Reuniting with family...

Or as we call it here in the South - Family Reunion Time! I knew we would not have the huge turnout we had last year but it was still nice to see everyone who was there. We had to get new instructions because of a big detour. The bridge we went over to reach the cabin is out so I sent everyone whose email address I had the new directions. I didn't know whether or not I would be able to go for sure until around Thursday. We finally got my pain down somewhat and that added to Katrina bringing her zero gravity chair over for me to use made me know I could go for a short period of time. Only three of Mom's siblings weren't represented by at least one or two family members so that was good. Alice came over early to ride with us and took this picture of me so Kelly could see the outfit she bought me. See the little blurry spot in the middle of the picture? Yeah - that's what all of them look like.  I really hope Monica's camera got some good shots because every one of mine were horrible. Evidently there was a smear on the lens and it didn't show up until I downloaded them to the computer. Since it wasn't very crowded, the inside of the building stayed pretty cool. Monica brought a bowl with what was left of butter beans and corn over to the table so she could drink the juice and get every little bit out and I laughed and told her my cousin Edith made them. I knew they would taste just like Mama's since she learned from her Mama - Aunt Vallie. She and her husband represented Aunt Vallie's family. We are the first cousins who were there. I'm not sure how Alan didn't get in this picture. He must have been outside. He and his lovely wife Kay represented Aunt Margie who was two years older than Mama. He looks so much like his beautiful Mom - I wish you could see his gorgeous blue eyes which are the one thing he didn't get from her. All of Mama's siblings are brown eyed just like all of us girls. Aunt Margie and her three boys are part of my earliest memories. We used to go visit them quite often. When Aunt Margie started dating, my Granddaddy wouldn't let her go out alone with a boy so my Mama - who was only 13 - had to go too. One time, Aunt Margie's date brought a boy for my Mom. He had on old convertible and they had to sit in the rumble seat. When he tried to kiss Mama, she jumped over into the seat between Aunt Margie and her date. Don't get me wrong, Mama could be a real flirt some time - or as we say in the South, she was "coy" and "charming". :) She drew the line at touching or kissing. She would say that was when it got downright ookey - one of her favorite words.  I thought this was a great picture of Faye, Alice and Amy. Yeah - I did us all a huge favor and cut myself out. When we got ready to go down there, I had just had a shower and decided to let my hair dry naturally which made it look kind of flat I guess. It has gotten really thin on top and very white in some places so in some of my pictures, it looks like there are bald spots. I hate to see myself in pictures since I've been sick. At times I wonder if my eyes will ever look normal again or if I'll ever be able to really smile. It is very hard to smile when your mouth and lips are so, so dry. Amy looks great in this picture doesn't she? I'm so proud of her lately. Hope she will continue in the positive way she seems to be going these days. So even though there weren't many of us there today, I was still so happy to be with those who could make it. Joy and I had a nice talk about Dwayne when I first got there. We both teared up and cried a little but she said she really is doing okay. She said everyone was being very helpful to her and making sure she gets out to get her hair done and to go to eat every once in awhile. I know she misses him terribly. They were so in love their entire marriage. When Dwayne's younger brother Rex, came over, it made me have to stop for a minute. He doesn't look exactly like Dwayne but has enough of his general coloring and looks to make me stop for a second when I saw him.  He has the Rheumatoid Arthritis his Mom has suffered with for so many years.  I didn't get a picture of Aunt Eunice but I'm hoping Monica did.  I'll put better ones up if I get them. I did learn that even leaning back in that chair, I finally reached my limit and when I had to go, I knew I had to go right then.  Once I was in the car leaning back further with the air on, I felt a little better.  I'm not going to be able to get a cheaper version of the chair.  It started making my behind sore and wasn't conducive to sleeping at all.  More research is required I guess.  So another fourth Sunday in June has come and almost gone.  Until next year, I  know Mama and Dwayne would be proud. We all miss them both.