This weekend was our annual family reunion. Since we were actually within driving distance, and not to mention this reunion is the one every family would want if they knew about it, we went. For the first time in 8 years. And it was fabulous!
First, let me just say how my heart doth long for the mountains. That's where I grew up, and that's where family is.
Last weekend, we went to the beach, and as much as I love seeing God's power in the waves and the beauty of a sunset there, you can have it.
I'll take majestic mountains with their cool, refreshing air and the always changing landscape any day over sand and surf.
As we got our first glimpse of the backdrop of mountains over our little hometown, my heart actually did a little flip-flop. I felt like a teenager falling in love.
Once at the reunion, which we should really re-name something clever because it simply does NOT fall under the reunion category, we had a blast! Our kids played with cousins until they were red-faced and exhausted. They had water balloon fights, rode golf carts, and laughed like old friends. We had a fireworks finale, and Sarah thought it was just for her, as it was her birthday. Sweet.
I am one of the least sentimental people I know. But this weekend, looking back over the last year, I could not help but cry, and they were tears of joy and thankfulness.
The same weekend last year, we almost lost our Daniel. He had a terrible biking accident, and he and I were flown to Hopkins University where God put His hand on Daniel and saved his life. Once he was able to breathe on his own again and taken off machines, he was released from the hospital 9 hours later, because he was doing so well. Hmmm...wonder how that could have been?!
I am thankful my son drives me crazy daily with his "boy" stuff, and grins when he's mischievous. I melt when I see his little heart worn on his face.
I am thankful my husband has been home for A YEAR AND A HALF STRAIGHT! No field time, deployments, nothing. And we needed it. And God knew it and cares for us.
I am thankful my girls have each other to laugh with and fight with.
I am thankful to be back in my home state. Dorothy said it best: "There's no place like home."
I am thankful to get to stay somewhere instead of moving all the time. To be able to own a home and call it ours, to feel like we can "settle in" for the long haul...Again, much needed, and God provided.
I am thankful for the opportunities God has provided in our jobs. He has led us each step this year, and there is no doubt He has intervened relentlessly on our behalf.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to reconnect with family this weekend. We have spent so many years making friends our family, and they are truly fabulous and I love them dearly. But to be able to spend time who share your name, your childhood memories, your love for the same people, and allow our kids the opportunity to make new memories with people who love you just because you exist, is a whole new level of what it means to "go home" to me.
I noticed so many cousins were missing someone close to them; a father, a mother, a grandmother, a grandfather. My grandmother was one of the ones that passed away just over a year ago. I was caught off guard at how I longed to see her there. We were very close; kindred spirits, really. And I miss her voice, her face. But I am so happy, truly, for her, because she is in heaven, and has no more pain. I suppose being in a setting where I was so used to seeing her triggered a response I had not anticipated.
But on the flip-side of all the loss, and even more so, I noticed ALL THE KIDS!! I know, approximately 1/5 of them were ours, but still! When D and I counted yesterday at home, we came up with 19! It was fantastic! Boys, girls, toddlers, teenagers, and it made everyone's heart smile, of that I am certain.
I feel so loved, and I wish everyone could leave a family reunion feeling as special as my family made us feel.
3 comments:
I am in the midst of planning a family reunion for my dad's side of the family. You'll have to tell me what you liked best about yours so I can have some ideas. Our's won't be near as big, but hopefully still a lot of fun.
We have a blast! First of all, it is very informal. We go to my great aunt and uncle's house around noon, where we have an assortment of sandwiches and chips, and snacky type foods.Then we grill for dinner. Everyone brings something simple instead of tables and tables of covered dishes. We set up chairs in the shade, and it was so funny because we kept having to move to follow the shade. But otherwise, everyone would have been miserable because it was in the 90s, so that is important! My cousin brought a Work Horse and my other cousin got out his Ranger (like a cross between ATVs and golf carts). They took the kids on rides over and over and over and...well, you get the picture! Having an entire road and land that is all family owned was helpful, because otherwise people get their feathers ruffled when you ride on their land. But I think this could still work if you have a large yard, or have good neighbors. Also, my cousin B took every single kid for a ride in her Miata with the top down. They ALL thought they were the stuff! In the heat of the day, the men filled up water balloons and used a sling-shot to try to get as many kids as they could. Then they teamed the kids up and they played balloon toss. All the little kids got out on the first toss, but they still had fun! Then they each got a balloon to throw at other kids, which ended up in a game of chase. It was great fun! My family usually has softball or volleyball set up, and kids and adults play. I know it sounds like there was constant running on the part of the adults, but it was not that way at all. This is over a 10 hour time span, so there was still time for the kids to go entertain themselves while we sat and talked. Let's see, what else...Oh, the same people do not do everything. Just because you are planning the reunion should not mean you have to do it all. Ask around to see if someone would be willing to start this or that. It is very hot, and everyone tires out after 20-30 minutes, so it really is not a huge commitment. Plus, once someone gets most things going, they can usually bow out gracefully while the ones who are loving it can keep it going.And let me just say, the fireworks are the hit of the party! If you can find any way, I highly recommend it. Call relatives you think may be interested and see if several of you can split the bill. The kids were mesmerized, and we keep it a big secret every year as to whether or not we are going to have them. We always do, but it keeps the anticipation up and the whining about when they will start to a minimum. And let me just say, it does not have to be big to be fun. This is one of the smaller reunions we go to, and it is by far the most fun. It's all about having fun together! Some years, not this year, we all go swimming. We try to mix it up a little every year so it doesn't get boring, and we're not afraid to drive to another location (like a pool) to help break up the day. Also, this goes on for two days, and we are all exhausted, but not ready for the fun to end. Good luck with yours, and I hope this helps!
Harper you have really long entries. But I miss you and The Beast. Remember, I'm The Beast Friend!!!
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