Cousins, Aunts and Uncles

Yesterday I had the great experience of heading off to a city up north with two of my siblings and my parents. We were going up for my Moms brothers birthday. His
80th birthday. It was great fun and so good to see people at a happy setting. My cousins have been a constant part of my life I was never one of the "in" group, but was always entertained by watching it all. I think watching each of my parents with their siblings taught me how important my siblings were to be even in my adult life.
I guess the most surprising moment, though it might seem unsignificant, was when we sang Happy Birthday to Uncle Tom.
First, a little background. Growing up in a big family we had a birthday within the group every few months. I grew up singing two songs during the candle/cake part of dinner. One was the traditional "Happy Birthday to you..." followed by another short one. That song came from my Moms family. I dont know why or how that song came along, but no matter, we faithfully sang it right after the traditonal song every time there was a birthday. It didnt take long for me to realize that it was a -My Family- type of thing, as friends would sometimes look a little lost if they heard us sing the second song. As I created my own family with Dave, we of course incorporated this tradition. His side of the family cleaverly has added their own 2-3 primary songs just for kicks.. what ever....
So back to the party. We all sang the first song, then for the first time in my life the whole roomful of people knew and sang the next song. It was more awesome then you think. A three or four generation tradition living on. I am so happy I was there