A heartfelt remembrance of Morag and Allan Brand during Christmas time.
Cherishing memories: A family’s Christmas tribute to lost loved ones
As the festive season approaches, many families find themselves reflecting on cherished memories of those who have passed. For Lorraine Ritchie, the absence of her parents, Morag and Allan Brand, is profoundly felt during Christmas.
This year, Lorraine and her siblings are determined to keep their parents’ spirit alive through cherished traditions and heartfelt remembrances.
A love story that spanned decades
Morag McKenzie, affectionately known as Morrie, was born on September 15, 1938. Raised in Aberdeen, she was taken in by Dinah Morrice, who became a mother figure to her.
Allan Brand, born on April 11, 1937, first met Morrie when he was picking up a friend. Their eyes locked as she tended to the fire, and it was love at first sight. Their romance blossomed, leading to their marriage on February 7, 1958, just weeks after Allan was called to serve in the army.
The couple welcomed four children into their lives: Lorraine, Jackie, Allan, and Allison. They built a home in Westhill, where Allan established a successful plastering business. The family enjoyed vacations together, creating lasting memories, but as the years passed, Allan and Morrie found comfort in each other’s company at home.
Traditions that bind
Christmas was a special time for the Brand family, filled with unique traditions that Lorraine fondly recalls. One of her favorite memories is of her father filling his large socks with fruits from the local market. The excitement of sneaking peeks at presents while their father tiptoed around the house created a magical atmosphere for the children. Lorraine emphasizes the importance of family time during the holidays, a value instilled by her parents.
“Dad always loved it to be just us,” Lorraine reminisces. “The four kids and them. That’s something that’s always stuck with me.” This year, Lorraine and her siblings plan to light a candle in memory of their beloved parents, honoring the love and dedication they shared.
Remembering with love
As Lorraine navigates the holiday season without her parents, she finds solace in the memories they created together. The loss of her mother in 2015 and her father in 2023 has left a void that is particularly felt during Christmas. Lorraine admits that certain songs and movies, like The Sound of Music, evoke strong emotions, reminding her of the joy her parents found in those moments.
“I cannot watch The Sound of Music, or any Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, without a tear in my eye,” she shares. “They just loved all of them.” Despite the sadness, Lorraine finds comfort in remembering her parents as loving, hardworking individuals who cherished their family above all else.
This Christmas, as Lorraine reflects on her parents’ legacy, she is reminded of the importance of family bonds and the traditions that keep their memory alive. The love shared within the Brand family continues to shine brightly, even in their absence, as they gather to celebrate the season with love, remembrance, and gratitude.
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