Yesterday we spent quality time with family. Two of my sisters pulled together a Saturday noon dinner party for my Dad who turns 90 on Monday and for my aunt who turns 96 on the same day. Together these two fine people represent 186 years of living well. Lots of family and friends came for the celebration which was held at a church. We ate good food, we sang "Happy Birthday," and we talked a lot.
Some of the conversations were "catching up" conversations -- where do you live now and what are you doing? Some were political in nature -- really, you were at the demonstrations in Madison? Four times! How great that you could go! Some were about family stories -- when did they go out West? Are you sure it wasn't before Grandpa Bill died?
Shining through all of this talk is the trust and respect and love that builds a family. The elders pronounce and tell the old stories. The younger ones announce comings and goings and doings. All of this talk is part of how a family works and how it keeps its central story alive.
Today's photo shows a conversation in progress. Patrick from Wisconsin, Martha from Tennessee, Jessie from DC and Paul from Montana are deep in conversation. Such a good time. Such good conversations!
Copyright 2011
Wanda Hayes Eichler
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