Brother and Sister

Life doesn't always allow for quality time spent together. But illness has a funny way of pushing aside hectic schedules and forcing us to make choices between our schedules and spending time with loved ones. I love being part of seeing Charl and his sister reunited at this time.  It has been such a blessing to have Elsje here, to spend time in meaningful conversation, cooking and tidying up together, going for walks, touring Calgary, watching videos, laughing, and hanging out. I suspect this is as much a restful rejuvenating time for her as is it for Charl. Makes me long to spend time with my brother who lives overseas.. 

In the meantime here are brother and sister together in steadfast South African tradition. The Afrikaans word Braai translated loosely means "BBQ" in English, but in fact the actual cultural and emotional translation is closer to it's in our lifeblood to bbq and if we don't we will die - or something like that. The men bbq in South Africa. That tradition has not died in the last 10 years Charl has lived in Canada. (This is a tradition I fully support)

Here they are braaing in what Charl thinks of as 'beautiful spring weather' and Elsje unapologetically calls 'freezing!' (note her wearing her brother's parka).

We will miss her dearly when she goes back tomorrow night but will cherish the memories of sweet time spent together.