I am fortunate enough to have a huge family. We usually have a Christmas of around 30-40 people just to give an idea of just how many we are.
It consists of brothers, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, inlaws and their family and so on plus etc.😁 So our family get togethers are quite insane and sometimes can be overwhelming.
This brings me to the question of birthdays. My point really is this. There is not one month in the entire year where we do not have someone celebrating a birthday. We have at least two birthdays in any given month.
This can become quite a task. As much as it is a blessing it does become quite busy as you are constantly going from one birthday celbration to the next. Not to mention all the other celebrations in between. Annaverseries, weddings, christmas, easter, braai day, mandela day, etc. Etc. Basically we spend all year going from one function to another.
As I said I consider myself extremely blessed to have so many family members and I often wonder what it must be like not having any family at all. This thought saddens me, and as much as a pain in the butt my family can be (for the most part, not) I cannot imagine my life without them in it.
My Mom and Dad were pretty much the patriarchy and matriarchy of this huge family. My mom died of cancer after 27 years after being diagnosed.
She vowed to stick around until I turned 21. Which she did, exactly to the year. (A story for another time) and my dad died 7 years ago at the age of 84. They had four sons of which I am the youngest. Which was the start of this explosion of relations.
Whenever we get together I look around at everyone sitting at the table, and I appreciate the legacy my parents left behind.
It makes me realise and appreciate all their sacrifices and struggles to create all these people who love and care for each other, no matter how annoying it sometime may be, the love always makes it worth every second spent together. To make it clear I do think family need not be blood but more about those who come into your life and love you and stand by you no matter what.
While traveling a good friend and travel partner gave me a t-shirt and CD which has become one of my favourites. It was an album by Pink Martini, entitled "Get Happy" I still have it and I smile every time I wear it and listen to the tunes. Lol
Happiness is a choice and not circumstantial. I choose happy. No matter what. I will smile and do what I can for others, no matter how small of an action that may be.
When I was working 16 hours a day while traveling abroad, many moons ago. (See throwback pic of me at Stonehenge.) Being very philosophical and giving a lecture of its origins. Lol.
Hotel I used to work in.
Did not have time to sift through my photos from then so got this one off their FB page
Source: https://web.facebook.com/TheSaracensHeadHotel/photos/a.378632368860210/2969232246466863/?type=3&theater
ALL other photos are my own.
I worked in a hotel in a quint little english village called Dumow and spent almost 7 years there. Will write a separate story about my time there. It is a proper English tiny Town with all its village charm.
Doctors pond. I loved taking pics all around the village. These are just some of the ones I would take when heading home after a night shift at the hotel.
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St Mary's on a pathway on my way home.
The owner of the hotel I worked at said two things to me that changed my life. He said this:
"Always do the best you can. You can never do better than your best, nobody could ever expect more."
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And
"Get on with it."
In other words dont complain and moan about things, just get on with it. Do what needs to be done without complaining.
These two statements have stuck with me ever since, and has made time of doubt much easier, when I reflect on what I am doing and realise that I am doing the best I can, it gives me a sense of contentment, and it helps me also get on with the job at hand without complaint.
Happy Saturday everyone. Love your experiences, good and bad, they both have their purpose. Love family, and cherish those around you.
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