Strange, isn’t it, that when we were young someone who was forty was old. Our grandparents were really old. And they may have been sixty-five! I look through the old photo albums and note pictures of my ancestors- grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles-and they appear more aged when they were in their mid life than when they were ten years older. Part of that will be the change in clothing and hair styles. Part of that will be in the very formal way they presented for family pictures, and part of it will be that life in general had become easier. Career pressures under control, family grown and provided for, and retirement in sight. Much easier to smile.

    Reflecting on family genes and attributes, I am thank­ful for both. Uncle Henry, an uncle by marriage so no genetic line, loved sports- skiing, baseball, golfing- and fully engaged in competitions. There was a Toews family reunion at the Kane schoolyard. The afternoon activities included a baseball game. I so clearly recall Uncle Henry, no longer young, probably the age I now am, leaving third, rushing for home plate, his toupee seriously awry! Safely scoring, he adjusted his hair piece and continued on. I want that! (Well, may not the hair piece! But the attitude!)

    One of my aunts, my father’s sister, so this is a genetic connection, is 94. Aunt Marilyn continues to be engaged with living, using her musical ability, piano and voice, to encourage others and support her younger than me daughter in her musical endeavours. Up until a few years ago my aunt shared her gifts with ‘seniors’, some younger than she! Aunt Marilyn pursued her love for music and education as an adult, raising a family of five, the wife of a teacher/preacher and faithful family member to her extended family. Her knowledge of scripture, her depth of faith, her love for God and family inspire me.

    Then there was Mr. Bergen: a refugee from Russia, a farmer, a patriarch, an advocate for higher education, and a lifelong learner. No genetics but what a character. He spoke Low German, I spoke English and he felt if that worked for the world powers of the time, it worked for us. The parents provided the finances for the oldest child to attend university, and then that child helped the next one, and so on down the line. Now, I know that the children were not four years apart in age so there must have been some overlap of support, in the family there were teach­ers, nurses, and a missionary. The youngest son chose to maintain the farm. I recall watching Mr. Bergen planting an apple tree in a decaying stump in the yard knowing that he would not eat of the fruit, but his children and grandchildren would. Foresight and wisdom.

    I do wonder what others will remember of me. Keep­ing in mind that I am not yet old and have years left to make a difference! It is my heart’s desire that I will be remembered with affection, and respect. I’m still working on making memories!