family whatsapp

I glance at our family WhatsApp group, the conversations a mix of jokes and complaints, the messages a steady stream of hellos and goodbyes. My mother's messages, a string of emoticons and exclamation marks, my father's messages, brief and to the point. My cousins, a mix of both, their messages a reflection of their personalities. I think of what the group reveals, the way we avoid talking about the important things, the way we stick to trivialities. The jokes and complaints, a way of avoiding the real issues, the way we use humor to deflect and distract. And yet, despite the superficiality of the conversations, I feel a sense of connection, a sense of belonging. The group, a reflection of our family, our quirks and flaws, our strengths and weaknesses. I don't know what it says about us, but I think it says something, a glimpse into our lives, our relationships, our dynamics.