In 1972 when my father dragged my family into the JWs he pretty much cut off our extended family. I haven't seen most of them for 30 or 40 years. Recently, thanks to Facebook, I've found my family, and this year I'm traveling to Maine for my first family Thanksgiving in 40 years!
The last time I saw my cousins we were teenagers. Now some of them are grandparents. I don't know their spouses, children, or grandchildren. And they don't know me. A lot of water under the bridge to talk about.
Since my immediate family is busy shunning me, this event will give me the family connections that I'm missing.
Woo hoo!