I know, I know. My older sister and her family are very well-settled in the US but there’s a part of me that wishes they would relocate down under. We don’t have to be in the same zip code, but at least being in the same country would help.

Although having said that, my younger sister lives only 20 minutes away from me and we hardly get to see each other at all.

The last and only time May-Ann and her family flew down here, Raven was only 7 or 8 months old. My parents flew in, as well, which made it a very happy and noisy Christmas holidays, indeed. One of those rare times when we were all complete as a family. Ignorant in our bliss from life’s tragic surprises three years down the track.

With a photographer in the family, it was decided that we were going to have our family photos taken on New Year’s Day 2017. And so off to Cranbourne Botanical Gardens we went, where we soon found out how near-impossible it was to capture a decent group photo where everyone was looking at the camera all at the same time. A very simple task, but such a hard ask.

It was a memorable day, nonetheless. I think mommy and daddy were just happy to be with the grandkids. On my part, I was just happy to be there.

I think it’s safe to say that we all were. I mean, if you have a family scattered in three different countries, you can’t help but treasure these rare moments of togetherness. It’s one of the most delicious treats that life gifts you once in a while.

The gift of time.

The gift of that time spent with the people closest and dearest to your heart.

It is with deep gratitude that I post these photos here, six years later.

In loving memory of the best dad I was, and am, honoured to have had in my lifetime.

*Raven at 8 months old