It's hard to believe half the year is over as we venture into July. June was a busy month - something going on every weekend (except for two) starting with Memorial weekend.
One of those weekends was with my mom, brothers, sisters, their family members and their grandchildren - 4 generations for our 32nd family reunion. We started in 1988 and continued every year at different places with anyone that could make it. We divided my immediate family into teams, rotating every year to the next team with each having responsibility for planning the location, food, etc., for that year (the grandchildren even took over one year). We started with 24: our parents, 8 brothers and sisters, 5 spouses and 9 grandchildren. Our family has since grown to 50 including my mom, 7 brothers and sisters with 5 spouses, 10 children/step children with 7 spouses, and 20 great grandchildren/step great grandchildren. Officially, one more was “inducted” to the family when the first great grandchild got married the weekend after the family reunion. (I wonder when there will be great great grandchildren?!?)
The reunion reminded me once again how important family is, including extended family. I grew up knowing one set of great grandparents, both sets of my grandparents, my aunts, uncles and cousins (and there were many). I had a good upbringing and for that I am so very grateful! I miss my dad and my brother, along with so many relatives (who have since passed on to a different life), yet while they were here, touched my life and helped to make me who I am today.
God and family are my foundation - the most precious gifts in my life. I, my brothers and sisters owe so much to our parents. I am unable to imagine how they raised 8 children – 4 boys and 4 girls (and stayed sane besides!). They were role models to each of us – by listening to and watching them, we grew up knowing the difference between right and wrong; to be independent and take care of ourselves; to be responsible and accountable for our actions; to be kind; to be respectful; to say thank you; and most importantly, to work hard and to do our best.
We had our fair share of “scrapping” growing up, however, we are all so very close to one another and get along so well. I am so saddened by the number of stories I hear where family members refuse to talk to one another or worse. I pray they are able to find a way through all the unimportant “stuff” and come together in love.
Thank you to my Mom and Dad for being such amazing parents! Love you to the moon and back!
'Til the next time . . .
