The extended family
As I head towards 50 I want to say some thank yous
My maternal grandmother held her family close which meant whenever you visited it was likely that another of the family would also be there. When she ‘left the planet’ her role became more evident as it seemed harder to hold everyone together in her absence.
I am grateful that I was born into the Jackson family. I always thought of it as a strong sounding name. It was my paternal grandfather’s name. He originated from Northampton, England. He was posted to Northern Ireland just before the Second World War and there he met my granny. On my maternal side, my grandmother was from Scotland. The others were as far as you can know descendants of ‘the planters’. Most people think of ‘the planters’ being Scottish they were however there was a sizeable number of English among them. I guess the fusion became known as Scot-Irish or as I now refer to myself, Northern Irish.
As I reflect particularly on my childhood I become aware that certain members of the extended family played at times a significant role. Whether it was an Uncle taking me to football matches, an Aunty showing affection when needed or others providing their home as a place to cycle to and refresh us before the return, I remember and I am grateful.
Best day,
g
