Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash

The years have been difficult with our family.

We used to be so close then a stupid incident that was nothing at all, made us go our separate ways.

We are still blood, but the loving, carefree, loud, and exciting version of us is no more.

Words were spoken while alcohol was being consumed. Now we are just individuals, each making our way through this murky world.

No more family dinners or gatherings. Birthdays are now only cards.

How could it all crumble so easily?

How is it that we refuse to budge so we can move closer?

How is it that brothers and sisters talk only to parents and not to one another?

Each sibling lives their life without the support that used to be there.

Aunts, uncles, and cousins to no one. All because words were spoken when alcohol was abundant.

So distance will continue to grow, and this family will only be a family when looking at the familiar photos on the wall.

— Nicole Barden 6/1/2021

Originally published in Blue Insights on Medium