I sit here looking at an empty page, trying to think of what to write, and realizing that I have not made a post in about a month. I’d like to say that things just got too busy, and that I neglected my blog writing for some epic adventure, or the next great idea, but I can’t. The fact is, I have been out enjoying the summer. Although I have done some reading, programmed a few apps, and created a couple of websites, I seem to be purposely leaving my plate empty these past few weeks so that I can get out and enjoy the weather, and the family cottage.
The cottage…my home away from home. I truly love it there. It is one of the most relaxing places I can imagine. Good people and good times…always.
This summer has been a bit different though. I’m sure in every family there are relatives who don’t get along, or who disagree. In my family however, it seems that lately most of the family is at odds with each other over who should take control of the family cottage when (god forbid) my grandmother passes away. One of my aunts feels that she is entitled to the cottage, another feels that it should remain a family cottage, and my mother just wants to be able to have her kids use it whenever they like, as it has always been.
This bickering between family members really makes me upset. Not only are they essentially fighting over a family property, but they are doing so while my grandmother is still alive and healthy. It makes me sick to my stomach to think that my grandfather is turning over in his grave right now, watching what his family is doing to each other. He was the type of man who did everything for his family. Every investment he made, every dollar he earned, went toward making his family life as good as it could be. He had a large spot in his enormous heart for children, his and yours. Although I’m sure I am biased, I really feel that he was one of the greatest men I have ever met, and is truly my hero. If I can become half the man he was, I would be blessed. That is what upsets me the most. I think that this kind of fighting is breaking his heart.
Where do I fall into this mess? As the oldest grandchild living in Ontario, I find myself in the middle of things, but in the worst of ways. I am expected to take on the responsibilities of a son/daughter when it comes to maintenance of the cottage (for which I need some serious guidance), but yet my opinions are less revered than the rest of the family when it comes to making decisions. I feel myself torn between two roles, and there is no one to guide me through each. My grandfather would know what do, but unfortunately he passed away almost three years ago.
If there was any way I could stop this back and forth of nonsense between relatives, I would do so in a heartbeat. They are my family, and I love them all.
What should I do? I really have no idea. I’m sure that I will be looking long and hard at my current roles, and make an effort to enjoy this summer at the family cottage as much as possible, as it could be my last. I certainly hope not, but I guess only time will tell.
Positive thinking is going to be the key through these tough times. Positive thinking, and laughter. I know that the cottage can deliver that.
