The reunion defies words. You just can't describe what its like to be in a room with 100 of your related people! And not just your ordinary people either. These people are the kindest, friendliest wonderful people you could meet. When they come over to talk to you they make you feel like you are the most special person in the world.
Most of them belong to the church I grew up in. They are a smaller sect and a very interesting one. They don't name themselves or have churches, they meet in homes every Sunday morning and Wed. night. They follow Jesus's teachings, almost to the letter. A few rules...like no tv, movies, make up, no hair cutting for the women or wearing pants or jewelry. No dancing or frivolity. But the fellowship and human connection between us all was exceptionally strong. And I think this lifestyle plays a large part in why this large family is so connected and familiar.
Another interesting outcome...how aware we became of our advancing age within this amazing group! My dad was one of nine surviving children in this large family. And every five years at the reunions (starting in 1984) the aunties and uncles got a little older each time. The last surviving sister, Auntie Em, died last Wednesday.
When it was giant group picture taking time, a line of chairs was always set out for the older generation, usually it has always been those original siblings, with all the others gathered around. Well guess what??!! This year, for the very first time, it was me and my immediate cousins getting to sit down (some of us)!!!! We are the oldsters now! Its so exciting. All my life I have envied the older ones in our group and couldn't wait to be one...and now I have finally arrived!! When I get a copy of that picture I will post it here.
Kathy hitched a ride with me home. Along the way, across from the Kelowna Airport is a cemetery where Mom's folks are buried. So we stopped and hunted for their gravestones...to no avail. I think we had the right area but just couldn't find them. We did find Auntie Em's prepared grave site. Her funeral is today.
So back to the grind today. I have to go see my notary and go up to Budget and get packing supplies. Monte is busing up after all. He figured out how to get to the ferry and to the bus station in Vancouver and up here. Tickets have been bought and he is coming up on May 1st. He is pretty excited.
So all for now. I will post pics as they roll in. I didn't take any this time but I see my sissy did and I just may steal a few of them! TTYL
I am adding a few pics I purloined from my sissy.
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| APRIL AND MYLES AT THE REUNION |
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| SIX OF THE NINE SIBLINGS, DAD HAD PERTHES DISEASE AND HE IS THE ONE IN THE WEE WHEELCHAIR |
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| KATHY KERRY ANTONIA STANLEY AND ME |
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| OUR FAMILY ON THE FARM IN SMITHERS |
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| MY GOOD LOOKING DAD WITH HIS DOG |
Thank for the sweet words, Helen. I feel like one ought to acknowledge what you write...you are after all, taking the time to share yourself with us..:-). I enjoy the Purple Room very much. These pictures are wonderful. April looks so healthy and happy. I know what you mean by the aging generation. I had a very small family, so I am acutely aware of how alone I am sometimes when it comes to relatives. I have 2 half sisters and a half brother...a handful of cousins left to my generation. Two aunts and 2 uncles of the older. That's it. I have one daughter, but she has some issues that create distance quite often. I am rich in friends though, and that helps alot. I count my blessings. I am so happy for you and Monte and I look forward to sharing the journey as long as you still feel like putting it down here.
ReplyDeletePS...your dad was a hottie!
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