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.
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| Kathleen cuddles her new family after the wedding. All photos by Jenny Bryers Reneti |
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| The little guy holds the door open for Kathleen and her new husband Aho |
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| Kathleen and her new family, Hola, 14, Salesi, 13, Mele 10, Meleane 7, Kavana 3, John 10 months, Templeview, Hamilton, NZ |
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| 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.
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. :)
ReplyDeleteSix children - wow she is going to be busy, what a change from never being married! All the best to her.
ReplyDeleteOh, how absolutely gorgeous. What a terrible time for family, and what a lovely and supportive time for all for the future. Sweet story. X
ReplyDeleteThe smiles tell it all. May Kathleen and her new family have many years of happiness.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Kathleen and Aho!! They look so happy :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful family. Many blessings.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous looking family. Good to seem them smiling after such tragedy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family. Bless them.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteHow GORGEOUS is THAT……………if anything could be under those circumstances.The whole family knows her and adores her I would imagine.CONGRATULATIONS!
ReplyDeleteThat's super, never too late to find the right person.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the both of them, a busy bee she will be now. And life can sure take some twists indeed
ReplyDeletewow - what a lovely story!
ReplyDeleteLife is full of unexpected turns and sometimes there are happy endings too. What a beautiful story!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI love stories of loss redeemed. How wonderful for everyone that they found each other.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and much happiness!!
ReplyDeleteSx
Blessings and Bear hugs for the whole family. Even if they don't know what a Bear is.
ReplyDeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteWishing the family all the best!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and a world of best wishes to them all from me.
ReplyDeleteSweet story.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful story. Those children are adorable. Wishing the happy couple and their family much joy after their sadness.
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