SWEET, SAD MEMORIES
Today was Black Friday and since I didn't plan to shop in the mayhem, I entertained/tortured myself with that hours-long video of our friends get-together at my parents' home, and my dad's family reunion the following day, 20 yrs. ago in 1990. We all looked great then -- the parents, aunts, and uncles were the "old folks." As I watched, I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time; we had such fun re-living days of our youth. My mom and dad were there in the background, enjoying visiting with all these happy, laughing "middle-aged " friends and relatives.
You didn't grow up with this group, but became part of it as the years passed and looked forward to our fun times as much as I. Little did we know that Vernon, my wonderful cousin from GA, would die before another year passed - at the age of 53. He always had a video camera in his hand, and he made this treasured record of that memorable weekend. It boggles my mind to count the ones who were present at the family reunion and are now gone -- even you, my love. My parents, aunts, uncles, cousins -- so happy to be together that day. This is the "order of things;" this is life. I knew all of you were gone before I watched this today, but you were #21 of that group to leave us. [I wrote them all down after watching.] I'm so glad I was part of that family and shared the love and laughter that was so abundant. I'm also glad that you and I were at those reunions down through the years of our marriage, and you were loved by my loved ones. I shed a few tears as I watched that long-ago weekend unfold; but I laughed alot, and enjoyed reliving that special time with you.
You didn't grow up with this group, but became part of it as the years passed and looked forward to our fun times as much as I. Little did we know that Vernon, my wonderful cousin from GA, would die before another year passed - at the age of 53. He always had a video camera in his hand, and he made this treasured record of that memorable weekend. It boggles my mind to count the ones who were present at the family reunion and are now gone -- even you, my love. My parents, aunts, uncles, cousins -- so happy to be together that day. This is the "order of things;" this is life. I knew all of you were gone before I watched this today, but you were #21 of that group to leave us. [I wrote them all down after watching.] I'm so glad I was part of that family and shared the love and laughter that was so abundant. I'm also glad that you and I were at those reunions down through the years of our marriage, and you were loved by my loved ones. I shed a few tears as I watched that long-ago weekend unfold; but I laughed alot, and enjoyed reliving that special time with you.
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