, you just have to make sure you look irritated. If you know the children, but they're not yours, you can glare at them and go "sssshhhhh!".
What I did, when with my friends kids, was clap my hands over my ears and go "OW! OW! MY EARS ARE BLEEDING!" :)

Armed with this useful information, I can face rowdy children with renewed confidence - maybe you should be a teacher or something, you sound perfect with kids :woohoo:

ragandbone

07-19-2006, 06:21 PM

[I] If you can't get away, you just have to make sure you look irritated. If you know them, but they're not yours, you can glare at them and go "sssshhhhh!".
What I did, when with my friends kids, was clap my hands over my ears and go "OW! OW! MY EARS ARE BLEEDING!" :)
I am going to try this when stuck in a store with some ass on a cell phone, or when surrounded by drunk adults watching sports.

I actually like the sound of kids laughing and having fun, but 1 child (please no more than one) whining is the sound that makes my nerves jump out of my body.

My family list is next.

amber

07-19-2006, 06:32 PM

Armed with this useful information, I can face rowdy children with renewed confidence - maybe you should be a teacher or something, you sound perfect with kids :woohoo:

:laugh:

Indeed. :cool:

Whining is the worst, yes.

ragandbone

07-19-2006, 06:42 PM

Spouse: We have been together 12 years and married 4 years.

Child: My son is a wild, bright being, and worth the work. I hope he says the same for me later on.

Grandparents: All gone

Parents: My mother is alive, retired from almost 40 years of teaching school, and living in her house not too far from the beach. We talk a couple of times a week, and visit every other month. We drive each other nuts, but we are very close; I wish she had another child, to take some of the pressure off of me, though.
My dad died when I was 25. I had only seen him once in 11 years. He and my mother split up yearly when I was growing up, and then finally when I was 12. He never really got it together, and had problems with violence, depression, and alcoholism. he had several other kids. That's next.

Siblings: From my father, the rambler, I have two half sisters, but I have only met one of them. I didn't know they existed until I was ten, and they didn't know I existed until about 13 years ago. I had one half brother, but he died a couple of years ago in a drunk-driving accident. He took after his father.

Aunts,Uncles, Cousins: My father's side of the family does not wish to have any contact with me. There are 5 Uncles and Aunts, and many cousins. I will probably never meet them. Yes, this bothers me.
On my mother's side, I have an amazing Aunt, and Uncle, and two great cousins. We used to spend Summers with them, and they are the closest I ever had to siblings. My mother has a brother (another Uncle) but I have only met him twice, and his children only once.

Nieces and Nephews: I have my half-brother's son and daughter, thought I have only met the daughter. I am also in contact with my oldest half-sisters daughter, who is a niece only a few years younger than I. There are some really great nephews and nieces on my husband's side of the family.

In-Laws: My long-term boyfriends have mostly been from stable and very large families, and my husband's family is large, stable, and devoted. The regular visits and events have become a little tiresome since we had our son, but I think it is great for him to get to hang with his cousins and grandparents.

goldie

07-19-2006, 07:15 PM

Grandparents: All 4 of my grandparents were living up until I was 29. I am almost 34 now and I have 2 left. My mom's parents.

Parents: Both alive, married 38 years.

Siblings: One brother, 5 years younger than me.

Kids: None.

Married .... I've known my husband for 10 years and we've been married for 6.5 years.

Pets: 1 dog, a chocolate dachshund. (aka wiener dog)

Nieces/nephews: none .... on either my side or my husband's side.

Closeness: Quite!

jannieC

07-19-2006, 07:31 PM

Spouse: We drive each other nuts, but we are very close; I wish she had another child, to take some of the pressure off of me, though.
Gah, I totally relate to this. I'm not an only child, but in some ways I might as well be and I do feel a lot of pressure.

sara1998

07-19-2006, 07:37 PM

I'm an only child. Therefore, I have no siblings, nieces or nephews.

Grandparents: I lost my dad's mom when I was 16, his dad when I was 22. We lost my mom's dad (papa) just last year. I was closest to him. I was his sugar, and he always told me "Your beautiful, baby. You know that? Give me some sugar..." God I miss that man. We lost my mom's mom earlier this year. I loved her, but she was the one who shoved religion down my throat. She blamed me for my husband's death. She always sided with the men. And my very favorite grandma, who was married to my Papa for over 30 years. Step grandma, but we are very close. She loves rock and roll and going to the movies. She and I went to see The Devil Wears Prada last weekend, and to dinner. We had a blast. I love to hang out with my grandma!

Parents: Still married. Will be 30 years this year. I'm pretty close with both of them. They are two completly different creatures. He's an old grump, and she is the definition of blonde. I've got both of their personalities. I call them every day. If I didn't, my dad would hunt me down and tell me " I thought ya coulda been dead..." We all work separate shifts, which is kind of a blessing. They can grate on my nerves...

I have my daughter, Sara. I'm sure you all know about her. She is 7 now, and almost as tall as me. Which isn't saying much. I lost my husband, Sara's father just over 3 years ago. We were together for 5 years, married for 2 1/2. I miss him still.

Aunts/Uncles: My mom has an older brother who lives in Florida, and is currently serving 1 year for DUI. He's a looser, but I still love him. She has an younger half brother, who lives here. He's a lot of fun. We go out together a lot to the bars. We rented a stretch Hummer a couple of weekends ago, and got trashed! My dad has an older brother who we don't speak with because he's an ass. He also has an older sister, who would be my favorite aunt. My folks didn't have a lot of money when I was a kid, so everytime she would travel, I would go with them.

Cousins: The same favorite aunt has my favorite cousin. He was like my brother growing up. We still talk every couple of months. We are currently making travel plans to Colorado next year. He's also the one who fixes my computer when it takes a ****! My mom's younger brother, the one I drink with, has my 14 year old cousin. He's a good kid, but a bit of a smartass. Wonder where he gets it from.

The rest of my very distant family live in Tennessee. I don't know them well, except for my mom's mom's twin. Yes, the very religious grandma has a twin. She's rich and somewhat snooty, so we don't jive well.

That's about it.

GODDESS6

07-19-2006, 08:23 PM

i have 1 grandfather left, i was lucky tho to have all 4 till i was an adult~

parents: mother & step-mother alive & well, father deceased~

3 brothers ages 33, 23 & 21~

4 neices & nephews~

married, & 1 son~

1 dog, 1 cat & tons of fish~

markolas

07-19-2006, 08:39 PM

Oh, I love this thread! :D

Grandparents: All alive except for my mother's father, who died when I was 14. He drank like a fish up until the end (he died of cirrhosis). He and my grandmother divorced when my mom was about 8, and I only met him twice in my whole life until I was 12, when he moved back to our town.

My mother's mother is now in a nursing home suffering from dementia; also an alcoholic and prescription pill popper...I lost all respect for her when I was about 10.

My father's parents are both in their 80s; I actually like them. :) My dad's mom had a stroke 10 years ago and is confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak.

Parents: Parents are still married to each other, despite separating a couple of times when I was in high school. My mother is very emotionally manipulative, and feeds on drama; my dad is just kind of "there."

Siblings: One half brother (8 years older), my mother's from a previous marriage, though my dad legally adopted him; one younger brother (2 years younger). Older brother is an ultra-conservative Southern Baptist minister that I try to not to have much to do with (for obvious reasons); younger brother is a total slacker who still lives with our parents at 25 and only in the last couple of years has started working.

Aunts, Uncles, Cousins: My mother has one sister and my dad has one brother. My mother's sister is retarded, although nobody will say it. They blame it on the fact that she was hit by a car when she was 4 years old. She has been married twice, and had a baby who died as an infant. My dad's brother and his wife were married for 12 years before they had any children; they now have two daughters, but they're 11 and 7, so I didn't have any cousins when I was growing up.

Neices, Nephews: My older brother and his wife have three children - a 12 year old daughter, an 8 year old son, and a 1 year old daughter.

Closeness: I'm not close to any of my relatives. I moved away about 5 years ago and have been slowly working on diminishing contact. I haven't seen any of them in a year, and haven't talked to them in a couple of months. I've never told them that I'm gay, but I can't imagine they don't suspect, even though they (especially my mother) live in denial and would never bring the subject up themselves. They would not react well at all if I told them.

ryan8472

07-20-2006, 07:11 AM

Grandparents: All are dead except my paternal grandmother. And she's crazier than a rabies infected ****house rat. :laugh: Not because she has alzheimers or anything, just because she's crazy and psychotic. I've talked to her twice in 2 years because she hates our family. :eek: :laugh:

Parents: I have both of my parents. And they're still married, unlike all of their friends.

Siblings: I have one younger sister (Bridget) who is 15 and takes up all of our lives. :laugh: I also have a half sister (Amy) who is 25 and I haven't talked to her in close to 3 years.

Kids: Ha! I don't think that one will be happening any time soon. :laugh:

Nieces/nephews: None, unless my half sister had a kid in the time I havent talked to her. But I think she would have told us about that one. :p

Closeness: I guess I'm pretty close with my parents and sister, but thats it. I dont talk to the rest of em!

skcin

07-20-2006, 10:14 AM

My grandmother (Cuca, pronounced KOO-CAH) began to resemble Nosforatu as she aged, but she did keep a big vat of lard and bacon grease by her stove...

That just made me lol. :nod:

My mother's sister is retarded, although nobody will say it. They blame it on the fact that she was hit by a car when she was 4 years old. She has been married twice, and had a baby who died as an infant ...
...I've never told them that I'm gay, but I can't imagine they don't suspect, even though they (especially my mother) live in denial and would never bring the subject up themselves. They would not react well at all if I told them.

That's sad about your aunt. Hey, maybe if you come out, they can just pretend you're straight like they pretend your aunt isn't retarded. :o

mikeschmike

07-20-2006, 10:47 AM

Grandparents- I had five at one time, including my step grandma. She passed away two years ago, although I hadn't seen her in a long time before that. My blood Grandparents are all still alive. My maternal grandparents are polar opposites to my paternal grandparents. Mom's folks are upbeat, still in love after 55 years of marriage, and equally proud of all of their grandchildren. Dad's parents bicker constantly, play favorites, and get on everybody's nerves.

Parents- Divorced when I was five, so I don't really have too many memories of them being together. They're both great people. Mom remarried and was with my stepdad for about 15 years, until they divorced in 2002. She's been happily single ever since. My real dad never remarried, having lost the love of his life, but dates occasionally.

Siblings- one sister, 25. She and I have gone through a lot together with moving several times throughout our childhood, and watching our parents battle drug and alcohol addictions. We would fight constantly as children, but as adults we have learned to put up with each other for extended periods of time. Quite the accomplishment IMO :laugh:

Kids- noooooooooooooooooooo. None for me, thanks. Not ever. I'll be a great uncle, but having children of my own has never appealed to me.

Aunts, Uncles, Cousins- Way too many to list here. Between my mom and dad's family there are so many cousins and everyone. On top of that, we're pretty close so second and third cousins are all included in family events.

Pets- One big ol' yellow cat, named Anthony. Sometimes referred to as "fat tony", or "God damn it, get out of the garbage!"

Closeness- I'd say through it all we've remained close. We've all distanced ourselves at one time or another, but we've matured a lot and we get along very well for the most part.

estranged4life

07-20-2006, 11:09 AM

Myself-Married since May 24,1993 to Debbie-Been together since June 1991

Parents: Deceased
Father-Oct.22,1977 (Auto accident)
Mother-March 21,2005 (Medical incompetence, Or what I like to term as medically murdered)

Grandparents: Deceased
Paternal Grandfather: Nov.11,1977 (Broken heart/cancer)
Paternal Grandmother: May ??? (Not really sure of the date/year)

Maternal Grandfather: April 23,1977 (Massive heartattack-Gee, aint life grand when ya lose 3 important Father figures within a 7 month span??)
Maternal Grandmother: June 1994 (Possibly stroke/possibly murdered??!!!)

Children: Unknown
Deb has no children...My ex-fiancee Christy once mailed me to say she was pregnant by me, But this was after-the-fact when her friends (ie-Dorm mates) have already told me she was, But she wouldnt tell me directly...By the time she mailed me I was already with Deb (A few years later). Do I believe Christy was pregnant? Kinda...

Siblings: Depends if any others show up out of the blue ala Jan/Feb 2005 (For the record 2005 SUCKED F**KING ASS!!! There, that felt better!)

Brothers:
Bill 42 (Half-brother)
Geary 39 (Only sibling who is a full blood relative)

Half-Sisters: (Who magically appearred in Jan/Feb 2005)
Christina 44
Lesa 43

Half-Sisters: My father's children, from a previous relationship, before he married my Mother
Teary 43
Robin-Would have been 42 his past Feb.14th (R.I.P.-Murdered in Missouri)

Yeah, I'm the runt/baby/brat/punk of the family at 36...Big effidy-deal!!! If some other unknown siblings come forward I wont be totally shocked!

Pets: Cats-Jr., Patches, Pip, Token, Harlen, Quilt-Pirate, Super Nugget/Kenny McNugget, Fred-Tread, Squeak, Bertha-Mae, Woodchuck. Gilligan, Missy-Gail

Fish-5 fan tailed goldfish (4 Moors 1 Calico), 1 generic goldfish, 2 large plectomus (sic)/suckerfishes

Closeness-Somewhat close to my sister Lesa, Very close with my brother Geary

WelshWitchPMD

07-20-2006, 08:50 PM

I am an only child too.

Grandparents: My maternal grandparents had passed away before my Mother and Father even met each other. My paternal Grandfather died when I was 5 months old. My paternal Grandmother died when I was 29.

Parents: Mom passed away on April 30, 1997 just about a week before my birthday. My Dad is still here and thankfully seems to be healthy. He will be 80 next week on the 28th.

My Mom had a sister who passed away when I was 5 and a brother who passed away when I was 6. She had another brother who was the oldest by 15 years and outlived all of them. He died about 5 years ago.
I have 2 cousins from that oldest brother and I never see them.

My Dad had a brother who drowned when he was 10 years old. He had another brother who was killed in WWII. He had a sister who was the youngest in the family who died 7 weeks to the day after my Mom had passed away. That was rough. I felt so bad for my Dad during that time.
He has another sister who is married and I have 4 cousins from them. I only see them on holidays and such but I have 4 second or is it third cousins from them. My oldest cousin had 2 boys and we were never very close to him and his wife or should I say ex-wife .:rolleyes:
The oldest of his boys graduated from college last year and I think that the younger one is in college.
The second oldest female cousin has 2 kids. One girl who I always remember at Xmas time and is now in college and a boy who I also remember at Xmas time and is now going to be 11.
My other 2 male cousins are single.

That is about it.

skcin

07-20-2006, 10:56 PM

I keep readin everyone's posts & they make me want to add things. This is turning out to be pretty interesting, actually.

My mom had a brother who died in infancy, around 3 weeks old - he was born after my aunt, before my mom. I think his name was Joseph?

My dad had a brother who died in infancy too - I think he was younger, but I'm not sure. His name was Stefan (Steven.)

Weird. :shocked:

My dad has 2 half sisters, I met one of them when I visited Bulgaria in '98. She wouldn't give us the other sister's phone #, apparently there's some dispute over land or money or something. :rolleyes:

My mom had 1 sister, my Aunt June. She died in 2003 at the age of 69 after battling kidney disease for about 15 years. She had a transplant around 1999 or so (my cousin's kidney) but eventually, that kidney failed too. My gram died at 69 too, so I'm holding my breath for my mom (she's 64 right now.) Aunt June's husband died about a year later, in his sleep. Also had kidney disease (again, how weird.)

I have some cousins in Bulgaria. Met several in '98, but don't keep in touch. On my mom's side, I have 5 cousins who are between 10 & 18 years older than I. Between then, they have 13 kids (but one of them has 8 of those kids :eek: ) I try to keep in touch, but it is hard.

amber

07-20-2006, 11:45 PM

Hey, that is interesting. I forgot my mom had a brother that died at birth - my grandma died for a minute during it - and only last year mom found out she had a sister who was adopted out, and she met her. The sister's life was way better, which sucks. :o :laugh: Also, the sister is blond, which is really, really, really, really weird. Total anomoly.

You have way too much family. In fact, most here do.

carrie721

07-21-2006, 12:25 AM

This is a really interesting thread! I've enjoyed reading about everyone's families.

I have one brother, Bryan, who's 18 and just left for the army last month. :(

Grandparents: I'm very lucky that my two maternal grandparents are still alive. they are relatively young, (I'm 22, and they're 69 and 71) so hopefully they will be around for quite a while. People in my family live a long time - my great-great aunt just died 2 years ago at the age of 104! :eek:

Parents: My biological parents are divorced, and my mother remarried 10 years ago (almost to the day). My dad is, uh, a creep (sorta like Deanna's dad, apparently), and I haven't seen him since I was 14. He kindly sent me and my brother a picture of him and his new family a few years back, tho ...

Kids: um, no. lol. I can see myself adopting in my late 30's or early 40's, though. I've got three dogs, and they're all I can handle right now :)

Closeness: I'm fairly close to all the relatives I mentioned, except for my dad.

SuzeQuze

07-21-2006, 09:11 AM

Okay, I'll add too.

Aunts and uncles: Mom has 2 brothers and a half sister and brother. In 1968 my grandmother up and left her family for another man. That was unheard of then and still today it is rare for a woman to leave her children. My mother was better off though because she was a real piece of work who favored boys, well, loathed girls even.

Dad has 5 sisters. They are all younger and one is a half sister. They were all raised by a single mom from 1965 on, after their dad drowned. Besides being clothed, housed, and fed they pretty much raised themselves from that point, sadly. My Nana just wasn't around much and let the kids run wild. Dad also had a sister die in infancy, I believe she was right after him and her name was Susan.

As far as grandparents go, my step-grandfather was my favorite. My grandmother's second husband, he taught us to water ski and was always smiling and warm. Wish I could say so much for her. They had 2 kids together that were 6 mos and 1 1/2 years older than me. So we grew up together. Even on the other side my Nana had one child 6 mos younger than me. So my grandparents had their own kids and felt no need to dote on me. My mom's dad did in his own way but he is a gruff man.

My step-grandfather was estranged from our family though because he and my grandmother wound up divorcing in 1990. It was so sad, and still is. He passed away a couple of years ago. I still dream about him all the time though, we're always skiing and boating. His girlfriend could never accept Marilyn's family. In the end she wound up fighting his kids for his house, which he explicitly told them was theirs. He didn't have a will though so it got messy. But he told all his friends his wishes too so in court the gold digger's arguments did not hold up. Michelle had too many witnesses to back her up so she got the house which is great because it's what he wanted. It's a great little house on a lake.

I love my family but there is a lot of pain there for sure.

SuzeQuze

07-21-2006, 09:13 AM

I'm an only child. Therefore, I have no siblings, nieces or nephews.

Grandparents: ... We lost my mom's mom earlier this year. I loved her, but she was the one who shoved religion down my throat. She blamed me for my husband's death. She always sided with the men. ...

My grandmother always sides with men too and probably would've done the same. What a witch! His death was in no way your fault. Damn.

sara1998

07-21-2006, 09:19 AM

My grandmother always sides with men too and probably would've done the same. What a witch! His death was in no way your fault. Damn.
She was something else. Favored both my uncles, and my little cousin, and my husband, and my dad..... but my mom and I were ****. That's ok. It's hard to look past. I didn't let Sara down there around her without me. And grandma knew I wouldn't take any crap off her. Thats another reason we didn't get along well. I think some of those women from that time were just brought up like that, to side with the men.

SuzeQuze

07-21-2006, 09:25 AM

She was something else. Favored both my uncles, and my little cousin, and my husband, and my dad..... but my mom and I were ****. That's ok. It's hard to look past. I didn't let Sara down there around her without me. And grandma knew I wouldn't take any crap off her. Thats another reason we didn't get along well. I think some of those women from that time were just brought up like that, to side with the men.

I thought we were the only ones so blessed. :rolleyes: My Mom was blamed for everything when she was little. And she was guilty of practically nothing. She was a very sweet girl. Then as an adult, even when my father was in his binge drinking days, grandma was on his side. My poor mother never got an ounce of support from that woman and neither have I.

You were smart to keep your daughter away from her that way. My aunt Michelle, the one who is 1 1/2 yrs older than me, did the same. This was good because once when Amanda was little I witnessed my grandmother dressing her or brushing her hair or something. She was like 3. My grandmother was so rough, it was so hateful.

sara1998

07-21-2006, 09:30 AM

I thought we were the only ones so blessed. :rolleyes: My Mom was blamed for everything when she was little. And she was guilty of practically nothing. She was a very sweet girl. Then as an adult, even when my father was in his binge drinking days, grandma was on his side. My poor mother never got an ounce of support from that woman and neither have I.

You were smart to keep your daughter away from her that way. My aunt Michelle, the one who is 1 1/2 yrs older than me, did the same. This was good because once when Amanda was little I witnessed my grandmother dressing her or brushing her hair or something. She was like 3. My grandmother was so rough, it was so hateful.

When my grandmother's second husband sexually abused my mom when she was a kid, my grandmother told my mom it was her fault for running around the house in a robe. She was a dispicable character. That story makes my blood boil. My mom could never do right in her eyes, and it hurt my mother deeply. That hurts me because my mother is a kind and gentle woman. It's things that her mother did that have somewhat messed her up as an adult. You can tell with me and my daughter, my mother was definately going to "break the chain" of that sort of behavior.

gldstwmn

07-21-2006, 09:34 AM

sara1998

07-21-2006, 09:36 AM

Well, yesterday I found out that my ex sister in law has been given 3-6 months to live after her melanoma spread to her intestines. She has two daughters and she herself is in her late 30's.
I guess this why I really don't talk much about family. It seems that the conversation inevitably turns to something bad. :sorry:
I'm sorry to hear that. You're right about the conversation eventually turning sour. It's been that way in my family for the past 4 years.... someone's either sick or going to die.

gldstwmn

07-21-2006, 09:43 AM

I'm sorry to hear that. You're right about the conversation eventually turning sour. It's been that way in my family for the past 4 years.... someone's either sick or going to die.

Thanks girl. I'm going to a family picnic this weekend (not my family but the ex in laws) and part of me just doesn't want to go.

estranged4life

07-21-2006, 09:50 AM

I'm sorry to hear that. You're right about the conversation eventually turning sour. It's been that way in my family for the past 4 years.... someone's either sick or going to die.

I can relate to that....Either sick or dying is my family too.

sara1998

07-21-2006, 09:56 AM

Thanks girl. I'm going to a family picnic this weekend (not my family but the ex in laws) and part of me just doesn't want to go.
Understandable. We had one of those just last month in Tennessee. I really didn't want to go because they just left a bad taste in my mouth. Plus, I can only handle so much gloom and doom.

I can relate to that....Either sick or dying is my family too.
Gets old, don't it?

SuzeQuze

07-21-2006, 10:01 AM

Thanks girl. I'm going to a family picnic this weekend (not my family but the ex in laws) and part of me just doesn't want to go.

You don't have to go if you don't want to. :xoxo: If it's going to make you feel bad don't go. Besides, I think you're coming down with something, right? ;)

estranged4life

07-21-2006, 10:04 AM

Gets old, don't it?

next funeral I plan to attend will be my own (Hehe, I'm being cremated :thumbsup: )...HATE funerals (Cannot get the image of my Mother laying in her casket out of my mind), especially open casket ones.

This year alone (Since April) I've lost my Uncle Doyle, Debbie just recently lost her Uncle Tom and my sister Chris lost her biological Father (Deb's Uncle and Chris' Father died the same week)....Fortunately (If ya can say that) noone died in the month of March.

gldstwmn

07-21-2006, 11:21 AM

You don't have to go if you don't want to. :xoxo: If it's going to make you feel bad don't go. Besides, I think you're coming down with something, right? ;)

My arm hurts. :laugh: ;)

SuzeQuze

07-21-2006, 12:23 PM

My arm hurts. :laugh: ;)

:lol: So you couldn't possibly drive!

Mad4stevie

07-21-2006, 05:54 PM

Grandparents: Mom's father died from alcoholism when I was 3 months old. Mom's mother languished for 10 years with "old-timers" before she finally passed. Dad's father died by massive stroke the weekend after his 75th birthday. And I didn't go to the birthday party because I had to "make my billable hours" at the law firm. Major life lesson. Dad's mother still alive and kickin' at 80.

Parents: Mom is 57 and Dad is 57. High school sweethearts. Married 35 years this July 30th. (*sticks finger down throat*). Still in love AND makin' whoopie at least three times a week (why does a parent EVER share this crap with you when you become an adult).

Siblings: Two sisters - Laura, age 29 and married. Jessica, age 25 and will always live at home because she is mentally disabled due to lack of oxygen at birth (doctor's fault, IMO).

Kids: None yet. The clock is tickin' . . . I would like at least two . . . so something better happen, and SOON.

Nieces/nephews: Two nieces, age 6 and 4. When I visit my sis and see what that is like, it is all the birth control I need for at least a month! Those two girls are high maintenance! :nod:

Married: No. Engaged once. I called it off one week before the big day, and have never regetted it. Ready to settle down/get married now . . . *cue Rose Garden* . . . Lots of ups and downs with current boyfriend because until December 2005, he was an unmedicated bipolar alcoholic. In recovery now, THANK GOD. I don't wish that living situation on my worst enemy. :distress:

Closeness: Eh. Parents and sisters still live in a small town and have never left. Tendency to put on "blinders" when it comes to LIFE. ;) Very religious and somewhat judgemental due to that influence. Sister went off script majorly when she got pregnant before she was married. I grew up feeling that I had to be perfect, so I have had lots of therapy to get myself straightened out, which sucked major ass.

Miss Vicky

07-21-2006, 09:18 PM

Grandparents: Only my paternal grandmother is still living. I see her about once or twice a year, usually around Christmas.

Parents: Have been married almost 30 years, but I think they've only lasted that long because they can go for days without speaking to each other even though they share the same house.

Siblings: One brother, 3 years older. He just bought a house in Washington state.

Kids: Of the human variety, none. (And hopefully there never will be.) Of the other kind I have two cats (Dunlop and Tiny Tim), a rat (Cy), two toads (Ernie and Esmerelda), and four fish (Joaquin, Dude, Dalton, and Spike). I plan to get a third toad soon.

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/pets9a.JPG

Nieces/nephews: None yet, though my brother has been with his girlfriend for a few years now and will probably marry her.

Closeness: Not very. Parents and I share the same house, but we don't really talk much. I keep in contact with my brother via the internet but rarely see him or talk on the phone. Extended family is a once a year thing at most.