When my 20 year old daughter said she wanted a ‘family tree’ picture I thought she meant gathered around the Christmas tree. Nope. IN the apple tree! So we did. Down the garden, through the wet grass, up the tree. Not the adults. We’re not stupid! We loitered around the trunk. My 24 year old daughter and 23 year old son started on their patter and my jaws ached from laughing. All my kids about me for Christmas. Sister and her three, brother, future son-in-law. Magical times. Fifteen gathered to eat, drink, chat, laugh and celebrate. And all to do again for New Year. I wouldn’t have it any other way. But I’ll be needing a holiday at the end of this.
To chat a while –
an hour
or ten –
and know you understand.
And in the understanding, know
that you are understood.
An implicit sort of knowing,
born of love’s connection.
Blessed,
Acceptance,
Joy,
Amazement,
Proud,
Privileged.
In awe.
These,
my own.
I am unworthy,
but not.
I must have had
something to do with
who they are,
how they are,
the wonder they are;
their personalities,
characters,
humour.
Thanksgiving,
we don’t have,
as some do.
But I have,
in measure fullest.
Blessed,
Acceptance,
Joy,
Amazement,
Proud,
Privileged.
In awe.
All twice.
And again
tomorrow
and every day hence.