Here are 15 of the 16, all in action all the time.
We do this every two years, and not at Christmas. Not anymore. Although we did do a “mini-Christmas-in-July” for the kids—with gifts and even a tree—but that was just one of the events.
It’s our family reunion, and this time it was in Kansas City, MO where our daughter Tamara lives. It was for five days with families coming in from Seattle, Palo Alto, Chicago and from here in Dana Point/San Clemente.
We do it to keep up. And to make sure the cousins know each other. We had outings and field trips and what with a nice pool in Tamara’s backyard, there was always something to do.
For me, one of the great highlights is what we’ve come to call “the sharing.” Every evening, once the children are fed and settled in with a video in another room, one couple takes a turn updating us on their lives.
The questions were the same this year as in the past. What of significance has happened since we were together last? How has God been apparent in the life? And something positive about their spouse. That’s then followed with response of further questions, affirmations, and general good will.
Of course, there’s lots of laughter or, when called for, lots of empathy.
It’s a picture of a family, and as such, nothing’s perfect at any one time. A big one for us, of course, is the absence of Vernon. Allison was with us, as up beat as ever, and hopeful, but Vernon continues to languish (I can’t think of another word) in limbo (can’t think of another word for that either) in the care home he can’t leave.
But that wasn’t to be the focus of this blog. Rather it’s an example of how life is, with neat parts and messy, joy and pain.
The ongoing financial support of Allison by the rest of the family members is heartening for me. I look at it and say, “That’s how a family should operate.” I’m grateful, even in the midst of the plight.
I’m tempted to continue my rejoicing in the spread of talents and occupations among us. I even took a paper towel and wrote a list to share at our final time together. I think it was later used to wipe up a child’s mess, but included were the likes of:
Scientists and artists
Entrepreneurs and managers
Computer wizards
Designers
Electrical Engineers (one a PhD and another a candidate for same)
Photographers (three professionals)
An accountant/comptroller
A pastor/theologian
All teachers, in one way or another
A model
All great parents
Generous and ready to serve
Thinkers with heart
There was more but, like I said, the towel went to other uses.
Mainly, at least for me, it was “values” that we were celebrating, encouraging and affirming. All the rest is details. Details matter, and make each life unique. But if the values are there, and strong, then being a ditch digger is as good as the rest.
So that’s what we do. We keep family alive, we help each other, we keep central things central . . . and of course we have a great deal of fun.
Such should be every life.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
3:48 pm
What a wonderful time you-all must have had. Our family has gotten down to “cousin” reunions when we have them, but even that is getting further away as the interested ones are getting too old to travel or have passed on.
So, the picture of family is great and shows all the blessing present.
4:40 pm
With so little “family” of my own in the earthly sense, your event reminds me of a future reunion of a heavenly sort to which I look forward. It also sparks me with initiative to connect deeper with who is here, still. It’s the children represented who’ll remember these times most. An extended family who will always be available to affirm worth and value in the years to come. Great portrait, Hyatt, thanks for sharing.
4:51 pm
Hyatt, thank you for sharing a snapshot of your time together. I share your joy in having family reunion. My family do the same annually as well. Much smaller size, 13 of us. This year marks our 20th year. It’s interesting to compare, not for better or worse, but to appreciate your uniqueness. We made our little ones join in the sharing time, AND, we always had to have an interpreter because half of us couldn’t understand each other’s languages. But it worked. (except the young ones didn’t particularly care for the long sharing time.) At the end of the day, it helps us stay connected and close. We are grateful for it. Glad that yours share this same benefit.
7:56 pm
Love this and believe in it. It is good for keeping us grounded. Even as we are aging we can see how the Lord has used every part of our past and our families to shape us and form us. These are the people we have the longest relationships with while living here on earth.
8:34 pm
Oh goodness! That was a perfect, truly perfect way to have a family reunion.. Wow! And not at Christmas but having a mid year Christmas!! WHAT AN AWESOME IDEA!!!
What an example to all families! I will pass this onto my husband, showing him what we could start with our own growing family. Our first grand baby boy being born to our third child and only daughter and her husband—– in February of this year. God is so good and you have honored Him with your lives and how you are living them, Hyatt and Anne! God bless you all! Loved seeing the gorgeous painting you did of all of them allowing for a memory that will never end! AMAZING! love love Lisa
8:44 pm
Thanks, Lisa. Actually that’s not a painting, rather a photo manipulation . . . to make it more “general.” Not sure their mothers would appreciate it as much. But they’re all very gracious.
4:09 pm
I love how you purposely make it a time to share what’s really important. Not a bunch of small talk. Well done…. ginney
8:51 am
I’m just now catching up on my emails due to a wonderful (perhaps a little exhausting) two weeks with our ten-year-old (youngest and newest) grandson. Am praying for all the “Moore Kids” and rejoice when I read what you are doing and holding each other together. We did not have the “wonder” of many siblings, but God just keeps adding family to us in so many ways. We love calling you all our family, too….love to you and Anne who keep inspiring us all.