The State of the Pre-Union

What a weekend! The only problem with it was that it ended far too soon. How silly of us to gather from as far away as Texas, and only be able to come together for only two nights and one short day. Just as we were beginning to form real friendships and get to know each other better, the weekend came to an end.

For next year's RE-union, we'll have to find a way to block off more than a day or two on our busy calendars. Why is it that work and the craziness of our daily lives so often prevent us from stopping and taking some time to savor what really matters -- family connections, friendships and rejuvenating "down" time? We tend to so often back-burner the really important things in life and get so caught up in the heat of our daily lives that we forget... or deny... or excuse ourselves from making and maintaining the connections that really matter -- and deny ourselves the fun and relaxation that we need.

Dad and Lou did, indeed, announce -- as casually as they could, but there was no denying the depth of feeling and the great significance of -- their love and commitment to each other for the rest of their lives. It was touching for all, very emotional for some, and definitely a wonderful impetus for a family celebration. Lou's three sons, some children and grandchildren joined Dad's sister, her husband, three of Dad's four children (unfortunately, my little brother and his family couldn't make it) and his grandchildren for a wonderful weekend at Howard Prarie Lake Resort in Oregon. We played, ate, swam, sunbathed, read, nurtured familiar family ties and established new friendships. Some of the more adventurous among us even attempted kite sailing! This is Tom making a go of it, with my brother Michael barking orders at him!