Dear Reader

The Power of Family

The power of family was brought home to me on Sunday through a documetary we saw at a movie theatre in Hamilton. Tenor - My Name is Pati was recommended to us by several friends so we knew we were in for a treat.

It's the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati's journey from Samoa to success in the trio Sol3 Mio, and onto the world's great opera stages. I know a little of Samoan family culture through my son-in-law and his family - predominantly through his respect and love for his parents, my daughter and their children, and his love and service for others.

The movie of Pati brothers showed me the universality of the depth, breadth, beauty and power of Samoan family life. Above all, above one's own success, the family honour and opportunities for growth and success came first.

I've long believed that one cannot be disadvantaged by ensuring another's success. The movie shows the truth of this. The power and success that came to Pene through his willingness to put others first is demonstrated in a way that I felt is available to us all.

But the power of family is not only that which is represented on the big screen. As I write this, today would be my brother Digby's 80th birthday. I'm feeling the depth of loss of my family - those who have passed and those who live far away. I'm remembering those precious family times, especially those with my siblings.

This photo is one of the last times we three musketeers were together, feeling hale and hearty. A few short years later, Digby was gone.

Growing up, we loved the beach and shared memorable times together, although I don't remember where this next photo was taken it was typical of a day out together.

Together we weathered many storms, especially in our childhood. And although as adults time and distance separated us, that bond was always easy to rekindle.

Last newsletter I shared how I know I'm so lucky to have a sister and that there's a special link we have because the blood running through our veins is the same. So it is with having a brother. I'm lucky to have both - a brother and a sister.

Whatever I've done in my life, I could pick up the phone to share with them. They have always been supportive and encouraging, full of love and making me feel strong and capable. When times were tough, they were there to lift me up.

Family's have that power. Parents are important in nurturing the ground and planting the seeds for the flowers of joy they bring into the world. But for me, it's my siblings that provided the sunshine and shared an environment that encouraged the joy to thrive.

Memories are precious. I would have loved to have celebrated my brother's 80th birthday with him. His sense of humour and good nature would have created a wonderful party atmosphere! I have memories just as precious of both my siblings. To Digby who is not here now - thank you for enriching my life.

And to Megan who is my precious angel - thank you for bringing joy into our lives when we were in our darkest days. Your little reminders of how I am loved, like this one, are scattered around our home.

I'm so grateful I can hop on a plane and be with you in a few hours, my precious angel. Yay for technological advances in our time!

May we always be aware of the power of family - whether it's our blood tribe, our street community, or our human global family. It's through connection that we get our greatest joy.

With love, always,
Stephanie

Why I Write - for you and for me too.

Some stories come from lived experience, like navigating my son’s addiction and the long road of recovery. Others are shaped by imagination, like the cozy mystery I’m writing, set in a small café where trust is both tested and rebuilt. Some of my life stories still bring tears. Others make me smile. And many are filled with memories that warm my heart.

I write for anyone who’s ever carried a burden across generations, and for anyone who longs to heal forward.

I write to bring a little encouragement, comfort and joy into my life and yours.

With love,
Stephanie

My thoughts for Living Life in 2026 and beyond:

"My religion is kindness"

Dalai Lama

“Cast your bread upon the waters and it will
come back - buttered”

Doris May Payne - my mother

"Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing"

Helen Keller

“Write it on my heart that every day is
the best day of the year”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Remember that sometimes not getting
what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck"
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Dalai Lama

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave [person] is not [the one] who does not feel afraid, but [the one] who conquers that fear.”

Nelson Mandela

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www.StephanieHammondAuthor.com

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