We were away in Germany for a couple of weeks and since our return, I've been catching up in my business. So today is the first chance I've had to relate some things related to the trip.
We attended the 40th wedding anniversary of close friends who live in an area not too far away from the North Sea, and had a Family meeting in Berlin as well. I have two aunts in their mid-nineties there, and we visit them as often as we can. One of them is my mother's sister - she's the last one of her siblings. She's in good shape, but unfortunately totally deaf. We communicate by writing our comments on paper. The other aunt is a former sister-in-law of my mother. Both she and my mother were widowed twice; in each case they lost their first husbands because of the second world war. She is slowly going blind, but lives in a first-class old-age home, has a friend there, and the two support each other.
I have another aunt in Vienna, also of that advanced age group. We didn't get there this time and we're hoping to see her next year, if our family situation allows.
It's important to maintain family connections.
I agree with you Karl, family connections are very important. They embody a part of who we are and the connection is bonding. I myself went back to Finland last July and it was amazing. My Dad's side of the family hosted a family reunion. Over 100 relatives along with their families attended. My son also travelled with me (his first trip) and we were more than overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteI also learned on this trip that I have a brother and niece that I never knew about. I spent a day with them and I must say that was a day filled with many emotions. We are keeping the connection going by meeting up in London in May.
For me family is the link that grounds me as to who I am and where I come from, it is a part of my being.
I'm glad you and Hilkka had a good trip and I'm sure you will return next year.
My best to Hilkka, take care.
Barbra