This was a milestone weekend for the Eastland family. My Uncle Ray, Aunt Joyce, Mom, sister Catherine, Uncle Jim and Debbie and cousin Robin gathered to say good-bye to Florence, my aunt and sister to my mother.

I was delighted that Cath was able to take Mom to Niagara Falls so she could attend the graveside service for her sister Florence. I’m sure it was a long day and of course who loves driving through THAT traffic. (Have I mentioned how much we don’t miss the traffic of Southern Ontario and specifically that around Toronto?)

So a few pictures from that day…

This is the picture I was so glad to see. Jim and I were as kids, like brothers. We are not that far apart in age and we had many summers together. He was in my wedding party but since then I do not know that we’ve seen each other much. I was in Niagara Falls many years ago, seems to me that we were down visiting Bubs and her deranged cat!! I was outside the front of the house around the car and one of Jim’s friends stopped because he thought I was Jim.

My Eastland genes runs strong.

Tall, thin, bald…. that’s us.

Mom sent me this picture of her and Marina – yes, an Eastland. I can’t say I remember her which just goes to underline how we lose track of the wider family has time goes by.

I would have really loved to have been with the family on this day. We spent many occasions together. I was in Joyce and Ray’s wedding party as the ring-bearer. But we live far away and so it isn’t likely that I will see these folks again.

My friend Merlin, our neighbour and local poet gives us this poem.

Grief