A Family Gathering Without Her
Dad, do we have to go for the gathering?
I remember asking dad in a way that showed I didn't want to attend the family gathering with him but his response got us on the journey almost right away.
Aunt won't be able to make it, she traveled for a business
Dad said with a glimpse of smile on his face like he knew why I didn't want to attend.
We usually have family gathering once in a while where we meet with our extended relatives and have some fun but noone, not even one wishes to have our eldest aunt around.
The most earliest gathering we had which she attended, we all remember how tensed and uncomfortable she made everyone with her strict rules on everything taking out the fun purpose of our planned gathering.
A lot of my relatives decided not to attend but it changed that one time again as we all got on our way to the venue in excitement and lots of expectations from the gathering since we won't have our aunt in attendance.
Why can't anyone say anything about aunt's attitude though?
I asked dad on our way to the venue.
She's the eldest daughter of our family and our eldest brother has refused to say anything, who else would dare?
Dad answered as we continued on the journey.
I knew dad was only being careful as I had once seen him try to have a related conversation with our eldest aunt but she picked a fight with him and the eldest brother sorted it out by taking aunt's side.
It was like everyone walked on eggshell with big aunt but that day's gathering turned out to be much more fun than everyone anticipated and I could hear my cousins whisper their love for family gatherings without big aunt.
From the eldest to the youngest, we were made to talk about our most recent life's activities and what we'd need help with especially the younger ones and I could remember it was all about our education, the discussion went well and peaceful, a complete opposite of how it would have went if big aunt was around.
The fun gathering was to last a week but we all went home on the fifth day because big aunt appeared at the door having no other business to attend to and present to crash the left overs we had planned for the rest of the week.
I didn't think this gathering would hold since I won't be available, who allowed it?
Big aunt asked in a tone we were very much aware of and always uncomfortable with.
Big uncle tried to explain that it was a once in a while thing and it couldn't be postpone because of one person's absence since everyone had cleared up their schedule for it before time.
We were so sure that big aunt would burst into anger and maybe get in a huge fight with big Uncle as she always did with her younger ones but her cool response made us realize that it was the first time big Uncle explained things instead of leaving it to his younger ones.
Big aunt didn't cool off totally though, she caused a fight with her siblings when one of my cousin didn't greet her properly and when I forgot to take the leftover meal from the gas cooker early enough, it was from one word fight to another and big uncle decided that we all went back home.
Now, big aunt isn't as strict as she had always been. Dad says it could be because she's getting old so maybe our next gathering would be a lot more peaceful even with her around. I'm looking forward to it with all uncertainties.
!pizza
The narrator's description of the tension caused by the eldest aunt at family gatherings really brings the situation to life. I like how the tale demonstrates the family members, specifically the narrator and their dad, endeavoring to comprehend the aunt's perspective, even though her sternness sometimes spoils the enjoyment. It's good to see how the family experiences what gatherings could be like without the aunt's controlling attitude, everyone able to unwind and concentrate on building relationships. Its themes of understanding, patience and adapting within families are easy to relate to.
Yeah, I tried to give a glimpse into what the gathering would be like when the aunt isn't around and I'm glad you got that. Thanks for your impressive feedback.
I won't lie to you, there is always one uncle or aunt that does that things but they can't be stricter than eachother. With time, she will definitely let that harshness disappear because of age; the strength won't be there anymore and somehow another big aunt can step into her shoes. 😂
Lol the harshness is disappearing slowly but I think her first daughter got that vibe 🤣
In relationship various kind of complications exist and its not understandable to us ,specially young ones but senior one can understand it better than us and they can handle the situation with their cool hat and they know when to respond. Indeed everyone has the capability to stay against your and but none of one has done that because they can think about situation in long term and their thinking power is much better than us.
!PIZZA
Yeah, that's right
The eldest seem to understand better how it is with these things I guess.
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@intishar(2/5) tipped @merit.ahama
Wow...those family members sure know how to make their presence felt at these meetings. I think it's important to be prepared and know what we're going to face. At the very least, it's good to know that she's giving in somehow and maybe at some point she'll come to her senses and decide to treat others better, and certainly treat herself better. Greetings @merit.ahama
Yeah, I think she has realize that better and is doing well with the other members.
You have a nice arc in this story, @merit.ahama. It is not predictable. Most of us have a troublesome family member, and most of us would rather not confront the problem. However, in your story the oldest uncle finally assumes his responsibility, and the eldest aunt also matures. This is quite a realistic resolution, one to which we can all relate.
There are style issues in the piece, having to do with grammar, but overall reading the story was a satisfying experience. Thank you for sharing.
Will do better, thanks for the feedback 💯
The situation is a very relatable one. I myself loved attending our family celebrations, but like you mentioned, it felt like "walking on eggshells" due to certain members... My one aunt ended up having a breakdown at one dinner 😅
Glad to see that this story had a "happier" ending! It's rare for people to change, and here it is not perfect, but when people do change, it's refreshing... Thank you for sharing!
Hopefully your next family gathering goes well. This was a very interesting read.
Yeah, hopefully
Thanks
It seems big aunt has a way of finding fault in every gathering. Well, in every family, you must see that one tough aunty or uncle claiming to be strict😄 But it is a good thing though because when big aunt is not at the family gathering, her presence will be missed, at least if not for anything but for her strict life.
Haha that's true, we couldn't stop talking about her even in her absence as we kept thinking of the things she would say or do in some actions we took 😅
Every family has that one person that is strict and causes trouble. Even among my siblings, I'm just happy to be the eldest. No one tries that I shit with me
Lol I hardly see who's this happy that he or she is the eldest though 😅