I'm late for my writing tonight due to our weekly family Zoom call. As we continue to deal with this pandemic, and the challenges of staying healthy, teleworking, and isolation, one of the positives for me has been the opportunity to gather as a family via Zoom. Usually it's my Mom and Dad, and at least a few of my 4 siblings, with the occasional grandchild thrown in.
When you are part of a very large family, times when you gather in person have a tendency to be chaotic, especially with the number of littles that we have running around. I might leave a family gathering not having spent much time talking to my mom, dad, or one of my sisters one on one, although we would have spent hours together, shared a delicious meal, and even cleaned the kitchen! I love our family chaos and wouldn't change it at all - but I do treasure this Zoom time, as it allows us to interact differently with each other. The quirks of Zoom mean that we can't all talk at the same time, and in fact, we have to mute in order to be able to hear.
This is an important shift in family dynamics, even the quietest family member gets a chance to be seen and heard in this setting. So lucky that our family is able (and willing) to do this.
LOVE!
I liked it when you said "even the quietest family member gets a chance to be seen and heard in this setting" because it applies to students too! Even the quietest student gets a chance to be seen and heard. :) It's so great you regularly have virtual family gatherings!
ReplyDeleteYour family Zoom time sounds lovely. There are definitely some things to hold onto as we move back toward the "old normal".
ReplyDeleteYour reflection is so true. In person parties can cause you to stand in a certain place and talk to those in that room but never get the time to see all and hear all. Your slice points out the positives of zoom! It also shows how much you care about your family by your participation. Your appreciation of this time with family comes through.
ReplyDeleteWe, too, joined our monthly family Zoom call this weekend. Unlike work Teams meetings, our family Zooms are agenda-free, relaxed and encourage spontaneous threads of discussions. The best part of the family Zoom is that we can gather no matter where a family member lives. I'm glad you are loving your quirky Zoom gatherings, too!
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