For a Greek, it's all about family isn't it? Not only your immediate family but also your extended family. Greek families are impossible to escape from, in a good sort of way. They'll track you down, no matter where you go. You can't disappear into the woodwork and send an occasional Christmas card. Before you know it they will be arriving unannounced on your doorstep and you can bet that they will be loaded down with food. They'll give you sloppy kisses on both cheeks and big bear hugs. They will admonish you for your sins, gently chastise you for your lack of familial attention, then make themselves at home for a few days. I don't want to give anyone the impression that Greek family members don't squabble and fight because they most certainly do. Infighting can last for years, eventually obscuring the thing that set the whole feud off in the first place. Invariably, things get patched up. After all, life is too short and no self respecting Greek could possible endure a life without family. To a degree, our families define who we are and who we will become. They sustain us. A Greek without family is someone walking around with a gaping whole in his being.
Why is family so important to a Greek? Perhaps it's because the Greek world, in particular, has always been a cold and cruel place. Read history. So why would anyone, in his right mind, want to face it alone?
My own family is special to me. I've prepared a peak into our shared history through a slide show via OneTrueMedia.Com.
I married my Greek husband for his "love of family" and he was instrumental in helping me to care for my mother in our home during the last years of her life. Not many north American men are that understanding. I would do the same for my MIL any time...good post and nice pictures. We're leaving next week for 7 weeks in Greece, I'm sure I'm going to enjoy it...ciao
Posted by: rositta | 21 August 2007 at 04:51 PM
Yiasou Rositta,
Seven weeks? I'm jealous. Sounds like you have a good man at your side. People who take care of the elderly are real heroes in my book. Hope you have a great vacation. It's well deserved.
Posted by: Stavros | 21 August 2007 at 07:51 PM