A sense of connectedness

My dad had 2 brothers and a sister who lives in Australia, so I have lots of cousins.  Before my dad died 11 years ago, he chastised us for not keeping in touch as family; he couldn't understand that many of the cousins live in Johannesburg, yet we seldom see each other. 

 

For the last 2 years, I've really made a point of keeping in touch with my own brothers and sister, and seeing my cousins Bev and Owen more regularly.  I think this sense of connectedness naturally becomes more important as we get older; we start to realize what's really important and we start letting go of some of the crap. 

 

Owen recently arranged a lunch for cousins and friends after the passing of his mom...it was bittersweet but lovely.

 

I have not seen my cousin Malanie for probably 25 years.  It was lovely to reconnect and meet her children Bryce and Chloe

 

My cousin Beverly and her 13 year old daughter Amy...definitely

a case of 'like mother like daughter' 

 

We've committed to staying in touch and getting more of the family together regularly; we're planning a 'bring and share' lunch in Spring.  In doggy terms, I'm probably a border colley because I want to herd everyone together.  I do it with my friends and my family; I naturally want to get people together and I probably drive people nuts in the process, but I'm fine with that.  It is what it is.