The circle of life

Going back to my roots. 🌳✨

I recently attended a family gathering to celebrate my great uncle's birthday, four generations met up, celebrated and created memories. We stood together at various points throughout the weekend for photos made up of different combinations of family members. Our ages ranged from 93 to 2 years old, representing a true circle of life.

It seemed quite surreal to be stood there with everyone and know this would be unlikely to be repeated due to busy schedules and co-ordinating of family members. Family history was spoken about, folders full of photos and family trees were brought out of cupboards and passed around. Looking at faces and events of the past sparked questions and moments of nostalgia.

I have always been interested in our family history as I find it fascinating delving into the past and seeing how past lives shape who we are today, the shared DNA, personality traits, physicality and mannerisms that trickle down the generations.

I always feel at peace when I return to the place where my paternal grandparents come from. Being in the wide open spaces of the Kent countryside, surrounded by familiar sights, provides a link straight back to my childhood, as I have been visiting here ever since I can remember.

We always have chats about the lives my grandparents and their families led and reminisce about various landmarks and events that hold memories. The tales about the family nursery, village life and adventures are comforting and well known, and having these moments and understanding of your roots makes you realise how important they are.

Visiting the local church is also something we do when we are there, I am not a particularly religious person, but every time I go into the church I feel the veil of history wash over me as I cross the threshold. I walk down to the candles and light one, taking a moment to remember those who I have lost. Standing in the corner of the churchyard, looking at the fresh flowers we have placed, always ushers a moment of peace and reflection.

I know I am very lucky to experience this, and don’t take for granted that I have these links to my families past. Watching everyone last weekend was a privilege and one I won’t easily forget. To see the children running about and playing in places I would have done as a child and seeing the delight of interaction between the generations was heart-warming and life affirming. The circle of life continues, with each new generation linking the past to the present and beyond.

Are there any special moments or places that hold memories for you?

“It's the circle of life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
'Til we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life…”

Elton John & Tim Rice