Andrew Pollard

My White Christmas

Its been over 3 years since I have been home to Perth - Western Australia, and starting my Christmas day out at my local beach was certainly a treat. I forgot just how special this place is, with the white sand, turquoise water and 30+ degree weather (85 degrees F).

Coming home is always a special experience, and its not just because of the natural beauty of the beaches, its primarily the opportunity to reconnect with family. I feel extremely lucky to have an incredibly supportive family who have embraced my choice to live abroad in NY. They make it so easy for me, and coming home is such a rewarding experience. I sat around a table for Christmas lunch with 24 uncles, aunty’s, cousins, siblings, nephew and parents and was reminded what a special family we have. As my cousin James spoke about the importance of family to three generations of Pollard’s, I found myself feeling incredibly proud and fortunate to have such rock solid family system. 

We have traced our family back nine generations from mine, to the original convicts sent out from England, and within all of those generations there are many adventures and lessons that have been passed down. Talking to the tenth generation who descend from a multitude of cultures including; Dutch, German, Austrian and Japanese, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of belonging to this very special tribe. 

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. - Richard Bach

AjP