It’s Tradition
Seven sisters and one brother gather yearly to share good times, laugh, cry and reminisce
For the past 15 years, on a June weekend, my seven siblings and I—children of the late Lois and Herbert Coolen of Wolfville, N.s.,—get together for a weekend getaway. Can you imagine eight siblings who want to get together? With a 22-year span between the eldest and the youngest, Violet, Esther, Austin, Christine, Bonnie, Pam, my twin Faye and I all look forward to sharing adventures of yard sales, delicious food, beachcombing, laughter and entertainment.
It all started with an idea that one of the youngest proposed after reading an article in a magazine about some sisters who planned an annual weekend retreat. In year one, only the sisters went to stay in a beautiful older farm house in Green Bay, N.S.
Sisters only, meant that seven of the eight of us attended. We planned a turkey dinner for Saturday night—who knew it would be over 30° C that day? There was even a heat warning that weekend—phew!
At each meal time we noticed the table place settings should have been for eight. There was
Gaye’s twin sister, Faye, displaying 15 scrapbooks full of wonderful Coolen-family memories. always one lone plate in the cupboard. Someone was missing! Would our only brother, Austin, even want to spend a weekend with his sisters? We explained how it didn’t feel right without him. It wasn’t his fault he was the only male! We were really pleased that he agreed to join us on our annual adventure.
We came up with a theme for the next one and spent the entire year collecting items to wear and share around it. We decided to adjust our menu, too!
We begin by meeting up at one sister’s place in Falmouth, N.S., which is a central location for most of us. We leave from there in two loaded cars on our way to Chester Basin, where we connect with the final, eighth sibling—now we’d be complete— especially since she’s the one who brings the desserts!
Over the years, our route to Petite Rivière has become routine. A stop at Ocean View Garden Centre and many yard sales, including the St. James Anglican Church sale in Mahone Bay.
By noon on Saturday, we have eaten out at places such as Sweet Indulgence and Knot Pub in Lunenburg or, after a ride across the water on the Lahave ferry, the Lahave Bakery.
Our family always tries to spread joy and silliness. There can never be enough laughter!
Over the years, we have stayed in two cottages, but much prefer one large house so that we are all together to fully enjoy being together. After unloading and claiming our sleeping spaces, out
comes a jigsaw puzzle that usually gets completed by the end of the weekend.
Austin does an amazing job of barbecuing chicken, while three di erent salads are readied for the supper table. There are extraordinary desserts, too!
Stories shared around the table bring gales of laughter and sometimes, tears. As the evening entertainment approaches, sighs and worried looks are exchanged as the two youngest (now almost 60) prepare their games. You never know what they have in mind as they try to keep some secrets and surprises. Laughter from all has the place shaking!
Some find it easier to go to bed than others as we are exhausted and know it’s an early start in the morning—we are all usually early risers. The smell of co ee brewing, wa es cooking and a quiche in the oven awaken those who aren’t on breakfast duty. In pajamas, those who await an available shower, try to add a few more pieces to the jigsaw puzzle.
Often at the breakfast table, tokens or small gifts from and for one another are found at each place setting. All is quiet as everyone enjoys an amazingly delicious breakfast. This is when we review our list of who brings what for the following year and discuss a theme.
Dishes and clean-up don’t take long. Everyone prepares for a morning of beach walks. Crescent, Rissers, Cherry Hill and Green Bay beaches get explored again by we Coolens who, each year, have a photo taken of our family name and year written in the sand.
We o er bubble wands and ribbons to any child on the beach who isn’t frightened away by our silliness—there’s something about the ocean—or has it always been that way with us?
After returning to the house for lunch, everyone packs up while a few are still rushing to complete the puzzle.
As we load up the vehicles, there is lots of talk of our newly made memories and plans for the next year’s adventure.
Many people are astounded that our family carries on this tradition. The photos and memories are gathered in a scrapbook for sharing with friends and family. Every sibling has a two-page summary for each year, gathered in an ever growing binder.
We feel very fortunate to have been brought up by parents who taught us to appreciate and value family time.