A Family Holiday

A big birthday recently had me thinking about a lot of things… not surprising, I suppose, for as one gathers the years (!), there is much upon which to cogitate.

A family holiday is something that I planned for a while to celebrate the occasion, and it meant a great deal that both of our daughters, their partners and children, could make it. One family lives two hours away from my husband and me, and the other is living overseas. And what a family holiday it turned out to be.

First, my husband and I left a few days earlier to travel along the Great Ocean Road, ending up at the iconic Twelve Apostles (image). Of course, many tourists had the same idea, but the wonder of such a splendid coastal sight was worth the trip.

Then, onto Adelaide (Botanic Garden image) and the Barossa Valley and some little towns (image) in South Australia. The choice of destination was in the hope of seeing the changing of Nature’s colours as temperatures cooled in our Southern Hemisphere. 

Along the way and at mealtimes, my family made some jestful remarks when they spotted and pointed out the odd copse or avenue of trees that… was changing colour. This was especially so in the absolutely delightful town of Hahndorf (image). Apart from a few instances though, lingering warm temperatures, even into the middle of our autumn, had unfortunately kept the changing colours at bay.

It really didn’t matter though, as a family holiday is more about a gathering of those dearest to you… and that is what I had for a few special weeks.

It was more about the fun and laughter, seeing how the different personalities came together and, of course, the added joyful essence, eagerness, and innocence of two delightful grandchildren (3.5-year-old and a 15-month-old). The most precious moment was when our granddaughter remarked tearfully that she didn’t want to go to bed, as she wanted to spend more time with her family.  

A family holiday can certainly bring out so many dynamics, and I was transported to when I spent just a few days with both of my sisters back in South Africa in 2024, on the sad occasion of my mother’s passing just a few months after her 90^th birthday. Despite such challenging circumstances, I don’t recall having been closer or having such a meaningful time with both my sisters in many years… if ever. Perhaps it was just in that specific environment that brought us closer together, and our separate lives were put aside for a little while.

As I said, birthdays of significant numbers can cause one to ponder deeply!

As I think about my mum, I am ever so grateful that we got to spend the time to bring her stories to life in Goodbye to Italia and Ciao! We’re in Africa. What a delight and a privilege. 

From a family holiday to families in general, I have truly been blessed.

To anyone who is reading this, I wish you all the very best and may you find your family, whether bonded by blood or just because they are ‘your people’.

#family # holiday #Australia #books