The difference between generations of my family

My Aunt Annie Bell, Matriarch  

My granddaddy, Calvin Lee, Patriarch

"TOGETHER"

It is on my heart heavy about the events that happened at my family reunion this weekend. I know I have issues with one of my aunts on my daddy side of the family. I feel I have good reason for treating her the way I do. Even long before the “Juice” incident. The way I handle people like that is to let them do what they do. In the end, their actions will tell people exactly what kind of person they are. Her, I do treat like a stranger. God knows what really happened. I could care less what anyone else thinks about that situation. I said that to say, I have never witness any negativity on my Jackson side of the family. The newer generations aren’t as close as my mom’s generation or my generation. My momma first cousins were like my aunt and uncles growing up. Not ever in my life have I disrespected any of them. Never been in a situation where I would have needed too. This is how close net we were coming up. These kids these days have such a lack of respect for family. I’m not quick to get hot under the collar if I’m offended by a family member. I agree some people may need to be put in there place from time to time but it don’t take hollering, cussing or fighting to do that. When you’re in the heat of the moment it’s hard to think rational. I understand being upset but when it turns to disrespect I think that’s a problem. Some people live for drama, confusion, and making simple things complicated and it don’t have be. I’m not about that life. Young people dying everyday over petty, dumb stuff. I had just done devotion about how short our time is on this earth. How we need to be more appreciative of each other because we don’t know when God will pick you to be at his side. It went in one ear and right out the other, if they even bothered to pay attention. I just hope and pray that maturity sets in soon for those who think it takes hollering, cussing and fighting to make a point. In my opinion, it takes courage to back down, assume responsibility for your actions and apologize. It’s not family-like to ban someone from a family reunion but at the time it’s not family-like to argue to the point that it turns physical. Now we got family members whose relationships are strained. I hope it’s not permanent but only time will tell that.  We did have some good moments. I specifically enjoyed going to Atlantic Beach. My granddaddy and great granddaddy used to own hotels there back in the day. Sadly, they sold them for a little of nothing. That was before it was popular. My mom, aunts and uncles used to spend there summer working at the hotels when they were kids. My momma cooks her "Sunday Meals" the whole time we're there. Good food and good fellowship with the people you love.