Saturday, Jon, Tod, Sadie, Rhonda, Larry and I traveled to Alamo to participate in a Nelson family reunion. My mother's maiden name is Nelson (her parents are Leland and Gertrude Nelson), and our reunions in the past have been pretty hit and miss. The last time I remember going to one was when Kristen was 15 1/2 (I'm thinking 1998). She had her learner's permit and Jon decided to give her some experience driving on a two lane highway. Unfortunately, we witnessed a fatal accident on that highway that day, and by the time we arrived, the party was just getting over! Hence, not one of my children is familiar with any of my mother's brother's or sister or their families. I think it is very difficult to be the youngest in the family. Don't get me wrong, there were also many perks about being the youngest (stories for another day:), but by the time I started having a family, everyone's families were so big, that we had stopped doing the extended family stuff much.
It was great for me to see everyone! I have fond memories of all of my cousins, and spending time in Alamo in the summer, but I don't think I've really ever seen them married or with their children. We even watched one of my cousin's son's riding a bull in the rodeo in Star Valley last summer, and we were screaming and yelling for him, and when his ride was over, my kids looked at me and said, "We have a cousin that rides bulls?" Clearly, we haven't stayed in very close touch. My mother is always good to keep me informed of what's going on, and we get invitations to weddings and such, but we have totally missed out on the day to day, year to year, happenings!
The saddest part of the reunion though, was that my mother and father weren't able to come! I know my mother was so totally excited about it, and the night before my dad got sick. Being the ultimate in the "perfect, caring wife" department, she wouldn't leave him with anyone else for the day. (I know Jon was hoping for a "Carma" when he married me. So far, I haven't lived up to her wonderfulness! I still think there is hope, maybe only a glimmer, but still some hope.) Anyway, I was very sad for them to miss out on the fun.
After lunch and visiting were done, we went to the cemetery to put some flowers on some graves. THAT was cool. It has been a long time since I was there. It always gives me a feeling of connection to those who came before me as I remember who they were and how I fit. I am very blessed. A shout out to all of those who made it from the Alden and Carma Stewart family. Brent's whole family was there. Every single one of them! Craig and Patt had a very good showing as well. Dave and Jane made the drive from Provo. All in all, I thought the red shirt family was pretty well represented!
2 comments:
that is right- props to me and tod.
but in all honestly, it wasn't as bad as was expected. i like your fam mom :) and alamo isn't so bad either!
i would have rather been there instead of throwing up in bed.
Post a Comment