Memory

The deck was filled with chatter and laughter as stories of years past were bantered in the collective memory. Five of the original fifteen first cousins (from my father’s side of the family), direct descendants of eight out of ten twentieth century siblings were gathered for the first communal meal in almost forty years. As the time together unfolded and we looked at those occupying the deck, recollections of parents long deceased began to emerge. The resemblance of children to parents and or uncles and aunts became evident in ways not noticed in our younger years. As revelations of children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren emerged we all shared the awe that was making its collective strike upon the group. The children that once had played with one another in carefree abandon were now grandparents filling in the blanks of those years since. Hearts were filled with gratitude that Saturday in April as all were able to reconnect and recollect the joys of lives today and fond memories of times gone by. Enthusiastically we all agreed to meet again soon with extended families of all the cousins. Thankfulness is the fuel that ignites the flame of memory bringing healing joy in today.