family

I went to my best friend, Crystal's, graduation party today. Her sister Rubicella's house was absolutely spectacular; mexican-style decorations and all, but what I really keyed in on was the way in which her guests and her immediate family were simply... there. People Crystal never saw before poured in through the rusticly painted entrance door. The people came because they were invited by Mr. and Mrs. Salinas, devout Christian people with sincere hearts. I couldn't help but imagine my own party, scarcely populated, awkward, and one parent attending. My family is divided and angry, and my mind was constantly reminded of this when I saw the beauty in the interaction of hers. It was not jealousy that struck me today; it was sadness. The separation of a family is deeply felt. The lanky Dad's corny joke produces bubbly laughter and the snobbish aunt with three-hundred dollar shoes and sparkly braces makes the graduate feel bad because of her educational choices. She'll never understand how lucky she is. Some people have the God-given privilege of enjoying the fruits of an untainted union of parents and children and others do not, for some reason. I've yet to figure the precipitating factor. Alcohol? Unquenched desires? Is it worth it?