Yesterday, my family and I went to Connecticut for a gathering of my mother in law’s family. It was a beautiful day for a drive, and the kids did pretty well in the car for the long ride there and back. There were a couple of familiar faces there, and I did meet some relations that I had not yet met.
One of the most important things about this family reunion is that, as sad as it is, it could possibly be the last time that everyone is able to see the last remaining member of the oldest living generation. Her health did not seem to be in any imminent danger, yet she is advanced in years and requires some assistance in getting through daily activities. It was a very moving experience when the hostess suggested that we get a photo of my youngest son Blake, who is the youngest member of the most recent generation, with my mother in law’s aunt. Blake sat with his great, great aunt for the photo op after someone filled her in on exactly who the baby was that was being photographed with her.
On the way home, my husband and I were talking about how nice it was that everyone had been able to get together because as far as he had remembered, there had not been a gathering of that group of people for about twenty years. Sure, some of us had visited independently at weddings, baby showers, and the like, but not in such a big group. There were between fifty and sixty people there.
If your family has been thinking about planning a family reunion, my advice would be to do it sooner rather than later. It does take some planning, but it does not have to be a formal or fancy affair. In fact, yesterday’s gathering was just right for summer. It was a backyard barbecue, complete with lawn chairs, lawn games, and a medium sized pool for the kids.