Today we had another bank holiday and Lee and I decided to drive in the lovely English weather (hello constant rain!) to visit his family a couple of hours north of London. I met his sister, mum and the famous, Gramps, who is already very popular down here thanks to his ginger biscuit and shortbread baking skills. They are very lovely people, have a beautiful home and spoiled me with a pub lunch-including wine! Perhaps Gramps was hoping I could be the girl to turn Lee…however I suspect he is just a genuinely good guy. It was a great way to spend a miserable (weather wise) day and it got me thinking about families in general.
Lee’s family are the kind who are incredibly welcoming and open, so you feel comfortable straight away with them. Our other housemate had spent the weekend in France at her very good friend’s wedding where she was made to feel part of the family and involved in every aspect of the proceedings. I know we were both truly grateful to be included as part of a family. Perhaps we appreciate people making us feel so welcome, as over here we can sometimes find ourselves short of family. When Steven’s Dad drove Steven and I up to Stoke where I was going to meet his family and all his friends (eek!) I remember a moment where I realised that he had obviously come from a really good home. Steven, his Dad, his sister and I spent a day clearing out their grandparent’s old home and then rewarded ourselves with a few drinks at the pub. I was surprised how comfortable I felt with them, after only knowing them for a day, and sensed that this was because they were such friendly people. It was really nice to be amongst a family, acting the way all families do.
I know I come from a great family, who themselves, welcome everyone with open arms. It happened fairly recently that Mum informed that there was a random American guy staying in my room as they were in Perth to do exchange from Minnesota and so through some random connection with Kathy ended up staying at our place before they could live at the uni. That’s my Mum though, generous, (she probably hasn’t been given all that much of a choice as over the years she has had to get used to random people/friends staying) and even though we might not be she is cool about others being there.
Of course I miss my family but I also love living away – I would prefer people to come visit me here than for me to have to move back home! There are occasions where most people would spend their time with their family, for example Christmas, and people over here can find it hard to be away. That’s when we take advantage of the families we have created for ourselves. I feel so so lucky to have met so many genuinely nice (this word does not even begin to describe them) friends who I know are there for me when I need someone in London. I may be very very far from loved ones but it is great to know that there are people who care for me here too. London friends’ rock!
