The importance of family gatherings
Pat Simmons, 69, is a writer of poems, short stories, flash fiction and articles. Her work has been published in anthologies and children’s magazines and she has won writer competitions in Australia and the UK.
How often do we say it? “We really must get together. It’s been ages.”
And why do we find it so difficult to meet up with family and friends? There are a number of reasons I guess. Work commitments, distance, illness, travel and simply the inability to find a day, time or location that suits everyone.
My sister, Judy, and I were determined that this year we would have a family gathering for Mothers’ Day. Mum will be 90 years old soon (August 16th to be exact, and we’ll be having another family get-together to celebrate) which is pretty special and at the present time four generations are living in the Sydney area, the youngest being 20 months.
Life changes and who knows where we’ll be next year?
Mum, as usual, said she didn’t want any fuss and we didn’t make a fuss. We just booked in at her local Bowling Club for their special Mothers’ Day lunch. The staff there know Mum. She lunches there regularly and they treat her with great courtesy and kindness. She lives within walking distance of the club but there have been several occasions when the heavens have opened while she was there and a staff member has driven her (and her ‘walker’) home rather than let her walk home in the rain.
Community spirit at its best.
Travel-wise the location suited us all and the lunch was delicious. The club has a children’s room so the ‘littlies’ were able to spend time in there when they became fidgety. Family members who hadn’t seen each other for ages were able to catch up, and most importantly, Mum enjoyed herself.
Next time we say “let’s get together”, let’s make it happen.
If you have a story to share please get in touch at melody@oversixty.com.au.
Related links:
Thank you to my community for helping me in my time of need
How to find your balance as a grandparent
The funniest quotes from your grandkids