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Published: August 13th 2008
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All Seven
James clearly standing on his toes. 100 relatives, one marquee, and an unwritten speech. I've often been heard saying that this is a recipe for disaster, and this is exactly the predicament I found myself in on the morning of the Family Reunion/25th Wedding Anniversary for my parents.
I suppose I was carried away with excitement from meeting so many new cousins, Uncles, Aunts, and long lost family friends in the preceding days that I hadn't put much thought into the speech. I hadn't even put pen to paper yet. But everything always works out, and this would be no exception - I figured.
Anyway, it was with a certain high school/university familiarity that I found myself sitting in the empty house of my Grandma's recently deceased neighbour, on the morning of the Reunion, frantically scribbling down some of the thoughts about my parents, my family, and our life over the silver lined years they'd been married.
In fact, I continued writing the speech on the way to the party, which was in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside (or was it Blaby?). I didn't finish it until after I had spent a few frenzied moments collaborating with my brothers in the back corner of the
Rhythm
Two of the best dancers this side of Blaby. marquee as people started to arrive.
I only just got it done in time, but I think this was just right. It seemed to reflect the way my family has lived; on the move, often hectically, and sometimes together alone trying to figure things out in a new environment.
And then it all began...
And oh, what
fun we all had! What a fantastic reunion, or as my Great Grandma referred to it as - 'The Do' (she is actually just my Grandma, but I think she's great). The first half of the event was spent meeting relatives and friends. Some had always been a faceless name on a birthday card, some I had never heard of before. Some were old friends of my Mum who have become like legends to our childhood ears. And photos were taken, hundreds of photos. A few were particularly special, like the one with all of my cousins. Until that moment, we had never been together in the same room before - or even the same country.
Of course, the boys and I turned up the Australian accent wherever necessary. I've always thought a few
mate's and a few
ya Speech
In the middle of some sort of classic joke no doubt. flamin galah's will keep things interesting. You'd be a drongo to disagree, really.
As the champagne flowed, and the introductions and photos continued, I experienced a certain euphoria that comes when you are in a safe, loving, and above all a
family environment. Of course, everyone has felt it to some extent at some point, but this was at a level I had never experienced before. Some people call it love, some call it family, others call it drunk (I'm joking). Whatever you call it, it was a lovely and comforting feeling, and I hope there were others under that marquee who felt the same way.
The speech came off well too, although I could sense Mum was slightly displeased with my romanticised version of when she 'first laid eyes on my Dad', but
I couldn't see what was wrong with making most of it up. I should also add as a point of reference, jokes about why Australia is better than England will never go down well in a room filled with British people. (But I knew that going in, I just couldn't help it).
As the night progressed, the dancefloor began to lure it's victims
The Happy Couple
During the speech... Mum looks a bit nervous. I'm probably talking about what she was thinking when she met first 'laid eyes' on Dad.
and all of us kids enjoyed going a bit crazy after hours of shaking hands, smiling, and politeness in general. I don't want to sound like I love myself, but my inspired African medley, which probably went unnoticed, was truly a sight to behold. It is here that I could mention highlights of the dancefloor - such as Hazel's swinging dance moves, Rose's salsa, or Kraig's impressive steps to Kylie Minogue - but I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone.
As the hits kept coming (and occasionally missing), more and more people succumbed to the powers of the dancefloor, and soon we had people of all ages getting down to whatever came out of the speakers. It was wonderful fun, and some people definitely enjoyed the thought that they could dance like only family was watching. I know I did.
Before too long, however, all fun must come to an end. Thanks to the charm my little sister had over the lady with the music, the night ended with a repeat performance of 'American Boy' by Estelle and Kanye West. Probably not the usual end note for a 25th Wedding Anniversary/Reunion/Do, but, nevertheless, a great finishing point as far
Great Grandma
Must have been another pearler as a dozen cousins were concerned.
It was with fond memories and teary goodbyes that we farewelled everybody, realizing that an event like this is truly once in a lifetime. It has to be said that with people coming from not only all over England, but also Holland, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand, (as well as Aimee who was over 9 months pregnant) it really was a gathering that will be remembered by most and cherished by many.
I should make a point of congratulating my parents on making it to 25 years of marriage, an increasingly rare achievement these days, and also for raising five children - certainly no easy task. And if you weren't there for my speech, you should know that I think they've done a fantastic job of it too.
And a special mention must be made for my (Great) Grandma, who was responsible for organising the entire thing, and who made sure everything ran smoothly. She certainly deserves the thanks and appreciation of anyone who is lucky enough to be affected by her loving, generous and considerate actions.
Thank you for such a memorable experience. And I should add, only three
25 years!
Congratulations days after the reunion, she actually became a Great Grandma with the birth of Baby Isla. Congratulations.
If anyone out there has photos of the party, please email me and we can add them to the hundreds already on the specially made website. If you want to see the website, please contact me for details.
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James
non-member comment
Excuse me?
I think you'll find that Mum said she wanted a picture of her with her favourite BOY. Something about having it framed or something.... Actually, I know you just photo-shopped me out because you can clearly see just how much taller I am than you now...