Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Happy.

On Tuesday our lovely cousin Kathleen, who lives in Hokitika in the South Island of New Zealand, married for the first time. Kathleen is a little bit older that me - I think she must be 55 -  and was without doubt my Grandma's favorite. Her new husband Aho, who is Tongan, is a forestry worker and has six children ranging in age from 14 years to six months. Tragically, his wife and eldest son were killed in a car accident last December. Since then, Kathleen, a family friend for many years, has been helping take care of the children. Aho asked each of the children if they were happy for him to marry Kathleen and they all gave their blessing.

Kathleen cuddles her new family after the wedding. All photos by Jenny Bryers Reneti

The little guy holds the door open for Kathleen and her new husband Aho

 
Kathleen and her new family, Hola, 14, Salesi, 13, Mele 10, Meleane 7, Kavana 3, John 10 months, Templeview, Hamilton, NZ


Aho and baby John


What a wonderful day. Isn't it amazing the path life takes you? We're so happy for you Kathleen and your beautiful new family. God Bless.


23 comments:

  1. What a wonderful story. I remember reading about Aho's loss online. Oh and my parents lived in Hokitika until Dad got sick late 2010 then they moved back to Christchurch. Small world. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Six children - wow she is going to be busy, what a change from never being married! All the best to her.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, how absolutely gorgeous. What a terrible time for family, and what a lovely and supportive time for all for the future. Sweet story. X

    ReplyDelete
  4. The smiles tell it all. May Kathleen and her new family have many years of happiness.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations to Kathleen and Aho!! They look so happy :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a beautiful family. Many blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a gorgeous looking family. Good to seem them smiling after such tragedy.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a story!! From bittersweet to just beautiful. This could be a Lifetime movie, you know. All of the children are gorgeous, but I would be tempted to nab that baby boy! He is precious! God bless, indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  9. How GORGEOUS is THAT……………if anything could be under those circumstances.The whole family knows her and adores her I would imagine.CONGRATULATIONS!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That's super, never too late to find the right person.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congrats to the both of them, a busy bee she will be now. And life can sure take some twists indeed

    ReplyDelete
  12. Life is full of unexpected turns and sometimes there are happy endings too. What a beautiful story!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I LOVED this story. My beloved baby brother married for the first time at age 47 to a woman from Ecuador. She's had a hard life and is so grateful for him and HE worships the ground she walks on - their love is contagious when they are around. My whole family is overjoyed to see them - especially him - so happy! I know the JOY your family is feeling. Thank you for writing so beautifully!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love stories of loss redeemed. How wonderful for everyone that they found each other.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congratulations and much happiness!!
    Sx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Blessings and Bear hugs for the whole family. Even if they don't know what a Bear is.

    ReplyDelete
  17. A happy day indeed, how lovely for the family to all have a little bit of joy after so much tragedy. Wishing them a long and happy life (all) together.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Congratulations and a world of best wishes to them all from me.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Such a wonderful story. Those children are adorable. Wishing the happy couple and their family much joy after their sadness.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...