Florist....Check : )

It is forever a joke in my repertoire to suggest that my large, Alford family is "more than a family....it's a civilization." After all,we do pride ourselves for the annual head-count we perform at every Thanksgiving celebration. Last year I'm pretty sure the count was at an astounding 62(?!). I'm proud to say our number consistently grows larger each year. This is kinda what we look like to outsiders...

Throughout my entire life in Tallahassee, I can recall spending almost every Saturday morning with my family. Every new house, birth of a child, visit of an out-of-town relative, birthday, or holiday in our family was treated like a huge celebration--as we all sat around telling old stories and filling each other in on what was new in our respective lives. Oh..yah...and repeating Andy Griffith lines. My family is obsessed...with Andy Griffith. Upon episode request, they can quote dialogue like most of us can recite the pledge of allegiance--simply and undeterred.

After I moved, I kind of felt that kindred family-closeness missing. I mean...don't get me wrong...my fiancee is awesome. Together we make up our own little family and that's really special too. But losing that big family aspect, everyone talking over each other and laughing uproariously, really just felt amiss. Through the years, I get a little sad when I hear about family gatherings I miss out on or birthday celebrations I can't attend. Sometimes I feel like I've lost the civilization I lived within for so many years---and it's hard to adjust.
Lately, though, some pretty big things have been happening in my life which have taken my mind off of temporary home-sickness. Undoubtedly, the number one most important thing is that I'm getting married to the love of my life on March 17, 2012.

This joyous news, of course, also comes with some slight difficulties. I am now in the throws of selecting a caterer, a photgrapher, and of course an officiant. However, my family has really rallied around to help me do whatever I need. My dad has been helpful and hilarious---eliciting a hand gestures code for the level of completion to which wedding tasks have been accomplished.

Perhaps the best news I have recieved is that my Aunt has offered to be my Florist. As a Botany major and an amazing horticoloist, I was really hoping she would do my floral arrangements. When asked, she heartily agreed and I almost cried with delight. I know it might sound strange, but in simply agreeing to be my Florist--my Aunt made me come to a huge epiphany. No matter where I am, or what I miss, I will always be an Alford. My family loves me, and will continue to do no matter where I am. Perhaps, sometimes, feeling homesick should not be regarded as missing your family. Perhaps, instead, we should regard it as looking forward to the next time we will once again return to our homes for visits--and relish in what we've so long missed. Perhaps, if anything, this makes us feel more fortunate than ever for the people that will be there for us any time....and any place.