Mission “Together Again” accomplished! Our kids, along with Dennis and Teri’s kids, made it into town as planned for our 4th of July reunion, and let me tell you, it was sweet — and I’m not just talking chocolate sheet cake and homemade ice cream sweet :) Hugs, catch-up conversation, laughter, sugar highs, and fireworks abounded. (Thanks, Doug [aka Punk Boy] and Shawn for working your magic again!) We even went inside and capped the evening off with a ridiculously hilarious game of Catch Phrase. I’m sure one particular player set a record for the longest, most round-about clues ever given while playing this game. I wasn’t going to mention names, but what the heck — Doug, you are one crazy clue-giver! :)
I know the photo above makes us look like a rather sedate group, but don’t be fooled. That was our “normal” pose. We also took a shot where we showed our true colors, but I foolishly promised not to use that one on the blog. Believe me, you would have gotten a kick out of it, but since I cherish my friends and family, I am restraining myself. After all, I don’t want to ruin my chances of enjoying another “together again” reunion with this gang in the future :)
On a more serious note, we experienced another reunion today that was not at all in our plans. Mom called on the 4th with the news that Dena, a dear friend of our family for 45 years now, had passed away. When I was growing up, Dena and her family were to me what Dennis and Teri and their family have been to our girls. We joined Mom and Dad in going to the family visitation this afternoon so we could say “good-bye” to Dena and minister in some small way to her husband and kids — our long-time friends Paul, Diane, Paula, and Robert.
So there we were, together again…though bittersweet this time. As I walked into the chapel, the full scope of this reunion unfolded before me. Not only did I see Dena’s family, but also friend after friend from my growing up years. Since she and her family attended the same church we attended so long ago, we had many of the same friends. And there they were today, to say good-bye and honor her memory. Everyone together again… everyone comforted in knowing that a grand reunion awaits us in heaven.
Friends are treasures beyond measure, whether celebrating and having fun together or comforting each other in sad times. Yes, I am rich. I thank God for my treasures. I pray that you are rich as well.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3)
That’s a great photo Cheryl! I’m glad you all got together. Those times are precious as your children get older and it gets harder to get everyone together!
I’m sorry to hear about your family friend. It is always hard to lose someone so dear, but you do have the assurance that you will see them again!!!
I am sorry for your loss. Bitter sweet describes it so well.
Your family is beautiful and…you little lady are too slim to love chocolate so much girl!
Blessings,
Nancy
Cheryl, Just think about the great reunion we will experience in heaven! The ultimate reunion with Jesus, family and many other brother and sisters in Christ.
Lisa, Nancy, and Debbie, thanks so much for sharing your encouraging words today. I can’t even begin to imagine how joyful that precious reunion in heaven is going to be for all of us. What a glorious hope we have as believers in Christ!
Nancy, if it’s any consolation, I don’t eat nearly as much chocolate as I want to :) Since I need to watch my sugar/carb intake, I’m constantly limiting myself — but still I manage to indulge a little every day :)
It sounds like you have such a happy, loving family, Cheryl. What a rich gift you have been given.
Blessings,
Jean
Jean, I am indeed blessed with a great family. We are not without our flaws (who is?), but we are lucky to have the strong family bond that we have — my own little family as well as my extended family. Now that’s a blessing!
What a great time we all had! It was so very good to have all the young adults with us!! So much fun, catching up on news,the fireworks & the great ice cream & treats….
We are so blessed to have such
friends –they are a treasure beyond compare :)
We were so sorry to hear about
the loss of a close family friend.
Know you’ll keep those special memories close to your hearts.
Teri, thanks for the note. You’re right about how special the memories are. A good memory always makes me smile. And by the way, thanks for all the memories you and your family are building in our family’s life!