Postscript on a reunion

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That’s me on the left in the hot pink crops with the beloved husband in the yellow stripes.

Our reunion was here last Saturday. There was a lot of activity and little time to think or feel. Knowing it would likely be our last hosting, gave it a bittersweet note. Technically by the time our turn came up, we would be older then dirt.

I had started the reunions back in the early 90s when I was living out of state and missed my family. Hosting was a way to ensure I’d get to see them once a year. After I moved back to my home town, we started to take turns hosting. Some folks had more room than others but we always made do and had a great time.

We’ve been rained on and scorched by heat but always plowed through. We celebrated marriages, divorces, babies, retirements and birthdays. We had health scares when we all came together and cried. We continued to plow through. Amazingly everyone is still with us including my 90 something brother and sister-in-law. They may go home earlier but they still show up and carry on (as if they were 40!).

Looking back I wonder where those years went. I marvel at how fast time goes when you look at it in retrospect. In the moment, it’s normal but the past is a blur.

Enjoy the now!

54 thoughts on “Postscript on a reunion”

  1. I’m glad that you seem to have enjoyed yourselves and that you’re due for a hosting break. I’m curious to see what the next generation does to make their reunion mark.

    Liked by 1 person

    • In my younger days, I would do different things. One year I rented a karaoke machine. That was popular! Surprisingly the adults loved it more than the teens. One year I had a line dance instructor. OMG! That was fun. There were always games for the kids with prizes. Now there are only 2 and they couldn’t make it this year. Also, I’m kind of old to set this all up and cook. My niece has had a campfire when she hosted and a singalong but they usually do that at dusk. Sadly, I’m on my way home at dusk these days.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Great picture! I recognized your brother and sister-in-law right away from previous posts you’ve had about them. She’s amazing — still going going strong. Good for them! Glad it was a success for you. – Marty

    Liked by 1 person

  4. A truy joyful occasion–all being together! I loved looking at each face in this wonderful photo, Kate. You’ve shared so many wonderful stories about individuals in your family, in particular all your brother and sister-in-law have endured (the accident) and I feel like in some way I know them. We are preparing to host our reunion later this month. It’s a lot of work in some ways, but so worth it. Thanks for sharing your family with us, Kate. ♥️

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  6. “Looking back I wonder where those years went. I marvel at how fast time goes when you look at it in retrospect. In the moment, it’s normal but the past is a blur.”

    Say it, sister!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. What a great photo of the whole family Kate; so did you get everyone in using a timer or did you get a neighbor to take it? A good-lucking bunch who will convene in one year’s time in a new backyard, but same traditions.

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  11. I didn’t realize you were the one who started the reunions. What a gift for all the relatives!! I loved seeing that photo and recognizing you and your brother with your spouses. What a good looking family you have!

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  14. What a good idea for doing those reunions when you lived out of state. I know that homesick feeling. You took a fantastic photo of you all. 💗

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  15. What a good-looking family! You look so cute.

    Even though most families enjoy getting together, they need someone to get things started. That was you.

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  16. Fabulous group photo……I always wanted to be part of a big family because I had friends who were and it sounded like such fun. I’m so glad your reunion turned out well especially since it was your last turn at hosting – there are a lot of youngsters who can “take the ball and run with it” now…..I’m sure it’s bittersweet but time really does march on as the saying goes!

    Hugs, Pam

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    • We have only done the group photo the past few years. I wanted to include an old one but there wasn’t any. There were individual photos with 2 or 3 peeps but not a group one older than 2017.

      Liked by 2 people

  24. What a wonderful tradition, and one that folks seem to enjoy rather than feel obligated to attend. I’m glad you had a good day.

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    • It’s low key. No pressure. When the “kids” were young adults sometimes they’d miss if they got a better gig going. At this point there aren’t any kids and they all seem to want to attend. Very grateful for the weather.

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