“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” – George Burns
“So should I thank them?”
“Thank who?”
“The readers. I don’t want them to think I’m not appreciative. You know, my legions of fans”
Eye roll. “I think I mentioned you were away, but yes, you should thank them or I’ll thank them or something”
“Good, because I saw all of the comments and I’d like to do it again. I don’t want them hating me. So are you going to write about this?”
“About what?”
“About your family being here and visiting for your brother’s graduation”
“I have no clue.”
“Yes. You should write about your family being here and all of us converging here together at the same time and how it all just worked out and how great it is to be around family…and WHAT IS THAT LOOK FOR?”
“I mean, hell, are you going to start writing my posts now? I was just going to say ‘My brother graduated, here are some photos. Enjoy!’”
“Nooo. You should write about the importance of family and how we all came together and how I have to FORCE YOU to come to your brother’s graduation… and stop looking at me like that!”
The next day:
“What are you writing about?”
“Remember that conversation we were having the other day about how I should write about my family and how great it all was?”
“So you’re not writing about your family but you’re writing about the conversation we had when I was trying to force you into spending the day with your family?”
“Yup.”
“And look! You did it! You feel better now don’t you?”
“GOOD LORD, WOMAN. YES. I DO”
“Thank you”
And I meant it. Really. Even after 36 solid hours of complete family togetherness and seriously contemplating permanent celibacy, I still had a lovely weekend.
32 Comments
Congrats, G!
“My brother graduated” is a bit of an understatement! “My brother graduated WITH HONORS” would be more accurate! I always wanted to graduate cum lade… not because I craved the honor as such… but because I wanted the medal! Though it’s probably a good thing I didn’t, because I would probably have never taken it off. Many congratulations!
I am a huge fan of the NoPasaNada family. Congrats to your brother, and let us know your mum’s URL.
Congrats to all! He’s adorable.
Oh my God, I love your mom. Will you share her?
Congrats to everyone, how awesome for your brother.
I am glad your Mom “encouraged you to attend”.
Cum lade? Is he married? Are those his children? I know plenty of eligible single women…would he move to Kentucky?
Dayum..Your brother..he is umm…fiiiinnneee!! Connecticut is not all that far from Albany..
Oh and smart too – congrats on the graduation (and with honors)! My apologies for premature submit button pressing.
That’s it. I’m coming to New York so I can meet the family.
I love that first picture. It is always nice to see grown children trying to humiliate their mother in public.
Bonus points when it isn’t just me and my brother.
Congrats!
Your coversation with your mom made me realize that I will never let my mom guest post.
You know, I graduated cum laude and I didn’t get no medal.
Probably because of my poor grammar skills.
Wow, I have to say that besides you having one gorgeous family that you really should help your mom start a blog. She has a lot to say.
And either she says it for herself or she’ll get you to say it for her
Your family looks so happy in that first picture. I really, really love it.
I like your mother. I think she and I should talk. Don’t you think we should?
That is one good looking family. Congrats to your smartie pants brother!
If you’re serious about the permanent celibacy thing, come visit my house. Spending time with my children will no longer make you contemplate. It’ll be a done deal.
The best part is that you have a loving, close-knit and REALLY GREAT-LOOKING family. That’s what counts.
Can I adopt your family?
I love this post
And that’s one helluva medal. Do you think he’ll let you borrow it when you’re wearing an outfit that demands a medal as an accessory?
In all seriousness—CONGRATULATIONS Heather B.’s Bro!
Congrats to your brother and the photo is BEYOND AWESOME.
Blogging about a conversation you had about blogging that you blogged about. Whoa. And congrats to your brother for graduating!
um…your brother is a hottie.
Ok for all of y’all who think my brother is hot, you do realize that he was born in 1986, right??
Regardless I will pass your messages along. While I’m at it, any marriage proposals out there?
Congrats to G. Although I’m wondering why he’s throwing up a Westside in the first photo…
Born in 1986? Hmmm. A little on the young side but my cut off is 21 years of age. They’ve got to be able to legally go to a bar. Speaking of which, I need to check in with the 21 yo on OKCupid I’ve been chatting with. Graduation was last weekend. Finals are over. Where’s my date?
Back to you. Loved the post. Can’t wait to meet you.
Happiness is getting together with family for a happy occasion.
Happiness is everyone going home after it’s over. Alive and in one piece.
Your brother is a very good-looking man and the children are adorable.
Congratulations to your brother on him cum laude honor. Awesome.
Uh, I have a momcrush. She’s hilarious. Congrats to your little bro!!
How about an arranged marriage? I have a kid born in 1986.
Let’s hook them up.
Holy..1986? I kinda feel all sleazy.
Your brother is fine as other readers have said – and he’s legal, too.
The only thing worse than having a family is not having one. (Mork on the old Mork & Mindy show.)
Congrats on a Black man graduating with honors from college – while lots of them, including my son, do – they are not held up in the media and so I am glad you held your brother and his achievement up.
Congrats to your brother!What a great looking family. You have a great blog! CLNN
Very cool.
I loved your photos from this event on flickr!