This coming Saturday we are celebrating two birthdays. My mother-in-law's and her sister's. They will be 90 and 100, respectively. They are the last two living of six children born to John and Dollie Walters. We are commemorating the event with an open house at a small church nearby. In rural areas most churches are small.
There will be a number of the descendants of the siblings coming home to the area for, most likely, the last time. It has been fascinating to observe the interest that is being taken by relatives who have only corresponded by letter or Christmas card.
One nephew is doing all the flower arranging. We have sent one of each color of napkin so he will be able to plan. Others plan to bring photos of the brother and sisters who have passed away. All the siblings raised their families within a twenty mile, as the crow flies, radius and so knew each other and spent time together. My husband is the youngest of the generation.
So often families only get together for maybe a wedding but more often a funeral. This celebration has given the far flung children, grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren (maybe even three greats) an opportunity to come home for a time of joy rather than sorrow with these two wonderful women.
My little bit for you is to realize that it is more important to gather to celebrate while the people are still here to share the time with you. They won't care if you come to their funeral. Come home now. Take the time. Leave the baggage at the foot of the cross and simply enjoy the blessing that they are their for you to come home to.
Great post, Sue. My family is far-flung on Mom's side and at hand but always busy on Dad's side, so weddings, funerals and Easter (Dad's family) are about the only times we see each other. On Dad's side all the siblings are still with us and Grandma is still kickin' at 87 (a bit forgetful, but still going strong otherwise). On Mom's side, only two sisters of seven children are left, and both my grandparents are gone. Mom has lost three sisters in the last 5 years, so I'm more aware than ever of how quickly the family dynamic can change.
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It is a shame that after children grow up and go out on their own, it's not as easy to bring them all together again except for weddings and funerals. Cousins, aunts, and uncles I used to see twice a year I rarely meet anymore.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, because as children we grew up where family was important, we still feel that special closeness. It doesn't matter if they live hundreds or thousands of miles away, or have gone to be with the Lord. We still have the fond memories.
~ VT
Sound advice indeed....
ReplyDeletebaggage shrinks there....
Biiiiig hug
JayBee
Very nice, Sue! A great message for your first blog chain post. I've been to some of these sorts of "reunions" myself over the years, several in the tiny Kansas town of Lindsborg ("Little Sweden, USA"). I know what you mean with the whole "seize the day" thing. You never know how much time you have with anyone, no matter what their age. Take all the time you have with family while time remains.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the chain!
You're right--it often takes a funeral to bring all the family together. How great your family will take the opportunity to celebrate with these two women now! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHow about setting a new trend. Funerals in advance of death so we get to enjoy our own 'wake'. Seriously though we do often meet up only at funerals - but when we get to 'a certain age' that does offer a lot of opportunities.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. The only time our family can get together is funeral's, then they squabble. So sad..
ReplyDeleteSue, forgive me. I am terribly behind on my commenting. This was so touching. How great everyone got together to celebrate such special birthdays. Loved your post! Blessings!
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