They were leaving the next morning for Bangkok, but they took the time to come to dinner with us. And another spent the day making wine, but made the extra effort to drive to Ancaster from Toronto to join in the festivities. They came to their parent's home to have dinner with their Aunt and Uncle, Ruth and Ken. And two off-spring came to join us for appetizer, along with one boyfriend. It was a lovely event and I am grateful they came. I have known Norm and Wendy all their lives. Dave and Irene married in 1953, and their three children, born four years apart, were always a part of our lives. Our children were born in 1968 and 1969, so we watched those children grow up , before we were even interested in children. When Irene was in the hospital for the birth of their youngest child Ken, my Ken was a medical student, and after hours, he walked through the hospital with his stethoscope around his neck, and went to visit Irene and the baby Ken. We have always felt part of their lives. All three children are very successful in their chosen fields, the result of native intelligence plus very careful upbringing. The three children might have objected about their home routines, and Dave and Irene have laughed about the fact that their Sunday dinner served in the dining room is never carried out in homes of the children, but the results speaks for itself. The three children are spunky and smart, but polite and accomplished, so the parents must have done something right. Dave commented once that one problem with trying to bring up independent children is that they are independent, and no longer need their parents and their aunt and uncle. But it is the best way and I am proud of their children and their accomplishments.
Our Family Dinner was delightful. Norm and Diane were there along with Wendy and Ken. Rachel and Ariel, two of Norm's children came for a couple of hours before dinner, and Fraser, the friend of Ariel came too. It is always interesting to speak to these young folks, who are all so anxious with their education and their careers. I always wonder how they will all turn out, and look forward watching them assume their roles in life. Both Ariel and Rachel were in Nova Scotia, so we saw them last summer, but with so many people there we did not have time to spend much time with each one, but now I am up to date and I will cheer them on in any way I can. Ariel is just finishing her course work for a Masters degree in Literature from McGill University, and hopes to get funded to go on with a PhD. First she must write her thesis, which will be rationing during the Second World War in Canadian literature. Rachel has just completed her Degree and may join her brother teaching in Bangkok.
Of course the whole evening was orchestrated by Irene with no fuss or muss. Dinner for eight, ready to eat, before I was even aware that she was cooking. Of course, I was undoubtedly talking while Irene was working. This is the story of my life. I talk while everyone else works. The dinner was marvellous, both the food and the conversation, and I enjoyed every bit of both.
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