Summertime Family Reunions

Cradling the newest baby
Getting a little grin
Greeting faraway travelers
Clasping weathered hands
Remembering those gone before us
Blessing homemade goods
Handwriting the newest recipe
Sneaking back for seconds
Announcing the next wedding
Watching the youngsters run
Sharing secrets with sisters
Updating the family tree
Checking out the scrapbooks
Squinting at old photos
Lingering over stories
Buckling up the grandkids
Waving bye till next year.


Rural remedy: How to enjoy the yearly family reunion.

Family reunions grow more special with time for this rural girl. So many things to enjoy. My goal for the family reunion is to take time to visit a bit with each person there. Hearing the old stories and learning new tidbits about my ancestors are always a delight. Seeing relatives that you may only see once a year and catching up on all the family news is energizing. As the sun goes down on a hot, humid, and fabulous Flinthills day, I reflect on the ebb and flow of those attending our family reunion: the brand new babies balanced with the loss of our favorite relatives.

For some a family reunion is wrought with stress and not so hot memories emerge. Try Kat's rural remedies for surviving a family reunion:

1. Hold the family reunion on the same week each year, same weekly day, and same time. This avoids a lot of excuses from those you wish would attend.
2. Routine is best. A little something different is OK each year but routines assure family members that there won't be surprising and stressful events.
3. Remind people through e-mails, facebook, or a postage invitation. Make sure your own immediate family doesn't schedule something as a conflict.
4. Prepare your food in advance. Using tried and true recipes that never fail for you alleviates the stress of that brand new recipe that may flop.
5. Plan your household schedules ahead of time. Get the car ready and prepack. It may be a rush to get there with Sunday services to attend - many reunions are on a Sunday.
6. Set a personal goal for the day. Mine is to meet and greet each person there, not leaving anyone out. Or perhaps it's to leave current personal or career stresses at home. You deserve a day of enjoyment and recreation.