a family tree
I went to visit one of our local indigenous elders at home today. There were photographs of her family, her sisters, parents, school groups ... all smiling out at me, with lots of stories to tell. The faces, the smiles and the way they stood holding one another revealing love shared and connecting me to her family.
Creating a family tree of photographs on the wall, or a shelf or table of framed photographs, photo albums of special times, can honour our connections to our families and friends. Take the time to share these stories with your children and grandchildren. The 'aunty' I was visiting had also put together a special sisters album. Photographs of the three of them smiling out from every page, made more sacred as the middle sister had just passed away. It inspired me to do the same.
I have three beautiful sisters and the time we spend together is precious. Every time I visit my sister, Julie, in Moruya I love looking over her wall of photo's laughing at times passed and checking out the new ones.
We four sisters have shared a lifetime together with many ups and downs, and yet, no matter what, we are always there for each other. We laugh and carry on as if were still at home when we get together, except now we don't fight like we used to over who gets what! Julie and I fought like cat and dog over the silliest of things as we were the two closest in age and shared a room for many years ... now we laugh over the silliest of things. I always know if I call her we will end up belly laughing.
Keeping family stories alive and well is a legacy to our children, and their children.
I am always amazed at how many people who come into my home love looking at the collage of photographs on the fridge of my family and special friends... asking questions, wanting to know who they are ... all revealing more about the loved ones in my life.
wendy's book store
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