Facebook Post on Family Reunion

I am all warm and fuzzy inside! This weekend we are getting together for a family reunion on the farm. When I say "we" I mean all my children, my sister and her children, and also my first, second, third, and even all the far "removed" cousins on my dad's side of the family. It will be a day of outdoor fun under big white tents, with a country music band, and lots and lots of stories, hugs, and laughter. There will be a "memory table" for those who have gone before us. I feel so blessed that my extended family kin have always been as close to me as brothers and sisters. I do not take for granted that I grew up knowing all of these people who share random bits of my DNA. And that red hair gene pops up in every family group, even the beards of my sons! The patriarchs and matriarchs of the family have always kept all the relatives close. Reminds me of the definition of "Home" - when you go there, they have to feed you. When I go there, I am home.

This picture shows two of the oldest living relatives in the Abbott/Bryant family: Teeny Vaughan (far right), granddaughter of Ida Rene Bryant Abbott; and Charlie Fletcher (3rd from left), grandson of Ida's twin sister, Addie Bryant Fletcher.  Also shown are Charlie's daughter Terry (another redhead) and her husband Jim.

Postscript:  The reunion was everything I could have hoped for. All of my boys were there and it was a perfect October day. Finally got the Fletchers up there to visit, though traffic held me up and I missed most of their time there. (We plan to do lunch soon). The music was unexpectedly good - the band played all of our favorites from "O, Brother Where Art Thou." The little one - Charlotte - had a great time dancing with her Papa. Rode with the girls, Charlotte and Mila, on a tractor ride around the farm. I got to connect with Johnny Lukhard's family and make plans to keep in touch online with Misti. I took a bag of carrots and apple for the horse, so he and the goat got a lot of attention. I was able to get a photo and a good visit with all of Robin's girls. Made lunch plans (and paint party plans!) with cousin Laura. Got good news about Anna's cancer situation. Was able to smooch on cousin Peggy and marvel at her resemblance to my Mamaw. The picnic was fun - great food and conversation. an all-around wonderful day full of memories and love.