A Toast to Me!

Growing up, my parents were pretty strict on how my brothers and I should act at gatherings.  We also witnessed how my parents greeted and treated their guests when they entered the house.  Their was always (and still is) a jovial air, very light hearted, very welcoming, and very open.  There wasn’t any type of segregation like the adults table vs kids table.  You sat with whomever you wanted to sit, as long as you respected, then you were respected.  I believe that the key word that we were taught ultimately is “respect”.

Yesterday I attended a baby-shower.  The decorations were absolutely beautiful and appropriate (great job Lillian!).  And, “special” people were gifted with decorated name badges that said things like “Nonna” and “Grandma <insert name here>”.  There were also “Auntie” badges for friends close the family, and another specially decorated badge for the “Tia” (which would be the related Aunt).  I received an “Auntie” badge.

I was ok with the badge, up until I saw the “Tia” badge, and I became offended.  Why?  Well because this baby-shower was for my niece – the first little girl we will be welcoming to our family.  I am the only blood related aunt my niece will actually have — yet, I wasn’t placed in the “Tia” category, I had apparently been demoted to the “Auntie” category along with friends.  Seems petty I know, but, I guess I just don’t understand how I can consistently be dismissed with this particular side of the family.   Upon seeing the Tia name badge, I handed my “Auntie” badge over to my Aunt who had wanted one, but didn’t receive one.  I knew that she would appreciate it much more than I was at that time.

You may be reading this and thinking, gosh Claudia, get over it.  I, on the other hand, feel hurt.

claudia Wine family