My lips are sunburnt and my face hurts but this morning I’m still smiling recalling the events of this past weekend. I’m the kind of tired that makes you wince to have to get out of bed. Despite all of my post weekend ailments I am deeply satisfied. Heart full. My family reunion and festivities are all done now and I’m allowing myself to embrace the sense of accomplishment I feel is deserved. The coolers are empty and the trash cans over-floweth. My bank account and house are in a state of destruction but we have survived to see it through and I am mighty grateful.

Looking around at all of my Aunts, Uncles and cousins yesterday was bitter sweet. You can’t help by think of those who aren’t here anymore and if you’re as pessimistic as I am you can’t help but think of how much time you have left with everyone else who is still here now. I caught myself trying to capture and brand each moment into my heart. That’s the point of “reunion”-ing right?

The definition of reunion is “a social gathering attended by members of a certain group of people who have not seen each other for some time;
the act or process of being brought together again as a unified whole.”

Like most families there are tales of back-stabbing and trickery. Stories of great offense and defense. My family has had a rowdy and dramatic history wrought with wild drama that made some of us wonder if unity could even be possible. But there are also stories of love, loyalty and rich brotherhood. These were the stories that were exchanged yesterday, and it was good.

It felt like it should.

Watching my babies running around and playing with my cousins babies reminded me so much of growing up doing the same. So I have a flood of new and warm memories I can tuck away in my heart and rest assured today knowing I made my family proud.