REUNIONS

" Nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days."

Doug Larson

It has been a summer of reunions beginning with Wally's 1964 high school grad class. After 45 years it was necessary to wear name tags to identify gray haired friends, but repeatedly I heard the remark that voices and laughter don't change. It was fun to sit on the sidelines listening to their tales of pranks of long ago and the more serious experiences of their individual journeys since they parted with high ideals and dreams.

Coming up at the end of summer, another reunion for Wally and his friends who attended youth group in a small country church many decades ago. More reminiscing to anticipate.

The second reunion this summer had much more meaning for me as it brought together 89 of the 105 in the Peters clan. How does one capture in photos the brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the bubbling activity of babies, toddlers, and their older siblings? There were more hugs exchanged in one afternoon than could be counted, faces were permanently creased with wide smiles, and hands waved with busy gestures as stories were shared. The children needed no introductions to running, climbing and screaming with pure joy, interrupting intense adult conversations only when their rambunctiousness resulted in minor 'owies.' And of course since it was a picnic, the hub-bub subsided as hungry bellies were satisfied with the best of picnic food - fried chicken, potato salad, veggies, and of course BUNS for this family. A picnic would not be complete without yummy sweets all washed down with a good cup of coffee. All in all, a WONDERFUL day!! What an amazing clan - I am proud to belong to them.

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The seven siblings and their spouses, together with some of the older cousins spent the following two days at Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center, a beautiful corner of creation in Washington. We were graciously hosted, comfortably accommodated and bountifully fed.

" Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connection can supply."

Jane Austin - 1814

A hearty hike to the top of Haystack Hill rewarded us with a magnificent view into Canada, overlooking the Sumas Valley where the original family dairy farm was located.

" A friend is a brother who once was a bother."

"Our siblings push buttons that cast us in roles we felt sure we had let go of long ago - the baby, the peacemaker, the caretaker, the avoider ... It doesn't seem to matter how much time has elapsed or how far we've travelled."

Jane Mersky Leder

The siblings were cheered on by attentive studio audience.

Lots of laughter shared during several group games.

Mates for life!

"Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated. communication is open, and rules are flexible ... the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nourishing family." Virginia Seafir

What a blessing to belong to a family held together with a strong thread of God's love, forgiveness and faithfulness.

A very special time of worshipping, sharing and praying together. We are team and we will support each other through the ups and downs of our journeys.

For great is His love toward us,

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord!"

Psalm 117:2

No need for goodbyes ... only Aufwiedersehn as we travel life's pathway, share our homes in hospitality or meet again with past loved ones who are waiting on the other side for the best reunion yet to come!

2010, here I come for more reunions that will take me down memory lane on a special island where I grew up.