I suspect it's going to be an emotional weekend coming up

[meriad]

but in a nice way

My brother from SA and his wife are over in Germany at the moment (for a conference in Frankfurt) and after the conference they are spending Friday, Saturday and Sunday at mom's before flying back to Durban. My sister is coming up from south Germany as well so needless to say my other brother Karl and I will be flying over to Germany as well so it'll be the first time since 2010 that us five siblings and mom will be together again which will be lovely - loud but lovely. But best is we're having a belated birthday celebration for mom (it's her birthday today) and will be giving her her present:

When we were growing up my dad was forever filming us using these little super 8 films (anyone remember them?). Anyway we’ve got loads and they’ve always been stuck away in a cupboard in a carrier bag at moms. We used to have a projector but not sure where that ever ended up so these films have just been sitting around. Earlier this year my brother Frank was made redundant and bless him; he used some of his spare time to sneak these films out of mom’s home and has had most (I don’t think all) of them converted onto DVD and that's what she's getting as a present.

Tissues will need to be at the ready and I’ll have to remember to wear waterproof mascara as there are obviously lots of clips of my dad as well - he passed away in 1985 – it’s going to be quite emotional for us all I think, but esp for mom

[Ally]

Oh it certainly will be emotional Ria - my eyes filled up just reading your post.

Have a fab time with your family. xxx

[miasmum]

Oh Ria that will be so amazing. Emotional but lovely x

[Kaz]

Oh ((((((Ria))))))

Have a terrific weekend, lots of laughter and tears in the offing I would imagine xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Workingman]

Fabulous Ria, a rare family reunion with everyone coming from all corners......

Have a fantastic time, all of you (((Ria))) xx

[Diflower]

Oh brilliant, you'll all have a wonderful time xx

[saundra]

I cry buckets full at times like that anyway
Have a brilliant time anyway

[Paddypix]

Sorry I've only just noticed this Ria. What a wonderful present for your mother. I hope she has many happy (and a bit sad) hours watching the DVD.

[meriad]

Thanks Paddy

it was a wonderful weekend. Between Frank and I we decided to choose a happy video for her to watch whilst we were all there to make sure it was a happy evening for mom. We started by giving her just the DVD's, then the second present was two of the original film spools and then Frank carried the laptop over as it started playing. She was quite unsure at first and then the penny dropped; in time with her jaw

We all then gathered round and it was absolutely amazing just seeing it all from when we were kids - myself at about 5 years old (in some places younger); remembering the friends we had whilst growing up - just awesome. I have the DVD's here with me in the UK at the moment so Karl and I can download them as well and get a copy made for my sister and then we all have a copy. Mom no doubt will be shedding a quiet tear or two when she does watch all the films in her own; but it most certainly was one of the best birthday gifts for her ever.

happy times

[tonicha]

Sorry I missed this too Ria - you posted after I'd left, last Tuesday.

So pleased your mom was happy and that you all had such a lovely, famil week-end xx