Why I think we need reunions

Family reunions are getting to be a thing of the past. People are more transient than ever before. Families are spread all over the globe and even within the primary family, members can go long lengths of time without seeing each other, other than on Skype. Extended families become virtual strangers because kids don't meet cousins and aunts and uncles are often unknown other than through pictures or names on a Christmas card. There are so many advantages to meeting together with people who are biologically connected. I have been pondering just a few:

There is something that strikes a chord of familiarity in us when we are face to face with someone  with whom we share genetic make-up. We see the shape of a chin, the bags under the eyes, the ears that are so similar to what we see when we look in the mirror. Although we remain unique, we are not as alone in our physical features.

Family stories- we are reminded of events in our life, sometimes many decades ago, that have been a small part of shaping who we are. As we raise our own children, we can be shocked or disappointed at things they may do that we didn't teach them and don't even approve of! There is something reassuring about hearing from older members of the family stories of the antics of past generations. We hear about the time an uncle "stole" a toy he wanted and his parents wouldn't buy it. He turned out okay. He had to return the toy and apologize or work to pay for it because he broke it or whatever. But he didn't end up in prison, our fear when our child has taken something not belonging to him or getting suspended from school. We hear stories about playing doctor or getting caught kissing behind the barn. So we are comforted that our child won't end up with an unwanted pregnancy or accusations of sexual abuse. Life experiences pass, lessons are learned, and people go on with their lives.

 

 

Sometimes we feel so unattractive we wonder how anyone could ever love us. With a family group, we can feel loved unconditionally no matter how big our nose is or how fat our thighs are. Our family members can comfort us with hugs and jokes and reminders that we have value.

Our family is like most of the rest of the world- spread out all over the globe. But we have a passionate desire to spend time together and enjoy whatever opportunity we can manage. I am so grateful to be accepted and loved by many really good people. Even if we don't live near each other, we will still love each other and enjoy being together, even if it has been too long a time apart.