Family Weekend

Long weekends have their charm when it permits a gathering of family members who have not seen each other for a few months. In our family we have to deal with geography. We are scattered over Ontario and take advantage of every opportunity to gather. This weekend is really the first chance to welcome the summer season and what better way than coming together and like the flowers of spring  to renew our family ties.

This year we were not able to welcome everyone of the clan as special interests took some of our family to far away places and they were missed. I recall saying at our last get together that this may be one of the last times we will all be together in one place. With widening responsibilities and interests it is difficult if not impossible to schedule such an event. What we wish for is to keep the thought of togetherness and think of the ones who are missing in person.

In my family of siblings we were never all together as a family at one time. It was circumstances that carried our family into distant parts of Canada for work and to make our way into the world. Funerals and weddings brought some of us together occasionally and home visits always bring those who live close by a chance to catch up on the news and to welcome new ones to the circle. From the beginning with only Mom and Dad I hardly believe they thought it would create such a huge network of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

It is these branching out events which create a widening gene pool and a social network which brings strength to a family. As we enjoyed our few days together it is always a little sad when they end and everyone goes home but the memories of these gatherings bring strength to the family and a desire for more of the same.