Has it really been a year?

I am blessed to be part a large family. My mom, a get up and go 82 year old, is the oldest of 13. Most of my favorite memories revolve around the family holidays, and family camping trips. The last Christmas we were all together there were 56 of us. That was before Grandma and Grandpa died and the great grandkids started to come on the scene. I really miss the family functions that seem to evaporate once the grandparents are gone. We had a yearly family reunion, but it was never the same.

This year the family reunion was was to be on the third weekend in July, but we cancelled. None us had the heart to have one. In June my Uncle Jim Flanery died. He had been in failing health for several years, but it didn't make it any easier.

Then the last of July my aunt Shirley died. Like my Uncle Jim she had been in failing health for years, didn't make that any eaiser either.


My aunt marge had a surprise (not) 80th birthday party for my Uncle Bill on July 8th. What a grand time for all who attended. When we left Bill told me he loved me. I can't think of a time he ever told me that. My uncle Bill died unexpectedly three days later. He was my rock, He was a good man, He was always there. My world is a little less secure without him. I know he is with Jesus, and I take great comfort in that. But my human heart aches with the loss.

Barb