Do you see a family resemblance? That’s me on the left and my second cousin, Toni, on the right. We used to go to the same school, Toni was born at the same time as my brother (our mums were in hospital together) but we lost touch and only recently, via Facebook and a lot of chivvying by my mother, did we realise we were both bloggers. Toni is Expat Mum, living in Chicago, author of Rules Britannia. We had both been commenting on each other’s posts over at Mad Manic Mamas, completely oblivious to our family connection. I wrote about how we discovered each other in a blog post “We are family”.
Whizz forward a couple of months and the photo above shows us eventually meeting up again. When Toni returned to England for a few weeks this summer, our two mums phoned each other and organised a bit of a do. They hadn’t seen each other for ages either, so it seemed the ideal opportunity for a family gathering. We travelled up to Newcastle for the weekend and thankfully the weather was warm.
It was a great day. Toni was there with her youngest son and eldest daughter. Unfortunately her 14 year old, the same age as Rory, was back in the States with his Dad. However Rory was a star, played with the little fella all afternoon, patiently making models with a box of Knex my mum still had in the cupboard. As for the grown-ups, well we didn’t stop talking all day. The Mums and Aunties blathered about the past and tucked into the trifle: we slightly younger ones drank plenty of fizz, demolished the pavlova and put the world to rights.
Since that weekend the family bonds have certainly strengthened. Our two mums are meeting up again soon, both agreeing that they wouldn’t leave it as long again. And now that I’ve met Expat Mum I can put rude comments on her blog – well, that’s what families do, isn’t it!
I chose this photo for the theme of “Celebration” on The Gallery this week. Pop over to Tara’s page and find more memorable moments.
You really do look alike! I'm sure you could sell this story to the press – trying to think of a suitable publication. It's such a great story.
Wow, there really is a family resemblance. So nice that you got together again after all this time. x
Oh wow! What a fun coincidence that you were commenting on each others blogs before you even knew the connection. I love things like that.
Nice photo as well. You're both lucky to have such a clever, interesting blogger for a cousin!!
Deer Baby – do you think so? Maybe Toni will have some links through her writing?
Very Bored – it was great. I didn't really know Toni that well before as there are so many cousins up in the North East. It was good my brother was there too as he knew Toni better than I did.
Michelloui – Haha! Runs in the family!
So it's true – the world really is a small place! So great that you'd made contact with each other before you even realized the family connection!
I think my ittle Guy thought he;d died and gone to heaven with such an attentive 14 year old.
We should approach the Chronicle. I have a friend who works there. I'll send her this link and see what happens. Trouble is, then my mum will remember about my blog and start reading it!
That is a great story! I follow both your blogs too – what a great, bloggy coincidence! I'll look out for the article in The Chronicle.
Steve – Her name didn't ring any bells at the time: I just saw the 'Expat Mum' bit and thought nothing more about it.
Expat Mum – Toni I think we all fell in love with your little guy: he was a poppet.
Diney – it will be interesting to see if anything comes from it. The last time I was in the Chronicle was probably when our netball team won a cup (I was 11!)
Yes, I very much see a family resemblance. It looks very warm weather where you are!
CJ xx
Crystal Jigsaw – it was 21 August, Newcastle! We picked a fab day as it piddled the next weekend.
You could be sisters… strong resemblance. It's lovely to meet up with long, lost friends/family.
It's funny but we really look nowt alike if you're standing next to us (she can tan like I couldn't hope to for a start). However, I can see a resemblance in this photo.
What a lovely story! I recently discovered a branch of the family who our side had lost touch with in the 1920s. They moved to Seattle and became very famous in rowing. We too have a remarkable family resemblance and when we read their father's memoirs, discovered we'd lived in the same road (though about 80 years later), children had been to a playgroup in what was their father's old school. It was in a village that neither of us had any previous links to. Bizarre!
ebabeelikes – I think it might be the nose, Toni thinks so but I don't want any more attention given to my conk!
Expat Mum – be thankful, you've no wrinkles woman!
Previously – wow that's a great story too; all those links yet years later.
What a coincidence and I love that you worked it all out and met up. Sounds like you all had a ball. x
What a great story and a lovely photo (though I'm not convinced it was in Newcastle – when exactly did the sun come out up here? )
What a wonderful story. Amazing what a small world it is. =)
i think this is fabulous and the resemblance uncanny. Def try to sell your story it could go towards funding your next reunion.
Wow that's amazing, and you're right you do look alike. The world is sometimes a very small place isn't it.
Just have to agree with the others, you do look alike ;))) @Kahanka
I've just spent a fascinating few minutes reading the extracts from your cousin's book "Rules Britannia" on her website. Although I spent many years working with Americans I still learnt several new things…..but am still trying to work out what is the "four way stop procedure" which is apparently fatal!
Pants with Names – it was great. Aunties, Uncles, cousins, all catching up after a long time!
Dawnie – trust me, it was definitely balmy!
If I could escape – small world indeed.
Mrs Worthington – well I think the local Newcastle paper are going to interview us so we'll see what happens.
Liz and Mirka – I'm still not sure if we do look alike but maybe there's something familial.
Troy – yes I have a copy of Rules Britannia I keep dipping into. Will have to look that bit up, no idea what it means.
It's a spooky old world! Does she sing?
MSG – have no idea. I'll ask. If she's anything like the rest of my family I'm sure she has a party piece or two!