An awesome journey — family reunions

It’s spring, and it won’t be long before summer is here, the normal season when family reunions are attended. Some people enjoy reunions as long as they are with people they know and with people they enjoy being around. Others make excuses why they can’t (or won’t) attend: I’m too busy, I don’t know them, I live too far, etc. Allow me to expand on why you might want to consider not only attending, but if one is not held, planning one for all who are members of your surname family line.

One good example of one reason came to light a few weeks ago. Allow me to begin at the beginning, using my mother as an example.

My mother’s immediate family (parents, one sibling), are all gone now, and yet, she comes from two very large extended families. Some years ago, I learned that she not only had grown up with many of her first cousins but was very good friends with them. Because, at the time of our discussion, she had not seen them in over 50 years and therefore if they walked down the street, she wouldn’t know them, I began researching the families, with the ‘end’ results of a family reunion and family tree book. The reunion, her paternal line, was for those extended family members who are descendants of mom’s great grandparents.

Along with those she didn’t know, those with whom she was so close to all those years ago, were notified and invited. Most she knew and remembered were senior citizens, and of course, some quite elderly and in poor health. To say people were scattered from one end of the country to another, is an understatement. But, people began to see the need and have the desire to come back ‘home’, to revisit the area, renew friendships with cousins not seen for a while, and to meet those whose heritage and family were the same as theirs. Many close friendships were made, many meeting for the first time at the reunions. Old friendships were strengthened and renewed, after so many years. If they were physically or financially able, they came. For those not able, they sent letters. The look on my mother’s face the first time she saw some of her cousins she went to school with and yet hadn’t seen in so many years, was priceless. I am not ashamed to say that it brought me tears of joy, and made the work and effort so worthwhile.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, the tradition was begun for this family of having a family reunion every three years. Because of the time in-between, people plan ahead. Yes, we have to have name tags. Yes, we have to explain from which line we descend, but we are all in the same boat. From young to old, in our activities, in our introductions and remembrances, family is strengthened and we are bound to each other because of our connection and heritage.

Which brings me to the example. A few weeks ago, my mother lost her last aunt, one with whom she was closer to than a sister. She and her daughter, however, were not the only ones who attended the funeral. Along with the aunt’s immediate descendants, there in the funeral congregation were some of those cousins who had gotten reacquainted at those reunions. Some were those mom grew up with, and had lost contact with until the reunions. Some were cousins who were newly formed relationships and now good friends because of the reunions. All were family.

In this day and age when people are too busy, and perhaps focused on their own lives and immediate family members, the importance of extended family members seems forgotten. The funeral was another reminder to this writer why I am so glad I began this journey of family heritage discovery. I would have lost so much had I not taken the time.

John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans." Don’t let life interfere with getting to know your extended family and your heritage. When its all said and done, all you really have is your faith in God, and your family. Make a point to start planning now, you’ll never regret it. If you need help or have questions, call me at 660-684-6174 in the evenings or email at [email protected]. It’s an awesome journey.