A few weeks ago, we were able to have a family barbecue at my sister in laws home. She lives on a rural property just outside of the city, so barbecues at her home definitely have a country charm. I mean, I can have chicken at my barbecue, but it would be on the grill, not running around the backyard.
I planned a sleep over, because hubby was on call and I didn't want to drive home in the dark. Okay, let's be honest here, I didn't want to drive in the dark AND, I wanted to drink - what's a family barbecue without alcohol?
Everyone hoped that John would be able to make an appearance. It turned out that for some reason, his on call was super busy, and he was only able to pop in for an hour or so, get some food, and head out again. But for an hour or so, we were able to have almost everyone together.
Almost everyone. Missing was the family that started it all. Gramma and her family. Gramma's daughter, Gail, my mother in law. Gramma's son, Gary, and of course her husband, Grandpa. I looked out the window while I was washing up some dishes, and felt an overwhelming pang of sadness. I couldn't help but think how much the "original" family would have loved to be there, and how proud they must be of the family they have left behind.
