The theme of this month's issue is celebrations, which is particularly fitting considering recent events that have transpired in my personal life.
As children, my father and his brother were very close, and after they each married, our two families spent a great deal of time together. My father died when I was quite young and, sadly, my uncle died shortly thereafter. As sometimes happens, our families drifted apart. One by one, my Auntie Jean and her children headed west to British Columbia, while our family stayed in Ontario. Somehow we just lost touch. Fast-forward 30 years to the era of the Internet and Facebook, and our families reconnected.
I recently received an email from my cousins informing me that my Auntie Jean had passed away at the age of 86 and that they were bringing her remains to Ontario to be buried alongside her husband. I was invited to the interment, which was to be followed by a reception celebrating my aunt's life.
I don't know about you, but seeing people I haven't set eyes on in many years (plus, in this case, some I'd never met before) and large reunions in general make me a tad apprehensive. In a moment of self-doubt I wondered whether I should attend. But my sister Kim, one of the wisest women I know, reminded me that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these people – after so many years – and to meet relatives I'd only known through photographs and stories. Kim was candid: not attending would be my loss. She was right.
At the celebration my cousin Lynn read love poems my uncle had written to my aunt; we were shown pictures chronicling Auntie Jean's life; and my cousin Brad and his wife, Pat, regaled us with poignant stories. My lifelong memories of my aunt held true. Throughout her life she had incredible style, was a devoted mother (then grandmother) and a passionate gardener. The gathering turned into an all-day event and was truly a celebration of love, life and bringing family together.
There's a lot in this issue that speaks to celebrations. For our style section, our fashion and beauty team outfitted four women for upcoming special occasions in their lives. We have a how-to craft article on making memory books, and a piece by Lisa Bendall about creating special one-of-a-kind parties to mark those time-honoured life events. Of course, we've also produced several articles in our food section (celebratory foods, festive punches, memorable desserts) to help you plan a menu for that special party. Whatever you're planning to celebrate, you've got the right magazine in your hands.
Have an inspired day!
– Susan Antonacci
