“So warm your soul while you can. There are storms enough for tomorrow.”
Steven Charleston
Among my extended family I’m the least likely party animal but, like many other Americans, we celebrated the big 250 in style. A son and daughter in law hosted us at the large shop on their place near Valentine, and the unofficial theme for the day was, “Y’all come.”
In-laws, out-laws, grands, great grands and a passel of dogs, came from South Carolina, Alabama, Wyoming, Colorado, Wisconsin, Montana and Nebraska. Some of the dogs had traveled too. There were toddlers, preschoolers, teens, young adults, grandparents and, of course, the old folks like me.
Something for everyone; a small tank of water for youngsters to splash in, bubbles, water guns, playground stuff, sidewalk chalk, and of course, fireworks, which displeased the dogs. Lots of pictures taken. A moment for funny home videos, which wasn’t captured: Cement floor slippery from a bubble war, dog rounded the corner on a trot and slid before falling flat.
In spite of hearty appetites, with contributions from all attendees there must have been plenty of food left to freeze so maybe my daughter in law can skip cooking for a while. I sure hope the younger ones helped with clean up the next day.
Lots of patriotic clothing in evidence; one grandson wore an Uncle Sam costume until the heat got the best of him and he found some shorts. This is the grandson who served in Iraq and came back to the home town to continue serving his community, in various ways, and as an EMT, and mentor for veterans who struggle. My daughter had made him a Quilt of Valor and his family presented it.
One of my great granddaughters, who is in the Air Force, is recently back stateside from South Korea and has a couple more years to serve. A quilt will soon be in the works for her.
There was talk of youthful antics, weddings to come, new jobs, college plans, trips to DC for National FCCLA convention, and of course the two grandsons whose families were missing. Of a great grand in Wisconsin who couldn’t come with his mom because of soccer practice, and the granddaughter in law in Oklahoma who is still recovering from a bad car accident. We are scattered far and wide but this was a face-to-face chance to catch up on details of our lives. Hugs don’t translate well on social media, so we made up for that.
All are dispersed now, back to our real lives and who can tell if, or when, we will all be together again like that. There are surely storms enough for tomorrow but we warmed our souls well, and the smiles linger. Blessings and thanks to Bill and Karen for making it all happen.