Family and celebrations

My brother Ralph, sister, Cynthia and me

My brother Ralph, sister, Cynthia and me

Last week, my oldest brother, Ralph and his wife, Carole, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

A milestone in anyone’s life, their daughters had a party for them.  There were lots of guests to share in the celebration and their marriage has been a beautiful example of love and endurance.  I didn’t even take a picture- this one of the three of us was taken by my(our ) niece, Allyson- so I can’t show you the happy couple.

But this picture of me with my brother and sister really makes me think of the passing of years and of familial relationships.  I am a lot  younger than most of my siblings- my parents really had two groups of children – the older 4 and then some years later, the little girls (as we were called).  Three little girls on the tag end – each of us 2 years apart, with me in the middle.  They have both died now- and I am the last of this smaller group – but thankfully the older sibs are mostly still here- three of them still living .

In the crowd of party goers that night were a small contingent of my brothers family- his children and grandchildren of course, and then my sister,my niece and nephew , a cousin and I.  My sister-in-law, Carole has a VERY large family and as I looked around the  room I was made aware of the depth of family relationships.  I share a bond with these people that is so strong it almost hurts.  I look at my brother and see him still as my hero- the man who always had time for me when I was a little girl.  I see my sister and remember when I thought she was the epitome of grace and beauty.  They still hold these places in my heart and memory- the passing of time has just seasoned and strengthened the love that we share.  So I just wanted to take a moment and celebrate family and share a picture of two of the people who have helped to shape the woman I have become.

Hello?

I’m just hoping this works!

It’s been so long since I was able to post that I’m not sure I know what I’m doing anymore.  But here goes- I’m back after a long several month hiatus.023

Here is a picture of

the scones I made for

International Scone

Week which was my last post.