08/04/2026
Grief is spatially bound(less).
My brother and I were both born and raised in Alexandria, VA. But almost every summer of our youth, plus some holidays, funerals, and other special occasions -- like the family reunion, we were packed in the backseat -- between my dad's crafts and gifts for a 6 hour ride down the road to 'Carolina. We went to New Bern, my dad's hometown and made memories with our family -- but always together.
After Greg passed, I couldn't fathom going back to NC, where it was always Reka + Greg. I missed all the family reunions since his passing, I even missed Kisha's wedding. I couldn't go it. Grief and all its waves were waiting for me. But this year, I told grief, come on, get in -- cuz we are going. I was happy I could bring my security blanket (Babe) with me. There was a bit of comfort built in when Daddy, Mommy, Babe and me traveled down the road for the Tripp Family Reunion.
Y'all -- they lit a candle for family that we had lost during the family banquet, and Lord knows I thought that moment would take me out. But they didn't call names, just had a moment of silence, so I was able to keep my composure. But more than grief -- which after 5 years I am learning to live around and within it, it was LOVE that resonates with me from this weekend. Seeing my cousins, the ones that we road the kiddie four-wheelers down the street in, and meeting new ones, was all love. Spending time with my aunties who had watched me grow up, and all the older cousins who you don't even know where they fall on the family tree, but have always greeted you with a smile and a hug, welcoming the younger cousins in, because they are now old enough to be on the back porch, and seeing some of my cousins kids grow up -- was heartwarming and soul-filling. I can't wait until the next one -- which will be planned by the youngins' and apparently we going to the club! lol.
Grateful.
