I recently attended a birthday party held in honour of my Aunt who has just celebrated her 90th Birthday.
I come from a large extended family. My Aunt gave birth to 9 children, and all but one of them, were there to mark her special day. My Mum was there too. My Brother and My Sister, my Husband and my Son. Most of my cousins were there along with Aunts and Uncles. Many of my cousins are now grandparents, and so THEIR grandchildren were there too.
I can't stop reflecting on that day, I feel very blessed to be part of my family. The love in that room was tangible.
As I left the party, my dearest cousin was saying goodbye to us, (our family specialise in the 'irishman's farewell) -which means that saying 'goodbye' usually takes a minimum of 2 hours.
My husband (jokingly) pointed to the beard on his own chin, and said: ''I didn't have this beard, when we first started to say goodbye''
My cousin turned to him and said: ''I hope you wont mind if I don't agree with you there'' He said: ''This family, are my Energy'' This is what sustains me.
On the way home my son spoke to me about what my cousin had said. My son told me, ''I really liked that.''
I named my son after that very same cousin. I was thrilled to be able to re-introduce them on that day. I hadn't seen my cousin for 14 years.
I'm very grateful to my cousins for organising my aunts 90th Birthday Party, I don't know what the future holds, but we will always be buoyed by the memory of that very very special day.
This song, will not leave my head, as I think of all the members of my family. Here's to all of us.
Cherish your Family......
mags x
