The long lost relative

A highlight of my week was meeting a long, lost relative and it happened here in Bangkok.  He is a second cousin that I met once before and that was in 1991 in Manila.  I had gone for an immersion experience and staying at the Columban Fathers' house where he was then spending a year on pastoral experience as a seminarian.  Now 22 years later I meet him in Bangkok while he and his partner are here in Thailand on holidays. 

The three of us had a pleasant dinner together.  What struck me was how easily we clicked.  The conversation was natural and enjoyable and more than just about the weather.  It was as if we had been friends for years.  That may speak of the family connection but it may also speak of who we are.  It also struck me how life changes and we move on.  He now has his life partner and I have my life mission and here we connect just as we did 22 years ago in such a natural and friendly manner.  This happened this week within the context of our present life realities which are not the same as in 1991 and in a totally different city, but yet again outside Australia.  The realities may not be the same but the friendly coming together of long lost relatives has remained the same. 

A good reflection on life.   We grow older, we learn more, we take on new tasks, our circumstances change, we move forward as best we can.  We may think that so much has changed but all the while the basics remain with us - striving to be good people in relationship who enjoy great and life long friendships and relationships with family and friends.  It is all a reminder of what is really important in life - who we are with others on the journey of life.