Six years ago I wrote an Out & About column talking about my parents moving away and today I am happy to say a return to Manitoba is complete. Newfoundland is a beautiful spot and it’s always been my dream to move home as well. My parents could not wait to get back to the island and even though they’ve returned to the prairies it was not a mistake to move away. They’ve had six beautiful years on the rock but for quite some time now they’ve been missing watching grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. My parents chose southern Manitoba and will be close to family in Winnipeg and closer to my brother in Alberta and us in Thompson.
Though the original plan was to move after a reunion in Newfoundland in September, they’ve already moved and settled in after finding out there would be a family get-together for my baby brother’s 50th birthday party in Gimli Aug. 9. It was planned as a surprise party. Though John was surprised to see our parents had moved to Manitoba early, the surprise was on us when he walked into his surprise party and threw his arms up saying “surprise” making fun of us all. My brother Eric was to keep him busy while the family all gathered in the conference room but John had somehow caught wind that something was going on and decided to turn the tables and make the surprise on us. He kept coming up with excuses that delayed him from getting him to the hall. It was quite a challenge but finally the charade was over and our family was able to celebrate his birthday with him.
After a delicious meal, some shared gifts and memories of John growing up, our family ended the day off with fun and sun on Gimli beach and more memories to file in our hearts. Our family is growing and to see the proud look on my parents’ faces and the joy in their eyes does my heart good.
After travelling back to Thompson and walking into my home sweet home I read a sign I have above our family room: “Remember as far as everyone is concerned we are a normal family.” I don’t know what normal is but I know I enjoy every moment spent with mine and the moments we can all be together are the ones I cherish the most.
