Family Ties

Last weekend Mark's family had a reunion. It was from his Mom's side, the A family. Some of them I haven't seen in a few days. Some of them I haven't seen in months or years and some of them I haven't met at all. So it was nice see everyone gathered together in one place, one weekend.

During the planning stage, Mark and I weren't sure if we will be able to join the reunion. It was all dependent on my radiation treatment. But fortunately the radiation finished by the end of June and we were able to join in the fun.

Personally, I thought I'd be bored out of my mind since I cannot enjoy the sun or the pool with everyone. It has only been a little over two weeks since my last radiation treatment, soaking under the sun and in the pool are prohibited until around the end of July. Anyway, I was armed with a book and MP3 to keep me occupied. But I never had the chance to read the book or listen to my reliable MP3 because I wasn't bored at all. I had so much fun reconnecting with the A family last weekend. I loved seeing my kids having a ball. I loved that the weather was great (except Saturday morning). I loved the late nights and the company.

Everyone was also happy to see that I'm doing well and cancer free. They were all delighted with the great news. Praise be to God indeed! :) They also thanked Mark for his fantastic updates that kept them in the loop with my treatments, struggles, triumphs, challenges with my fight against breast cancer. I proudly told everyone that I couldn't have done it without Mark's love, support and understanding.

We got caught up with each family's escapades, stories and what nots. The bonfires, sharing stories/jokes, the kids' giggles, great food, unlimited supply of drinks and most especially gathering three or four generations of the A family last weekend were priceless. It was a weekend to remember.

I think everyone enjoyed the reunion. Some even said we should do it more often. Maybe next year? Whenever the next reunion will be Mark, Jason, Joshua and I hope to see you all again soon... Uncle Cor, Aunt Grace, Anita, Doug, Eric, Peter, Luke, Con, Jessica, Jackie, Steven, Dylan and his sister (sorry I forgot your name), Uncle Bill R, Aunt Vera, Art, Elisabeth, Aaron, Ryan, Natalie, Nicole, Paul, Bles, Angeline, Uncle Wietze, Aunt Sharon, Jordan, Justine, Rebeka (belated Happy Birthday!), Mom, Dad, Tonya, Kevin, Emily, Reina, Bill P, Danielle, Derek, Nadia, Kayla and Alyssa......after all we are FAMILY! :)