There are a few things one must always remember when my family gets together. Bring lots of tissues; don’t eat before you go; be prepared for Sheila to take a million pictures; and don’t forget to wear your water proof mascara.
I forgot to wear the water proof mascara.
Over the weekend my grandmother’s side of the family (Brinegar) held a dinner in honor of two of my cousins, Bill Hall and Jeffrey Clay Flynn who is known around here as Cornbread Moses.
Bill will be heading to Iraq this coming Saturday and Jeff just got back from Afghanistan. They are two very special people in my book. For them to take up a career where they risk their own lives for the lives of their country, it’s makes you so proud and breaks your heart all at the same time.
But that wasn’t the only reason for tears that day. My great aunt Loraine came home for the first time in five years.
When my grandmother walked through the door and saw her sitting there the tears began to flow from everyone in the room. I can’t imagine going five years without seeing my sister.
It was just so pitiful to see them crying on one another shoulders. In those few years our family has lost so much. First Poppy, then Aunt Mattie and Linda Gaye. So many sad memories, yet such a joyful occasion.
We all had such a great time catching up with one another and listening to stories. Looking at photos and just remember life.
We take so many things for granted. We should always make time for our family and those we love. I can’t wait for summer to get here so we can get together and do it all again, and this time I won’t forget to put on my water proof mascara.
Column was published 4-16-09 in the Citizen Voice & Times
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