A couple of years ago [in 2004], Inverness celebrated its Centennial. Eric Ferguson was amongst those “from away” who joined a family group for that pilgrimage, his first trip to Cape Breton. Other than his grandparents, his father’s siblings, and some of their families, he had not met many of the Fergusons.

At the Centennial dinner the family attended that week, one of the cousins decided to take a family picture. My wife and Eric decided to get something to drink before joining the group for the picture.

They were standing in line waiting their turn to be served when Eric glanced back and commented, “Sure are a lot of people for that picture.”

After a few minutes he checked again and said, “Wow, they’re still coming.

They were served their drinks and turned back toward the family group. By this time, a large number of people were being posed.

Eric said to my wife, “Are all those people related to me?”

My wife replied, “Absolutely!”

“Holy —-,” Eric said. “I”m sure glad I don’t have to buy them all Christmas presents!“

February 13, 2006