It's Australia Day tomorrow and while I'm having the mandatory Oz day barbie my guests are my family for a wild change of pace. That's mum obviously, my sister, and her three kids.
There are enough family events through the year, not to mention random catch-ups and regular telephone conversations that it never really occurs to me to invite them over. To a degree that reflects the old adage, you choose your friends, but are stuck with your family. Well, I love my family, by and large, and am probably closer than most, but generally speaking I'd rather spend my leisure hours with my friends.
With that said I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I love a good BBQ, and I love to show-off. As usual I'll be cooking up a feast fit for the double the number of guests. I love seeing my niece and nephews too, like any good uncle, and I share with my sister and mum the bond of a common history and language. We are family.
Time is running out and I'm conscious too that I want to make every moment count with mum. My options are limited. My sister shared quality time with her in Honolulu after Christmas, but that's not feasible for me. All I can do is be around and close, and take every opportunity to enjoy these times while we still have them.
On Saturday night mum has a 'celebration' of her life party. There are about 60 people in attendance fort cocktails, nibbles, dancing and the odd speech. It's very much a mum thing, something she'll love and revel in. I'll enjoy it - I like to be social - and I'll be glad for her.
It's funny to be thinking this way, but that's how it is. Everything, eventually, is finite.
