I had just made butter tart squares to take in to work for a treat. Gooey, delicious, buttery and sweet. After carefully placing them in the tin, I lick the sweetness from my finger. I am instantly put in mind of my Aunt, and the gorgeous butter tarts she always made, a favourite memory for me. Which then has me thinking very tenderly of just how grateful I am always for the family pieces that I come from.
As happens in families, with changing dynamics, geographies and all the twisted, tangled little bits that make us humans. Sometimes, families become somewhat disjointed, or disengaged. Perhaps we become too busy, or certain circumstances dictate distance. Stories are told, things repeated, misinterpretations, miscommunications. People change and grow.. or don’t … sometimes people come and go … relationships change. Regular sort of ‘family stuff’.
At varying ages, we tend to view our family ties, quite – differently. From different angles or perspectives, I guess.
Many years after both my grandparents were gone, we, my husband and I and our small children traveled to the Home Farm for a family reunion. I have always been quite shy, even with family, so I was feeling a little anxious about reacquainting, without the ‘other half’ of my family dynamic which was my sister, who now lives a whole ocean away.
What we did find when we arrived was the most magical feeling. We were welcomed so openly with kind recognition and familiarity and so much Love, that for some strange reason I was astonished! Aunts and Uncles and fantastic, amazing beautiful cousins, drew us in, just like we had always been there.
The real magic for me was the great blessing of spending some time with my Aunts, my Dad’s sisters in the kitchen as they gathered .. like sisters, but ever so kindly included me.
My Aunt Maureen, who impacted me greatly with the kindness of her very large heart. The comforting age in her beautiful face. One of the first people I called, when my Dad died, and I can still feel her “Oh, Honey…” as clear as that very morning … and swallow tears.
My Aunt Annice, amazing, beautiful, smart and kind. Keeper of the family tree, and to me – lover of the simple things and gracious adaptability.
My Aunt Phyllis, aforementioned maker of the most delectable butter tarts. With whom I share both a birthday and a middle name. Creative and strong. Equally as beautiful in person as in heart.
And I will include here My Auntie Marion, who I do not get to see often, but who has sent me much Love and kindness in the memories she has shared with me about my Dad, and who I also appreciate very much.
My Aunt Maureen is no longer with us, but I did not miss the chance to tell her just how much she meant to me. So if by chance, I have not said to you, my Aunts, and this is certainly not to discount the other Aunts in my life, my Aunt Gayle, my Aunt Jan and of course my dear Aunt Pat. To each of you:
It is with great gratitude that I have been blessed with all of the deliciousness, the sweetness, even the stickiness of Love, Family and butter tarts.
And how very grateful I am to be a part of You, just as You each are very much a part of me.
with Love ♥
family goodness
