Growing-Up Kramer: 2015

Welcome

Growing up a Kramer was nothing short of adventureous. My parents were working class folk who always made the best of what they had. They struggled as young parents to raise three rambuncious boys. It was not always easy, my parents were certainly not perfect. But as i raise my own children and look back at he best times we had, I have come to realize something. I wouldn't change a thing. For what ever faults I may have developed along the way, I am happy with me. And me is the Sum results of all my Experiences. Good or bad I am greatful to be Me.

I am a Kramer!

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Twins

Today is Robin's Birthday, she's 41. It is also her Sister's birthday, Kelli, and she is 41, so if you haven't guessed, they are twins.

They say that the relationships we make in this life will echo through eternity If you belive such things.. Well I do. I also believe that we lived in heaven with God and the angels before being born into this life. We were in some way educated and prepared for the life we would ultimately live here. I also believe that the relationships formed in that time echo through this life.

Have you ever just met someone and realized that feeling that you have known each other forever. That's what I am talking about.

Robin and I have been married now for 22 years. Which means that I have known her and her sister for longer. I have watched them over the years and have come to realize that their bond as Sistes is one of those relationships that echo through eternity.

I have had a front row seat to the life that they have had together in the last 25 years as well as intimate knowledge of the life they lived as kids.

Robin has been writing that story for the last year and a half. I can only say that if people really knew what they have had to endure over a life time they would be shocked.

I will tell you what I have seen.

Robin and Kelli have endured, together, the loss of their Mother, due to a life time of Mental Illness. They have endured the loss of their Father to the ravages of Alzhimer's.

I have watched as they have settled out very lengthy and difficult estates. They have done it with the grace seldom seen in siblings of simular circumstance.

Never an argument, never a harsh word or any sense of entilement.

I have always loved this picture for so many reasons. This has always stood as a testimony to their relationship. I think they knew that they would be sisters. That they made promises to be there for the other no matter what.

I have stood as a witness to the life they have endured and that is why I love this picture. But most of all for the knowledge of an often tragic childhood. There were the moments of sweetest Joy. Family, and the commitment we make to one another matters most when we share our greatest heartaches and our sincerest joy.

That is a commitment made between two Sisters.

I wish them both a very Happy Birthday.

I express my sincere gratitude for being allowed to follow on this journey.

I wish them many Birthdays well into old age. I mourn for the day when one will eventually leave the other in this life. I believe there will be profound grief and sense of loneliness until they are reunited to live forever as Sisters.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Will Work for Beer

Robin and I were married young and for some reason we were in a hurry to get it done. I actually know the reason but that is another blog for another time. Needless to say that in our selfishness we did not really give family a chance to attend any wedding. I regret that now more than anything, but regret doesn't change anything.

So when the time came for Robin to actually meet some family, she took it very seriously. I just didn't see what all the fuss was about.

You see we were going to meet the Kramer's. My aunt Peggy, my Dad's older sister, had arranged a little back yard BBQ for the occasion.

You have to understand that the Kramer's are a great bunch to have as Family. Always great to be around, never feeling judged, just glad to be family. Well that's the way I see it. We have had a few reunions over the years and it doesn't matter how long its been we just pick up the conversation as if it were yesterday.

Robin was stessing about the situation I was trying my best to put her at ease. To no avail.

She tried on several outfits and demanded she look her absolute best for the occasion. She was very nervous as we drove out to my Aunt's. Fussing over every detail.

we arrived and got out of the car, you could hear the laughfter in the back yard and see Robin physically tense in the anticipation.

We enter the yard and this is what we are confronted with.

My Aunt Peggy is wearing a t-shirt that says "Will Work for Beer".

you could see the tension instantly fade from Robin.

You see these were Robin's kind of people. Apparently her Dad's side of the family is very simular.

so needless to say the meeting went well. Robin was instantly accepted as family and we have never looked back. We look forward to the Kramer get togethes, knowing they will always be fun and welcoming.

Disclaimer

I have to say that these stories are not entirely my own. They belong to my Brothers and countless other friends as well. I was involved and they are told from my own perspective. Looking back now I will endeavour to tell them as accurately as possible. Some of these stories have been told and retold many times and others may be told for the first time here. Anyway the point is, I guess, that though they may seem far fetched at times i will try to be as accurate as possible. I would invite those involved to comment or send suggestions or other points of view when they can. Well enough of that, lets get on with the current story.