Family Gathering Circa 1972

My grandfather Heinrich and his brother John, were separated as young men, leaving Russia. One went to Paraguay (single) and one (newly wed - whose wife most likely had connections) came to Canada. John raised his family in Canada and Henry in Paraguay. Letters were sent back and forth and a few times John and his wife visited Paraguay, bearing gifts. This is the connection to introduce this photo.

After my family arrived in Canada, my great uncle John and great aunt Tina invited our family to join them for Easter and Christmas when they gathered with their own grown kids and grandchildren. A brother cares for his brother's family, right? We had no other family connections and they were very kind to include us when their small house was already full to the brim. Not only did they include us, but they bought gifts for us just like they did for their own.  They introduced us to a Canadian Christmas with turkey, gifts, photos around the tree and caroling. I will never forget their kindness and patience with us, as we were learning the language and customs.

 

When I look at this photo (taken about four or five years after we first came) I try to ignore the obvious funny element . . . the wall clock sending out superstar status to one of my second cousins. My mom is the one in the red and navy jacket and sitting in that row with her are her aunt and her cousins. Right behind her, her uncle John and my dad.

 

This coming weekend we three Janzen siblings are gathering with our children and grandchildren. We could be near fifty people (including a few extras) instead of the original family of five welcomed to Canada in 1967. It's a good thing that somewhere along the line they stopped inviting us.