Left to right: Sister Sue and Mark (San Luis Obispo, CA), brother Steve and Karen (Sonora, CA), me and Anne (Dana Point, CA), sister Lori and Leonard (Chicago, IL), Roger and sister Lynnel (Siloam Springs, AK).
I reported last week about the siblings’ reunion coming up. It happened. And it was glorious. I also said we’d take a picture, which several asked to see, so here it is. This one’s not at the old house but in the backyard of our place in Dana Point, with a better camera and photographer Allison shooting.
As you can see, the weather was wonderful for the occasion. It was unseasonably warm at Disneyland but no problem. Lines were long, but that was no problem either as we found ourselves in different conversation units in each.
We did all the things we planned, including watching old movies, until the wiring on Dad’s old projector gave out. Still, we roared with laughter at the recognition of what we and others looked like many years ago.
On a couple of occasions we set apart time to intentionally reminisce. One was at the Palos Verdes house where we grew up, recounting stories about it and our parents. Another was when we all took a few minutes to recount our lives since being together last, where we’ve seen the hand of God, and something appreciative about our spouse. All this was rich, and brought out things that would have never surfaced otherwise. Sister Sue remarked later it was the best day of her life. (And her life is one filled with great days.)
Here’s the book, mainly for family, but to be made available more widely when finished.
At one point I presented proof copies of the book I’ve been working on. It features the lives of Mom and Dad with a lot of the material I’ve shared in this blog, and more. Of course they were completely surprised and delighted. They’re also commissioned to read it, make corrections and get it back to me for final publishing. (More on that when it’s finished.)
We also made (tentative) plans for a next reunion, whenever that will be. These things have to be intentional or they don’t happen. And when they do happen, we further appreciate the quality, the direction, and the meaning of our own lives . . . not to mention the heritage we’ve received, and are receiving, born and raised as we were by a particular set of parents.
It’s something all of us have to be grateful for.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
8:58 am
Very nice. Heart-warming to see the family together. Blessings!!
10:20 am
A Beautiful family portrait!
This Saturday three of four sisters are celebrating what would have been our Mother’s 90th Bday. She loved laughing, filled with joy and God’s Love. (There were five of us girls. We lost our 2nd sister a few years ago.) You just gave me the idea that the three of us Calif sisters will fly/drive to Utah to celebrate our 4th sister’s B’day in Sept.
I’m sure your book will be a hit and inspire others.
Thank you!
11:12 am
Wonderful! God Bless you and your family.
12:31 pm
It was wonderful. I put out a few more photos and details this week (fyi):
http://welcomeheart.com/journal/2015/03/15/lent-day27-revel-revel.html
12:31 pm
and thanks for all your great and hard work on the THE BOOK! I’ll get back to you on editing if any.
2:35 pm
No editing necessary for this marvelous family! Yes, you all are a great witness to God’s amazing work in families. You all have blessed us so much…..Saw this pix on both Sue’s and Allison’s blog and was so thrilled how your family visit meant so much to Vernon…praying for him always. Great to have the privilege of praying for you all….and the more you share, the better we pray!
8:14 pm
I’m sure your parents were looking down from heaven quite pleased! It’s a rare and delightful thing when grownup siblings get together… Just because…..
Great picture too!
Blessings, Ginney Herbert
2:27 pm
Hyatt,
I loved the story of all of you getting together and caring for each other. I love the picture of all of you in your back-yard. Enjoyed the ones that came with Sue’s blog and the pix of Lori crying and using toilet paper. I know that if your Mom and Dad could see you all of you that would rejoice because all of your are living the lives that raised you for. In other words, “They all their eggs in the same basket” and that even includes you Hyatt. Your Mom told me ears ago that after telling her how she had raised all of her children right. She corrected me and told me about you. You were a little stinker for a while. But now a sure that she and Hyatt would be so proud of you and all the rest of the family.
Love to you all,
Becky and Bill Jones