Eli Jackson

I would like to formally congratulate my Cousin Rachel, on the birth of her new son Eli Jackson. Eli was born at 7.11am on Tuesday 28th May 2019, at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. This is the first opportunity I have had to announce Eli's birth on my blog, an event I am delighted to be a part of, no matter how small. Of course I wasn't at the birth or even at the Hospital, but just being around family during this period is important to me, especially at my time of life!

Eli is Rachel's third child and a special addition to their family. To be honest since returning to the UK, I have been surrounded by more children than I can remember. As someone who was never really close to my kinfolk, especially the younger members, I am relishing the opportunities close contact brings. Kids are our future and also a link to the past, in looks, mannerisms and body language; a part of all of us lies in the heart of those still to come and others who have just arrived. Eli will include many of the characteristics of his ascendants and will undoubtedly carry the hopes and aspirations of a generation; milestones that we can only dream of today!

As another generation is born, I am conscious of my finite place in this World. When Eli is my age, long after I have departed this mortal coil, his prospects for the future, will in all probability be far better than mine. Speaking to a colleague at work the other day, I was quite vocal in my wish to go back and do 'it' all over again and just how differently I would do things today. With nearly fifty years between Eli and I, I am hopeful that his life will be far more enlightening, productive and fulfilled than mine ever was. This is an age to look forward to new beginnings and a time to celebrate the achievements of family, who were instrumental in ensuring our place in the World. Welcome Eli, welcome to this mad mad World, ignore the doubters, don't squander your future; keep the faith, love your family, live life with humour!