[JoSchmooze]

I feel like I really had to share this one because, well because it shows how much respect that I have for some members of my family.....

I do not often get to be with my family for the holidays. This year, because my younger sister has become so frail with MS, I decided that I needed to be at the family gathering. The last time I made the occasion was 7 years ago when I met my brother-in-laws' cousin Paula. Paula is about 10 years older than I, but also a lesbian. The last time I was here for this occasion I brought my then gf who shamelessly flirted with said cousin! I think it was the beginning of the end for that relationship because I called her on her behavior and she saw nothing wrong with it.

Now, here is where the respect aspect comes into the story....
On Saturday, as soon as she saw me, Paula came over to me and gave me a big ole hug and says " this has been bothering me ever since it happened. I just want you to know that it was not me, flirting with her." All I could was grin and reply, "Oh, I knew it wasn't you, it was always about her and her behavior!"
We both had a good laugh about the situation.
But I am still in awe of how it could have stayed in Paula's mind all these years and that she had to make sure to mention it, apologizing profusely if it appeared that she had been in the wrong....her respect for my relationship because I'm "family" in more than just one way! We parted that evening with another big ole hug and a promise to keep in touch....