The time had finally come for Jack and I to travel north for a family gathering in Anglemont, British Columbia. The reason for our gathering was two-fold: gather with siblings, children, and grandchildren of the late Winifred Duffy and do the big sort through her belongings in the house she lived in for the past 40 years. It was a happy time: reunions with relatives we hadn't seen for a long time or even met, hours looking through Winifred's vast collection of photo albums, sunny days swimming on Shuswap Lake and discoveries of her hidden and known treasures. The sad moment was the time when we took Winifred's ashes to her burial site. The family circled around and Uncle Derek share a few encouraging thoughts from scripture and had prayer. People were moved to tears as they were reflecting on what a good mother, grandmother and friend she had been. Reflection time was soon over and we were back to the task of sorting, packing and laughing. With a car loaded with goods and another furniture run planned the next day, we started our trip southward. Smooth sailing through the border three times over was an answer to our prayers. This weekend was one that filled us with good memories, grew family bonds stronger, and left us with boxes and piles of keepsakes that remind us of Winifred and all the love she gave the family!
The Duffy Family gathers for a group photo at Winifred and Gramps' grave.
Shuswap Lake at sunset.
Gentle lapping waves on a beautiful shore of perfect skipping rocks. Many summer days of playing in the lake were spent here with Grandma.
Shirley places Winifred's favorite flowers, hydrangeas, grown in her garden, at the gravesite.
The family gathers around in remembrance of a wonderful woman!
Winifred's ashes were buried on top of her fathers casket, as she said, "in his arms."
Shirley, Ralph, Bertie, Jack and Pauline share laughs and fond memories as they look through Winifred's vast photo album collection (at LEAST 50).
