Forgetful Family
Michael with his Aunt Rose during a piano lesson.
I’ve shared before that my husband is from a large family. He is one of twelve children, of which only half are married. Our son Michael is one of 23 grandchildren. Family gatherings are a party with children everywhere, from infants to early adolescence.
When the news broket to the family that we’re having a girl, people were ecstatic for us. Charlie has close relationships with his sisters and they have always said that he’ll make a great father for his daughters. We shared the name Maeve with everyone and they all loved it. Then weeks went by without much news to disseminate to our relatives about the pregnancy. My belly was growing, but besides that, no news is good news.
Just last week we visited my in-laws. Charlie’s younger sisters and brother were there for the summer months. Rose, the youngest of twelve who is a sophomore in college, asked me what we are having, a boy or girl. I paused as I tried to read her face to see if she was joking.
She wasn’t. Rose forgot, despite the several conversations we had about our daughter Maeve. I played it off so as to not make her feel badly, but was in disbelief as I did so… I was perplexed.
Later that day, I found myself in the same situation with Charlie’s brother. He asked if we knew the gender and what we’re naming the baby. I’ve had a conversation with him about these topics before too.
What is the deal with my husband’s family? This would never happen in my family.
My mother-in-law once said that no matter how many grandchildren she has, each and everyone of them is special and unique in their own way. She helped me bring Michael home from the hospital when Charlie deployed for seven months. She remembers that time with us as irreplacable and dear to her heart. There’s no doubt in my mind that once Maeve is born and family members meet her, she’ll make a lasting impression on their hearts just as Michael has done already.
Have close family and friends forgotten noteworthy news about your pregnancy?
