Wednesday 28 July 2010

Family


We had an unexpectedly gorgeous day (I'm talking about the weather here) on Sunday and took a trip down to Gunwalloe Cove on the Lizard, one of my favourite places and also a dog friendly beach. Cornwall really looked at its best, and that night I had a phone call to say that my oldest brother and his family are coming down next month and could we meet up? Of course the answer was yes – I can't wait.

We haven't seen him and his family for two years now, owing to their hectic lives. My nieces are now grown up girls – one's in her second year at university and the other is about to leave school, and my nephew is in his early teens. A lot can happen in two years. I think back to when I was their age and life was so different – I am showing my age here – but I'm sad that we've missed out on so much of them growing up. This will probably be the last family holiday they have, so the chances of seeing them after this are even smaller.

I miss my brother and his wife too. When the kids were younger we saw each other a lot more and had some wonderful times. I remember crying with laughter over various things; a tickling match just before I got married; a sunny barbecue one evening; sitting in their kitchen while my sister in law made plans to Get Me Hitched; putting the girls to bed when they were little. Happy memories.

Out of school activities can be a great opportunity for children and I'm all in favour of trying things out – at any age. I never knew I had much creative talents until – well, until my 30s. I spent most of my teens and 20s in a creative black spot and it wasn't until I left London that I realised I could write. Realising I could sing came later, and I did wonder the other day what I might have done with my life had I realised all this stuff earlier.

So what I'm saying is – yes, let's give children the best chances we can. But don't forget your family.

22 comments:

Chris Stovell said...

Strange that we should both be thinking of our nieces, too! Despite my complaints about too many visitors, I'd love to have my nieces for a few days to show them walks and waves, and mountains. Glad you've got the chance to enjoy yours. The good thing is, dear fellow KitKat (!, is that you're still open to new experiences. Too many people pigeon-hole themselves saying they 'can't' because they've never tried. Keep singing! Love from this KitKat!

Becky said...

I agree, its never to late to try new things, and creativity is a journey isn't it, with twists and turns. Family is so important isn't it, and the unconditional love in families is what sets it apart I reckon. Lovely post Sue x

Akelamalu said...

Children grow up so quickly and two years is a lifetime in that growth. I'm sure you will enjoy and cherish the time you spend with your brother's family. It's strange how we find hidden talents as we get older isn't it?

Flowerpot said...

Chris - isn't it just?! And I so agree about trying new things - we should never stop. Er, within reason!

Talli Roland said...

Lovely photo - I can only imagine how glorious your day was! I think it's awesome that you're open to new things. It's what keeps life exciting!

Bluestocking Mum said...

I so agree.

And I also have two nieces who I'd love to spend more time with. I have two sons so the girls are the daughters I never had.

One of them in particular loves to write, craft and is musical - all the things I like.

warm wishes

Flowerpot said...

Becky - i agree, although sometimes I'm not too sure about the unconditional love between families. Not all of them anyway!

Flowerpot said...

Ak - I will love seeing them and my mum is coming down too so it will be areal family get together. And yes, it's great discovering things when you get older!

ADDY said...

Hope you have a lovely time with your family. Those moments are so precious.

Flowerpot said...

Talli - I think it#s a sad day that we can't try something new. Life is there to be enjoyed. Talking of which, no singing this week. Will have to sing at home instead!

Flowerpot said...

Bluestocking Mum - lovely to meet you and I'm glad you have such lovely nieces. Hope you can enjoy them as much as you would like.

Unknown said...

Family is so important, isn't it, and I think we sometimes forget that until something goes wrong.

And certainly, it's never too late to try new things. It's what makes life exciting. :)

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Addy - really looking forward to it. We have one brother one day then the other arrives at the weekend which will be great.

Flowerpot said...

Shirley - yes you're so right. On both counts!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I've spent a lot of time recently with my neices and nephews and they're all so interesting and fun. I look up at them (how come I'm the shortest) and can't quite believe how those little people grew up so quickly.

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Flowerpot said...

Debs - they do grow so quickly don't they? I'm sure when we see them I'll be the smallest too - and the youngest is 13!

Flowerpot said...

Dear Japanese bloggers - please would you comment in English if you are to comment at all? I'm assuming that you read English as this is written in English. And if it's not suitable for a blog, please refrain.

Unknown said...

Very well put. That's given me the first smile of the day. :)

Flowerpot said...

Sorry Shirley - you having a bad day? I had a hellish morning but making slow headway!

Unknown said...

Sorry - no, I wasn't have a 'bad' day. It was just one of those mornings where you get bogged down in paperwork and stupid red tape. :)