Generations like sunsets come and go. On the shores of Banderis Bay some of the family gathered to break bread, share stories of years gone by, remember the missing and just savour sunshine.  Now, as siblings are want to do, the sharpest sabers were hurled at the outlaws — the not so bloody well connected parts of the spectacled group.  Genetic issues were blamed on the in-laws until the origins were uncovered in-house.  Now the “pure” parts of the family (premature grey, hearing impaired etc) hurled their love with precision.  Those who had acquired spectator wisdom deflected incoming verbal drones.  The banter, story and laughter bridged years of separation in minutes.

Food, frolic and whats app managed the logistics.  The boat, the condo and the beach were appropriated for eating, drinking and sun seeking.  The great moments were punctuation marks in family history and the inter-generational correction (reframing to preserve ego). The miles that separate family amplified smiles.  This was no normal gathering.  This gathering focused discussion on alternator rebuilds, dog spaying, guest bathroom reconstruction, marine sewing, aging, hearing and did you hear me?  Great blessing was being present for each other and remembering those who were not present.

On the way “home” (a home as temporary as a condo and a sailboat) the day was capped with an undersized sombrero post-sundown.  Family has an unspoken way of punctuating words, ideas and images, all the while holding each other.