When You're in My Heart - You're in My Family!

Did you know Preschoolers have MTV? Not one channel per se, but between shows they air these little music videos. One little song says, "When you're in my heart, you're in my family. When I'm in your heart, I'm in your family." It didn't take long for our entire family to happily hum this catchy tune; however, it took me some time to buy into the message.

I don't know why it initially turned me off. That's not true, I did know why. I'm not proud to fess up to it though. I can be ... elitist. I can buy into a sort of "members only" mentality. It's not necessarily something I'm proud of - it's just who I am. Or better stated - who I think I am.

After pondering those simple words, "when you're in my heart, you're in my family" I began to see the wisdom behind them. Recognizing said wisdom, I was curious to observe my own emotions to see if it was entirely true - if I turned on myself and had more of a YMCA mentality than a Country Club mentality.

1. Observation - Facebook. I have many friends. A lot of my "Facebook Friends" have not had major contact with me ... ever. Yet, when those friend invitations pop up or when I scour my list of friend possibilities, I audibly go, "Ah! I remember so and so!" feeling all warm and fuzzy inside & usually remembering some antidote or another relating to so and so. Why?! Score one or YMCA
2. Observation - Party invitations. I have the hardest time with party invitations. I HATE to be left out of something. Usually our parties get out of control not because of booze or wildness, but because of people. I just can't invite "A" if she may talk to "B" and tell "B" where she's going or worse yet - NOT tell in fear of hurting "B's" feelings, so I'll invite "B" as well. In fact, I may as well just post fliers on phone poles around town for my party inviting discretion. Score two for YMCA
3. Observation - Hurt feelings. I get my feelings hurt easily. Why? I care. I care if you like me. I care if you don't. I care if I said something stupid (which happens a lot) and I care if I miss your Mother's Sister's Husband's Graduation from Massage School - because friends should just know these sorts of things. I expect a lot from myself. I expect a lot from you. Hmmmm ... maybe this is a score for Country Club. You can't expect nomads in the YMCA to care if it's your birthday.
4. Observation - Hugs. I'm a hugger. I also have large breasts. When hugging you, I wish I didn't have large breasts. I instantly think of myself as "Great Aunt Glenda" who would break your ribs and suffocate you in one fail swoop! If I love you, I give great big hugs - even if you don't want them. I hug a lot. Score three for YMCA
5. Observation - Happiness upon Greeting. I feel an extreme amount of joy when I see someone I haven't seen in awhile. For example, the other day our friends, The Packers, showed up to our Christmas Party. I think I just about squealed and ran to hug each one b/c I was so genuinely happy to see them. Sing it with me, "When you're in my heart, you're in my family!" Score four for YMCA

Ok, Ok, four to one - I'm inclusive not exclusive. Crazy! Who knew?! Maybe it's who I am, maybe I'm a product of my environment - adding a mother, two sisters and a brother to our family at age six. Accepting and loving an onslaught of boyfriends/husbands from my sisters. Having such incredible friendships throughout my life that my children get confused regarding who is my sister and who is my friend. Being blessed with the most amazing Brother and Sister-in-laws a girl could have. Every year our family grows in size. Every year the friendships I've maintained mean more and more to me. What a beautiful thing it is to realize how many people are in my heart ... and in my family!

Look! I can even hug you with my words! Mmmwwwaaaa!