I had just made butter tart squares to take in to work for a treat. \u00a0Gooey, delicious, buttery and sweet. \u00a0After carefully placing them in the tin, I lick the sweetness from my finger. \u00a0I am instantly put in mind of my Aunt, and the gorgeous butter tarts she always made, a favourite memory for me. \u00a0Which then has me thinking very tenderly of just how grateful I am always for the family pieces that I come from.
\nAs 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. \u00a0Stories are told, things repeated, misinterpretations, miscommunications. \u00a0People change and grow.. \u00a0or don’t … sometimes people come and go … \u00a0 relationships change. \u00a0 \u00a0 Regular sort of ‘family stuff’.
\nAt varying ages, we tend to view our family ties, quite – \u00a0differently. \u00a0From different angles or perspectives, I guess.
\nMany 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. \u00a0I have always been quite shy, even with family, so I was feeling a little anxious about reacquainting, without the ‘other half’ \u00a0of my family dynamic which was my sister, who now lives a whole ocean away.
\nWhat we did find when we arrived was the most magical feeling. \u00a0We were welcomed so openly with kind recognition and familiarity and so much Love, that for some strange reason I was astonished! \u00a0Aunts and Uncles and fantastic, amazing beautiful cousins, drew us in, just like we had always been there.
\nThe 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 .. \u00a0like sisters, \u00a0but ever so kindly included me.
\nMy Aunt Maureen, who impacted me greatly with the kindness of her very large heart. \u00a0The comforting age in her beautiful face. \u00a0One of the first people I called, when my Dad died, and I can still feel her “Oh, Honey…” \u00a0as clear as that very morning … and swallow tears.
\nMy Aunt Annice, amazing, beautiful, smart and kind. \u00a0Keeper of the family tree, and to me – lover of the simple things and gracious adaptability.
\nMy Aunt Phyllis, aforementioned maker of the most delectable butter tarts. \u00a0With whom I share both a birthday and a middle name. Creative and strong. Equally as beautiful in person as in heart.
\nAnd I will include here My Auntie Marion, \u00a0who 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.
\nMy Aunt Maureen is no longer with us, but I did not miss the chance to tell her just how much she meant to me. \u00a0So if by chance, I have not said to you, \u00a0my Aunts, and\u00a0this 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:
\nIt 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.
\nAnd how very grateful I am to be a part of You, \u00a0just as You each are very much a part of me.
\nwith Love \u2665<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I had just made butter tart squares to take in to work for a treat. \u00a0Gooey, delicious, buttery and sweet. \u00a0After carefully placing them in the tin, I lick the sweetness from my finger. \u00a0I am instantly put in mind…
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