Until we meet again

Funerals and weddings bring family together.  One of my cousins said this to me today.  How true that statement is.

As I sat at the luncheon following my godmother’s funeral service, looking at all the faces of the family members I grew up with, I realized that although we may not see each other often, we still have this undeniable bond that links us together. 

Being with them feels comfortable, there is no artifice and no shyness.  I can be myself and I know that they appreciate me for who I am.   Of course, we shared stories of our childhood, it’s at the essence of who were are and I enjoyed looking at the photo album put together by my cousin Francine for the occasion. As I looked at these photographs of my grand-parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, I realized how much we’ve all changed but at the same time remained the same. 

Many of my aunts and uncles are no longer with us, my inner circle is changing and I think that this is what is making nostalgic as I grow older.  I suddenly have this urge to gather photos, videos and mementoes so that I do not loose these precious souvenirs of my childhood and the people who have enriched it.  I know that this sentiment was shared by several of my cousins today.

During his sermon, the priest said something to the effect that it’s not our bank account that make us rich, it’s our life experiences and  the people we meet along the way that do.  Whether it be happy or not so happy experiences and whether it be friends or family, this is certainly true.

As Julie (my godmother’s grand-daughter) said during her tribute, these experiences and values that we receive and are passed down to us, we can in turn share with our own daughters.  I think this is a precious gift that we can pass along to the next generation.

Life sometimes changes in the blink of an eye, so we must make every day count. 

As we each go our separate ways, only to meet on Facebook occasionally or at the next family gathering, I know that we will keep our memories alive. 
 
I have one last thought for ma tante Jeannine, may she rest in peace.

Until we meet again.