Chicago family Reunion

In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony. --Eva Burrows

I’m back from Chicago and recharged! Can’t wait to share some memories! Family times are the best. It seems I was always eating a meal with someone and I gained four pounds.

My mother turned 96! We all gathered around her and celebrated with cake decorated in her favorite color, pink!

My sister and brothers occupy a close place in my heart. We enjoyed long talks together. The guys are funny so while they were cracking jokes and we laughed big, the camera snapped!

One night we all got together and read letters Mom wrote in the early 50’s to one of our second cousins, Richard, who was in the Army. Rich was kind enough to give them to us after all these years and we gleaned so much insight from our mother’s everyday life stories about raising us, volunteering in her church and neighborhood and maintaining our home. I will never forget these memories. Get a load of the postage: six cents to mail a letter priority air mail.

In one of her letters, my Mom mentioned how I always wanted to wear my big sister’s clothes!

It reminds me of the joke about the woman who came from a large family of five sisters and four brothers. One day she was looking through the family photo album when she noticed that in picture after picture, all of the children were dressed in matching outfits. Later, she asked her mother why everyone - even the baby - was dressed identically. Her mother replied: "When we had just four children, I dressed you alike so that we wouldn't lose any of you. Then when the other six came along, I started dressing you alike so that we wouldn't pick up any that didn't belong to us!"

I felt blessed to be with my family when we got the text from my nephew, Buddy, that he was coming home. A Marine, Buddy completed his work in Iraq and Afghanistan and the “welcoming home” committee had only one day to arrange festivities. About 35 Viet Nam Veterans on motorcycles met Buddy at the airport along with well wishers waving flags and transporting him and his parents, my younger brother and his wife, to their home via limousine.

I’m so glad to have these memories now that I’m back at home in Arizona with my husband. Like my mother, my simple everyday life is filled with work, my church, treasured friendships and precious children. And blogger friends! It’s good to be home!

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DiannaJuly 11, 2011 at 5:26 PM
Such a wonderful testament to the beauty of family, Mary. I enjoyed reading every.single.word.

Your mother is beautiful and certainly does not look her age!

Rejoicing with you that you had this beautiful time with your family.
Kim @ Homesteader's HeartJuly 11, 2011 at 5:54 PM
It's good to have you back too. It sounds like you had a wonderful family filled time. Those are the best. I'm sure you made plenty of memories to hold you over till next time.
Have a great night.
kim
Mevely317July 11, 2011 at 6:29 PM
What a sweet re-uniting you experienced!!!
Since I'm an "only" child, would you consider giving away a sibling or two? (LOL!)
Kathleen July 11, 2011 at 6:45 PM
It looks like a collection from my own family photos! I especially appreciate the food-related photos. What's a family gathering without it? What fun, but I know you're probably glad to be home again.
FliteraryJuly 12, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Loved getting to see your family photos. How precious!

Blessings to you,
Lisa
no spring chickenJuly 14, 2011 at 9:21 AM
And it's good to have you back! I loved seeing this beautiful, happy family! My favorite photo is you and your sister(?) in matching shirts!

What a beautiful legacy your mother left in hand written letters...

blessings, Debbie
Crown of BeautyJuly 17, 2011 at 2:13 AM
Thanks for sharing about your family reunion with you mom and sister and brothers. What lovely pictures you posted. So full of warmth and love!

Love
Lidj
AnonymousJuly 17, 2011 at 4:22 PM
Mary,
I've missed you! Glad you had such a wonderful trip. Priceless memories.
lioneagleJuly 24, 2011 at 5:16 AM
Hi Mary -

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and the photos. The one of you and your mother brought a huge grin! You both glow with JESUS!

The other family photos are such eye treasures, as well. In particular I like the one with wearing of identical clothing.

I enjoyed feasting on this delightful family "mealtime."

Thank you so much, Mary, for sharing.

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