As overwhelming as this weekend was with half thought out hastily made plans, my heart was made glad by the genuine welcome of family. From cousins who grabbed me, zipped me around, and showed me all my unspoken desires, to my aunt who's familiar face, a reflection my moms, who didn't seem to mind me clinging to her or looking to her for guidance as she introduced me around, to people who opened their hearts and homes and arms and hands to me, whose kindness even in the middle of their grief eased the angst in my own heart. Peace-filled healing conversations with uncle's and aunts that looked out for me when I could have just been left out. I saw love reflected in their hearts and faces and words and hugs. Family. Beautiful people, grieving people, giving people, family people. Love freely given, love freely reciprocated.

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