LONG WAY FROM NEW YORK

I remember the time Dad told of his childhood in Scotland. Son of a Scottish landowner, from Aberdeen he moved to New York and met and married my mother, a Texas lady from a wealthy oil family. Father himself being from a hard working cattle family, but made his money in art dealing.

My two brothers David and Callum, one became a doctor, while the other became a lawyer. Myself I became a reporter, for the New York post.

Mother told me that Dad would like to go back to Scotland, to see his family, as it had been years since he last saw them.

I had only ever been to Scotland once, and that was 16 years ago. I had seen my grandmother, a few times since. Beautiful women by the name of Jane Hamilton.

Since Grandfathers death all those years ago, Gran has visited us in New York.

Father's brother, David looked after things in Scotland, so Father and Uncle David hadn't spoken in years.

I asked my mother one day why Father and Uncle David never kept in regular contact. She told me that Uncle David was two years younger than dad and he was the one left to look after Gran and the farm, while dad travelled the world. I decided to have a holiday and told mother my plans, to visit Gran in Scotland my brother David decided to come with me.

When we touched down in Aberdeen, Cousin Jill was there to meet us, and drove us to the farm. When we arrived Uncle David was out on horse back, auntie May Uncle David's wife, welcomed us. The door opened and Uncle David appeared, he gave us a big emotional hug. That night we had a family meal, Gran's face was a picture of delight to see us all sitting at the table. On the last days of the holiday, I was sitting on the porch with Jill, we were discussing our fathers, and how she would love to visit New York.

The night after we were sitting at the family table, I had the courage to ask Uncle David, a few questions, before I could speak, he told me he had overheard us speaking on the porch and told me it was time for the parents to listen to the children and told me with great delight that he had booked a family holiday to New York. My grandmother's wish came true.