Re: Family Reunion Tomorrow

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

Tomorrow will be a great day. Do you have someone taking pictures. There's still time to get some disposable cameras to hand out and ask a couple guests to take some pictures. They are the best kind.

Irshgrl31201 · ‎03-18-2010

@GCR18 wrote:
Tomorrow will be a great day. Do you have someone taking pictures. There's still time to get some disposable cameras to hand out and ask a couple guests to take some pictures. They are the best kind.

That is a great suggestion @GCR18.

Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.
JFK

Lila Belle · ‎01-24-2013

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

Thanks everyone!

I am feeling better, just worn-out. I was feeling overwheled and it got to me.

Thanks again, everyone.

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

You have a great time at the family reunion tomorrow!

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

@Mominohio wrote:
@Plaid Pants2

Oh, never tired of hearing real raw emotions about life. I can understand some of what you are feeling, and I'll share a little story that might help.

Several years ago I went to a family gathering because a great uncle who has lived in Canada for decades (is a minister and went up there to run a university) was in the states, and everyone gathered to visit. We were at his brother's home, who was ailing and elderly (both men were near 90). When it was time for the Canada brother to leave, they shared a moment to say goodbye. They both 'knew' it was the last time they would ever see each other.

I was watching from a distance, giving them their space, but the beauty of their interaction was as strong as the sadness I was feeling. I was sad because I knew it wouldn't be long before I lost them, it was sad because after a lifetime of being close, they were loosing each other. But at the same time, there was this glorious strength and love I felt, to be part of their lives, their love. I looked around at all the offspring they created, and how we all still will have each other, and I was grateful. Grateful for their example, grateful for the time we had been given with them, grateful for their wisdom, wit and just the time I'd had over the years with them. They were actually my dad's uncles, but he was raised with them more like brothers.

I lost my dad when I was 18 (he was only 45) and they filled a void in my adult life, as I wasn't close to my grandfather, lost my dad, and needed that filled. One has indeed passed, the other (Canada uncle) is still with us but unable to travel.

So I embrace your sadness, and I actually cry as I type this, but if you are able, look around you tomorrow, and soak in the pleasure and the pain as well. Realize how lucky you and everyone there is to have had this wonderful man for all these years, all the values he has imparted, and the wonderful people who you will have around you after he is gone. Understand they have sadness in their hearts (even if they don't show it) because they are loosing a 'dad' too as he ages and fails. You have so much in common with them, all the good and wonderful things.

I felt really lucky to witness the brother's goodbye, and kind of have that same goodbye myself as we all gathered that last time. It is very bitter sweet, but there is sweetness there. I hope you can find it.

@MominohioThat is such a beautiful story and beautifully written.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

@Irshgrl31201 wrote:

I will add one thing. When my dad died it was a complete and total shock. I was not quite 21 and he was in great health. There were so many questions I wish I could have gone back and asked him. I would have made a video recording asking him all about his family history, funny anecdotes, just anything I could think of. I have asked my mom about the things I didn't know about her and anything I could think of. I was so young, it never occurred to me to ask these questions and this bothered me so much because my brother and sister were adults when he died so he knew them as adults and they asked stuff they wouldn't have thought of when they were younger. I hate that my dad never got to know me as an adult. You may have very well asked him all the questions you needed to since you're an adult and have thought through all the things we don't think of when we are younger but I thought I would mention that.

My sister came to visit about 9 months before dad died and brought a video camera. We sat dad down and in several sessions he told about his life... funny and interesting experiences. He was raised on a working ranch in Colorado and had many tales about the "old West". Those stories always fascinated me, a cowgirl at heart. Now his great grandchildren will be able to enjoy them.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

@Mominohio wrote:
@Plaid Pants2

Oh, never tired of hearing real raw emotions about life. I can understand some of what you are feeling, and I'll share a little story that might help.

Several years ago I went to a family gathering because a great uncle who has lived in Canada for decades (is a minister and went up there to run a university) was in the states, and everyone gathered to visit. We were at his brother's home, who was ailing and elderly (both men were near 90). When it was time for the Canada brother to leave, they shared a moment to say goodbye. They both 'knew' it was the last time they would ever see each other.

I was watching from a distance, giving them their space, but the beauty of their interaction was as strong as the sadness I was feeling. I was sad because I knew it wouldn't be long before I lost them, it was sad because after a lifetime of being close, they were loosing each other. But at the same time, there was this glorious strength and love I felt, to be part of their lives, their love. I looked around at all the offspring they created, and how we all still will have each other, and I was grateful. Grateful for their example, grateful for the time we had been given with them, grateful for their wisdom, wit and just the time I'd had over the years with them. They were actually my dad's uncles, but he was raised with them more like brothers.

I lost my dad when I was 18 (he was only 45) and they filled a void in my adult life, as I wasn't close to my grandfather, lost my dad, and needed that filled. One has indeed passed, the other (Canada uncle) is still with us but unable to travel.

So I embrace your sadness, and I actually cry as I type this, but if you are able, look around you tomorrow, and soak in the pleasure and the pain as well. Realize how lucky you and everyone there is to have had this wonderful man for all these years, all the values he has imparted, and the wonderful people who you will have around you after he is gone. Understand they have sadness in their hearts (even if they don't show it) because they are loosing a 'dad' too as he ages and fails. You have so much in common with them, all the good and wonderful things.

I felt really lucky to witness the brother's goodbye, and kind of have that same goodbye myself as we all gathered that last time. It is very bitter sweet, but there is sweetness there. I hope you can find it.

@Mominohio A beautiful story well told. It brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

CANDLEQUEEN · ‎03-09-2010

I totally get where you are coming from.You can tell when they start edeclining, and you know it won't be too long, so pleaswe cherish every moment with him, have fun tomorrow and make bittersweet memories to help you later on........I lost my dad 4 years ago, and he too was the Patriarch in our family and we could see him declining, but we also were so happy to have had him for as long as we did. He was 87 when he passed, and he just passed quietly in his sleep one night-very peaceful, just like he lived his life.....Jeeze now I am crying!!! Anyway Have a great time-enjoy the many memories that will made tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

MyShadowLove · ‎01-05-2015

Your post is very beautiful and your many emotions are very understandable...Yes, it will definitely be a bittersweet day for all of you, filled with much love and happiness surrounded by family....You are very blessed and the feelings that you are experiencing reveal that, so cherish every moment and hold them close to your heart...as the tears and laughter will always be a beautiful reminder of the wonderful strong bond and love that you all share with your Dad!...Sending (((((Hugs)))))

~~Formerly known as "WildFlowers"~~