Sunday, February 14, 2021

   I just closed our virtual visit with one of my Mom's sisters and a whole bunch of 'girl' cousins, (about 20 of us)

Three in their 80's with all ages down to 30. A very enthusiastic family group, originally from Northern B.C. (Auntie Bea's bunch) brought so much to the visit. Visitors joined in from Prince George, Quesnel, Campbell River, Lethbridge, New Jersey & New Zealand.

   One of the greatest gifts today, was that my 84 yr. old cousin who suffers with Alzheimer's lit up with the beautiful smile that we always remember her for, as she continually panned the screen, not turning her eyes away for 90 minutes. Her daughter got us all going with tears, as she shared that her Mom had not smiled like this for such a long time. To the other extreme, 2 of my nieces were on, with their children, from 2 to 10yrs old. We never tire of enjoying the 'wee ones'!

  The time was filled with wacky stories and very tender ones, as well as the occasional 'show & tell' with photos, including our Memere pregnant around 1910. In total, I think there was 1/2 a second of silence in over 2 hours. One cousin who lives on 'Begin street' in Maillardville told us about plaques around the town, which have pictures of our family way back in the 40's. We hope to do a walk-about and film these treasures to share with family near & far.

  I can't encourage you enough to consider something like this for your own family, if you haven't already.

I knew it would be good, but the powerful sense of family history, love, unity, hope, friendship and joy are far greater than I imagined. Today we made family history. It's a day I will always treasure! We are so blessed.

  God bless you & your efforts to stay united or re-unite! Xoxoxo