At the entrance to where we start Parkrun, two ladies greeted me in Afrikaans and asked me what the route is like after such heavy rains. I could see they were serious Parkrunners and didn't want to slip and fall while trying to improve their times. I explained that it's a mostly dry and grassy track and mentioned where they should take it easy/ They told me they were from Bethlehem in the Eastern Free State and when I said I was from Marquard 120lkms from this town, the one lady said her husband grew up in Marquard. Just then he arrived and we got talking. He told me his surname was Bruwer. and to whom his parents were related (this always counts when ascertaining your origins!) I said I knew an Eddy Bruwer and he said " that's my brother!" I realized I was talking to Karel Bruwer whom I'd known in the 80's as he took my friend's daughter out at the time. He asked who I was and when I told him, he said I knew Grant well. And it all fell into place. Karel's late mother and Celia, my daughter-in-law, Amanda's mother, who's my sister-in-law, were sisters! So here I was at the Parkrun, literally running into family by marriage!
Karel and his wife, Sandra; moi and Koba, Sandra's sister
As always, there are four-legged Parkrunners
I started off quite strongly considering I'd been off-color for almost two weeks and had done no exercise. As I was jogging along, I spotted a little blonde girl pass me. Then two little boys and when I saw Valentin hurtle past, barefoot and pushing a double buggy, I realized it was all my grandchildren. Then someone pulled up beside me and said: Hello Mom. John, who'd also had a chest cold and was just taking it easy.
I finished 47 min 55 seconds which was fine for me and soon noticed all my family standing at the end point.
Marelize and Tiger being scanned at the finish
John and Debbie with Joshua and Keren; Eryn and Bethany; Valentin ** and me with Israel and Elijah in front of us
**Valentin is a young Mozambican who has come to study in South Africa and is currently staying with John and Debbie on the farm.
I'm linking to Saturday Critters with Eileen, here
HAPPY SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!
i love the story of running into family so far from home.. and that last photo of the family is just beautiful. Valentin is very handsome and i love his big smile, he is blessed to be living with your family.... your time sounds good to me... happy for you and for John that you are both well enough to walk the parkrun...
ReplyDeleteHello, I am glad you were feeling better. It feels good to get back into the groove and doing your park runs. It is a small world running into old friends and your family related by marriage. The last shot of you and your family is beautiful. I like the cute dog too. Thank you for linking and sharing your post. I also appreciate your visit and comment. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteSmall world, isn't it? The canine runners must be used to it too!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that it became a family (and extended family) event.
ReplyDeleteGood job running. I had to give it up for aches and pains.
ReplyDelete(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
How lovely to run into family members of all kinds on the Parkrun! The gardens in your photos look absolutely lovely. The recent rains must have helped. Valentin looks like a very pleasant young man. I hope he doesn't have so far to get to school.
ReplyDeleteWow! Coming across old friends like that! That's amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great 'family connection' for you and love all the critters around!
ReplyDeleteHappy Days to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
The world is small ! Nice picture of all your grandchildren !!
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific coincidence! Congratulations on getting out there for your Parkrun after some illness! "The family that plays together, stays together!"
ReplyDelete