Today Patricia and I hopped on the Skytrain and headed east. My mom and step-dad picked us up at King George Station and we drove to Chilliwack.
Destination: Fraser Family Reunion. My mom's maiden name is Fraser; her father was born in Scotland and is where I get my
Scottish roots from.
I was happy to see my mom's brothers were there, my uncles. Three in total. Kevin the affable one, Keith the studious one and Chuck well... the smart ass. (we love you Uncle Chuck it's part of your charm).
I haven't seen a lot of them over the last several years, but my childhood was full of time spent together. Sometimes I miss them dearly and wish we saw more of each other.
But memories of my childhood remain. The times spent together over Christmas and different holidays comes marching back whenever I see them. I never feel more like myself than I do when I'm around this side of my family.
Sadly My mom's father, my hero, my inspiration to be a man, and my grandfather passed on in July of 2003 from cancer. And could only be there in spirit. A spirit gracefully embodied by a cousin playing the pipes to the crowd - echoing majestically through the misty Cascade mountains.
I think we all cried a few private tears then in loving memory of my grandfather.The sound of pipes, just the thought of him always fills my eyes with tears and my heart with sadness.
He was a strong man - fought in the war at a young age, was proud of his Scottish heritage, knew right from wrong, loved his home and family dearly and was always respected by those around him.
He had a temper that rears up inside of me at times too, but he was a wonderful person and we all loved him dearly. Our lives were blessed by his presence and we all, the entire family, are fortunate to have had such a man as our father, grandfather spouse and friend.
It was Patricia's first introduction to my extended family and sadly she never had the opportunity to meet him. She'd met some of the family members before but the Reunion marked the first occasion where most of the family were together. It was exciting for me to see everyone and exciting for me to introduce Patricia as my fiancee.
And Donna, Ed's wife did a great job collecting family artifacts and putting together a chronicle of the family history.
The Angel of the family, Jenna Morach, my sister Jeannette and her husband Chris's daughter, was there too marching around in her cowgirl boots. Happy and full of life. She is my mother's pride and joy and makes me feel proud to be her uncle everytime I see her.
Patricia and I hope to give her a little cousin to play with someday soon and, should it be a boy, will pay tribute to my late grandfather and my father by naming him Fraser James Tait.
Of course, and thankfully, my grandmother Jacqueline Fraser was there too. A plucky woman of eighty, strong and smart as a whip. I know it was probably difficult for her as she's in a little pain these days, but it's always good to see her and hear what she has to say. She's always ready with an honest word. And we sincerely hope she is well enough in May to travel to our wedding in Germany.
Where incidentally, we are going with mom and Don in just seven days. Next Tuesday we fly to Germany. We are excited indeed. So stay tuned and keep checking the updates.
I'm writing this entry alone today. Patricia's at work and I'm leaving soon too, but she may add to the entry, give her own thoughts on the Reunion. Anyway, thanks for reading and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
And a special thanks to Morris and Judy for hosting the party.
PS
Check the bottom of the page for another picture.
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