Family Vines (07/01/14)

I had to help Ariana with a class project. She had to do a family tree back about three generations. It was a challenge to remember everyone's name. I often forget my own name.

People in our community identify themselves by who they are related to, and expect us to make the connections. 'Well, you know Jack Simpson don't you? He's my great uncle, on my dad's side...' I just nod and smile. How can I keep all of that straight? I've made it easy for them. All of 'my family' are from 'out east'. I'm the, (get this)-'Torona gal'.

There was a wonderful family supper once at Nan and Grandad's. We were all explaining who we were to Great Nan from England. She looked horribly confused, and asked with that lovely proper British accent, 'Well, then...who am I?' It is reassuring that we all will still be searching for ourselves well into our 90's.

We loved the movie Lilo and Stitch. Micha did a perfect Stitch. 'O-Hannah means family. Family means no one gets left behind.' What a tear jerker.