What Makes Canada Strong?
The strength of our nation begins with family
To me, there is no doubt that one of the things that makes Canada strong is the bond that keeps many families together. Solid family relationships have helped build our country by setting an example to the world that each one of us is a valued member of society and has the opportunity and the obligation to help share in whatever way we are able.
I happen to be one of seven girls who grew up learning what it is to share; do without; wait your turn; respect one another; accept responsibility; suffer the consequences for a wrong-doing; apologize for a misdeed; and obey your parents.
We were no angels, but I feel now at the age of 90 that the boundaries which were set for us have resulted in building a very wholesome, well-adjusted family that continues to ingrain in our children a desire to pass along many of the values of our upbringing.
Our father was a young Canadian First World War veteran, the only child of a Scottish family from the small community of Loggieville, N.B. He married our mother, who was a British war bride from a larger family in East London.
My sisters and I were born between 1919 and 1932—times were not easy and employment was often uncertain during the Great Depression. This also explains why the values that held the family together were so necessary.
As the years passed, we girls all became well-educated, employed and married. The family unit continued to be strengthened. As the families grew, frequent visits were made to our parents’ homestead in Miramichi, but it was not until 1988, after both Mom and Dad had passed away, that the idea of a family reunion came to be.
These family gatherings, which we hold every five years or so, bring the offspring of all seven sisters to Miramichi for a time of celebration and further bonding.
In July 2017, we chose to have reunion number five. Over the previous eight years, four of my sisters, who had all been blessed with relatively good health until well into their 80s and beyond, had passed on. Many of the descendants of two of the remaining three of us had settled in Newfoundland. My youngest sister and another brother-in-law, along with many of their children, were excited to have us visit the Rock as a family.
This also gave many of our family in the West a great opportunity to explore another part of Canada for the first time. In fact, of a total of 50 who attended the reunion, there were 13 from the Winnipeg area alone. What drew them to this reunion? Our family bond.
There were also family representatives from as far away as Germany, Campbell River, B.C., Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Only one of the three remaining sisters, now a resident in a special care home, was unable to attend.
The reunion was planned for the most part by a committee composed of one member of each family, using e-mail updates and monthly conference calls. Over the course of a year, questionnaires were used to encourage input about interests, even noting special dietary needs.
A weekend was planned that featured: a meet-and-greet barbecue, a family breakfast, a picnic at a rented park site, family games, a catered evening banquet and a bus tour to several high points in the area.
The basic meals were all organized and delivered by committee members who were assisted in preparation and cleanup by family members
On Sunday, a group of more than 40 attended church, after which they converged at the home of our youngest sister for brunch. Newfoundland hospitality at its best!
Memories were made and stories shared. Several cousins even got to see one another for the first time since early childhood.
Throughout the span of most of the 20th century, myself and my six sisters had remained in close touch with our parents and one another.
This reunion was the first one outside of Miramichi, but it gave the family members who were there a wonderful opportunity to visit with relatives and enjoy the beauty and culture of Newfoundland. Some attendees became official Newfoundlanders by being screeched in! (This involves drinking a shot of screech, reciting a short poem and kissing a cod.)
You’ve probably guessed that I am proud of the family in which I was raised and I believe that the strength of our nation starts with family. n