Tribute to two

July11 has a special place in my heart. It is my father's birthday as well as my eldest daughter's birthday. This shared date meant they also shared a special bond. For many years now, my family marks July 11 on the calendar as our annual family get together. We have grown to 60+ people (this is just my siblings and our children and grandchildren) and it has become too difficult to get everyone together regularly, especially since some have moved. The 'patriarch's' birthday seemed like the perfect excuse. We have taken to having the event near my sister's home in the village of Mossbank where we grew up. She lives only steps from the community swimming pool, camp ground and Legion hall, so it is the perfect location. With 60 people its hard to fit into one person's house, so we have meals in the hall or outdoors, weather permitting, and the kids are free to play and swim when the adults decide to sit around and visit.

This year will be the first without the guest of honor. My Dad passed away in May and we are still grieving his loss. Like many others in the family, though, we had already booked our holidays well in advance, so the annual trip to Saskatchewan will go forward. We talked at his funeral about keeping the tradition alive, but only time will tell if it happens.

In the mean time, here's to a great family get together and a tribute to two great people in my life, Freddie (my dad) and Lydia (my daughter). Happy birthday to both of you, whether you're with us in body or just in spirit.