Friends and Family - Guest Column

December 1, 2019

As each generation becomes increasingly transient, we often find ourselves further removed from our families than we would like. Technology has made it less painful, but will never replace the comfort of knowing your parents, or siblings, are only a few minutes away. Obviously, I'm an exception, with my folks a mile away, two brothers in town, and the third in Saratoga. However, for Jennifer, who grew up in a world where her aunts, uncles, and cousins were a fixture in her life (her father had 5 siblings who all live in the same town) coming to Bennington was certainly an adjustment. She's not alone. Few of our friends grew up in Bennington and, for most, their families are a significant distance away. And typically, families are smaller today than they've ever been with couples having fewer children (again, I'm the exception here, too)… What is beautiful though, this dynamic has caused the definition of family to evolve expansively over the years.

As the girls grow up (Nieve's 10!) I find life only goes faster, and I rarely stop for introspective reflection. However, as we are wont to do this time of year, I found myself counting my blessings while hustling around the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving dinner and realized how my personal definition of family has evolved. I am blessed to live four houses away from one of my best friends (they have two kids the same age as ours), a half mile away from another (three similarly aged children), and another's moving in around the block (three more kids). How lucky am I?! These are folks who play a role no different in our lives than Jennifer's aunts and uncles growing up. They are there for us in a pinch (I would never hesitate to call in a last second favor), they look over our children as they would their own, and they love us despite our shortcomings and insecurities. What's more, we've developed relationships with their own parents, siblings, etc. over the years and the family ties only grow stronger. We are a part of their family and they are a part of ours.

And, this isn't to forget all of the other incredible people who have become fixtures in our life, both through the community and work. Everyday our family grows and we make memories together. The love that is shared with us is overwhelming and is one of the greatest benefits of living in a small town like Bennington. I wouldn't trade our community for anything.

This Thanksgiving I'm truly thankful for my friends and family.

Author: Brian McKenna
Sally Sugarman (Club Member & Windmill Editor)