Family stories

We had a wonderful weekend here full of family, both old and new. On Friday night, Tricia and I went to cousin Susie's home on her brother Stephen's 55th birthday. Stephen died a few months back and as he didn't have a formal funeral, we chose that day to remember him. My uncle Hal, Stephen's dad, was there, as well as Susie's husband Nick and children, Angie and Billy. It was a good night, Susie, as usual, presented us with the most delicious meal (she is ,without a doubt, the best home cook in our family) and we talked and listened to some good music. Some of that music was Angie and Billy's brother Tom who you can listen to here. Have a listen, he is very good and this is a beautiful song. Tom is in Ireland at the moment.

Back: Billy, Angie, Billy's girfriend Zoe.
Front: Tricia, Susie and me.

I thought about family a lot over the weekend, triggered by that gathering, where we all sat outside on the deck on a perfect late summer's night with the bush surrounding us and the stars shining. Tricia and I are both early birds in the morning so we were tired and went home early. Honestly, it felt like it was about 3am when we got home, but it was only 9.45pm. LOL! Still we both went straight to bed, Hanno was already asleep, and I drifted off thinking of Stephen and how he would have been smiling down on us, happy to see us all there, and possibly surprised to see his father. They had been estranged for years. I will remember that night for a long time. RIP Stephen.

Of course, the next night was Shane and Sarndra's engagement party and wouldn't you know it, I didn't get a photo of them together. But here they are nontheless, Shane cooking, as usual, and Sarndra looking her gorgeous self, talking to some of the 50 guests.

We took Alice with us to the party. Hanno had stayed home with her the previous night as she is deaf now and becomes quite confused when left alone. Everyone made a big fuss of her and she behaved as if that was to be expected. I made her a new red bandana to wear. Here she is watching Shane cook sausages on the BBQ.

I am a very fortunate woman to have been born into this family of mine. They are all good people. It feels a bit like the changing of the guard to me now. In the past our important family gatherings were organised by our parents or grandparents, but now they are are no longer with us. Now, Tricia, Susie and I organise the gatherings and pass on the stories of our family to our children, so they can tell them to their children. It's an important part of family life, because if we don't do it, no one will. I am still thinking of the benefits and consequences of being part of my family. It's an ongoing thing and it's slow, like me, but I do know I'm a proud mother and very happy to welcome Sarndra into our family. I also love knowing that my children, Tricia's and Susie's are all similar, and interested in our family stories. I told Billy and Angie about my blog, because that is part of my story, so hello to them and to Zoe. :- )

There is a lot to be said for families, they can either make or break you. While nothing is ever perfect, generally a family will help you live to your potential and help you survive when times are tough. And they're dynamic, when they are made, they change again, new members added and old ones lost. The trick is to tell the stories to the new family members so they know where we come from and what type of people we are. The rest, I think, is up to luck and consistency.