Family Reunion

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”   Michael J. Fox.

Explorers

I attended a family reunion in Christchurch over the weekend. The reunion was for my partner’s family. It was months in the planning – actions were taken many weeks ahead of the event. How do I know this? Because flights were booked for us by the organizer months ahead of the due date. From previous family activities I knew it would be an enjoyable weekend.

Purpose

This weekend’s reunion was to pay tribute to the last generation of sisters, whose parents have passed on. Beyond that the opportunity to celebrate and strengthen family ties was of equal importance. Whatever your purpose is, a good rule of thumb: keep it simple, inclusive, and flexible.

Organizer

One person took control of planning and organized the reunion. Activities were planned around the number of people attending, making use of facilities family members had access to. Consideration was given to those who had to fly in or drive some distance to get to the city where the reunion took place.

Accommodation

Some made their own arrangements, booking motels or other paid accommodation. Many stayed with family members who had rooms to spare. Others, like ourselves, stayed in a unit that was made available while the family members bunked in with their significant other.

Transportation

Being able to get around the city in a vehicle is invaluable to your enjoyment of the activities planned and for free times when you could do your own thing. Christchurch is a city I don’t often get to visit, during downtime we explored old haunts my partner had connection with. I wanted to explore areas beyond city limits, and lookout points to view as much of the city as possible.

Lyttelton

Lyttelton Road Tunnel, running through the Port Hills, is about 1.9km long and connects Christchurch with the Port of Lyttleton. At the entrance to the tunnel from the city side you can see the gondola running to the top of Port Hills. It’s a straight run through to Lyttelton.

Sumner Beach 

From Sumner Beach you can drive over the Port Hills into Lyttleton. I didn’t enjoy this route, reminding me of a drive down to Okains Bay. I’ll let someone else tell that story. For others like me take the tunnel that runs both ways. Sumner is an attractive suburb sitting between the ocean and the Port Hills. For a walker like me, runners and cyclists can take advantage of cycling and pedestrian pathway back to the city. Unfortunately, on the day I started the walk I didn’t get far before heavy rain fell.

Food and Games

The generosity of our hosts in providing a car for us to explore and the brunch and dinners held are deeply appreciated. After a special Saturday dinner, the game of charades followed. Some are far better than others at this game, particularly a brother and sister combo who pumped out answers after just one action was delivered.

Summary

All too soon the reunion ended. This is how families remain close, through reconnection and the creation of new memories. The best reunions aren’t about perfect planning; they’re about giving space for connection and laughter. Family is not an important thing, it is everything.

New Brighton Beach Pier