Regarding the Reunion

8 and 1/2 hours of drama. That’s what I accomplished today. Kris’ mom and I, both tired after a fun but taxing weekend, watched the Mini-Series Berkley Square on DVD in its entirety today. I enjoyed it immensely. Linda had watched it previously so she took a few breaks and played with Owen more than I did. I claim the title of Couch Potato Queen for the day. Surprisingly, I have no headache and feel that I had a good day. I was up at a decent hour, spent time in the Word early this morning, ate a yummy breakfast that Kris’ dad made and left for me, went to the grocery store with Linda and Owen, went for a walk after dinner with Linda and Owen and had time this afternoon to work on several things regarding the Ladies Night of Laughter for 2005. I feel quite accomplished.

I have had a good trip thus far and am looking forward to another good day tomorrow. Here’s how it has been:

Kris and I took turns driving on Friday after leaving very early in the morning and taking our very tired little Owen out of his crib a bit earlier than usual. We made good time other than a bit of construction congestion in South Georgia that caused us a delay of about 30 minutes. Upon arriving in Dowling Park, FL at the location of the reunion our car was met with much anticipation. Relatives started swarming the rear passenger side of the car wanting to be the first to get a peek at our very tired young traveler. Owen was so happy to be out of the car, as were Kris and I, and made the most of the attention he received. About the last hour of the trip Owen had stopped whining or complaining about his predicament completely and had begun to give us this horrible look whenever we addressed him. He seemed to be angry and his eyes unmistakably communicated that he felt we had betrayed him and were possibly beyond his ability to forgive. He did forgive us though, as soon as he was confident that he was not to be placed back in the car for some time.

We ate dinner that night with the entire family at the little restaurant on the premises and all went back to the main cottage to catch up. Once we were all together and attention had been called, we sang together. Kris’ brother Kevin played guitar and led a few worship songs as his cousin Stephanie and her fiance’ accompanied him on bass and percussion. Grandma Kelso (Gracie) asked if anyone had anything they would like to share regarding the goodness of God over the past year. So many people had wonderful stories to tell, as we shared we began to see the tie we all had in learning what it is to trust God and grow in the knowledge of Him. There was a lot of discussion on faith and the privilege we have as children of God to rest in His awesome power and detailed provision.

Kris and I slept in a room at the conference center, Kevin had a room there as well and the rest of the family stayed at the cottage. Owen, slept with Grandma and Granddaddy in their room. This allowed Kris and I to put him to bed at a descent hour and not have to remain separate from the rest of the group in the other building.

On Saturday we got up and headed to the cottage for breakfast. I had some of the granola I had brought, which turned out to be a big hit along with the milk balls. In fact, before I left the cottage on Friday night I looked to see if there were any milk balls left and there were only three. I guess I’ll have to bring them again. Kris’ aunt Cindy said that for Christmas this year, she wants a bag of the granola.

Lunch was delicious. Two big pots of chili were offered and a pan of rice if you wanted that as a mix in. There was apparently a lack of communication regarding shredded cheese so we didn’t have that, but it certainly wasn’t a necessity. After lunch Kris and I joined several other cousins for a game of touch football. I was the last one picked and rarely was I trusted with the ball, but when given the opportunity, I did quite well if I may be my own cheerleader. Linda and I took Owen for a walk outside. He loves being outside and took full advantage of Grandma’s patience. Lot’s of pictures were taken but I don’t think Kris has had time to post any of them as of yet. We shall let any and all interested parties know when they are available. Before dinner I was able to hit a few softball’s with “Uncle Johnny” and his daughter Nikki and her fiance’ Sean. Nikki would be Kris’ dad’s first cousin but she is younger than Kris. I got out there sort of late so I sort of missed the hard part and got to be the last batter. Meaning…I didn’t have to stand out in the heat and chase fly balls while the rest of them hit. I didn’t do this on purpose but I was sort of glad it worked that way since I was already pretty tired from the earlier football game.

Dinner was grilled chicken and steaks, baked potato, rolls, and salad. Oh, it was so good. These steaks were so tender, Owen could gum them. Everyone enjoyed dinner and then played games again until it was time to get serious with a bit of worship and a Bible study by Kris’ great uncle Donald. Uncle Donald has written several devotional studies for an organization called Word Of Life based in central Florida. He has been involved with them for years and has a great knowledge of the Bible which he loves to share with anyone who is willing to hear and understand. It’s a treat to hear him expound on Scripture and the often overlooked intricacies of the Bible.

Kris and I were soooooo tired Saturday night and got to bed at a fairly reasonable hour so that we could prepare to leave the next morning. We had yet another Devotional time and this time Kris’ dad led us. He is always brief and to the point which is a nice contrast to uncle Donald. I will admit as well that I got more out of his short application, but it’s not a contest is it now.

We all had lunch together on Sunday at the Dixie Grill in Live Oak, FL. This little place has become our after-reunion tradition and we were again pleased by the yummy food they are faithful to serve. After lunch is when Kris and I went our separate ways and Owen and I got in Grandma’s car to head to Lakeland. We all made it to our destinations safely. Kris, of course, made it home a little later than the rest of us but I was relieved to hear that all was well when he called me to say he was home. Linda and Owen and I had to go pick up Meema (Kris’ Grandma) before heading back to Lakeland. She had gone to stay with her brother Johnny and his wife Margaret who live about a half hour or a little more from the location of the reunion. I was privileged to see their home and even more privileged to be made acquainted with Margaret’s new embroidery machine. She is a very organized and efficient seamstress. It was neat to see all that she has accomplished in a short time with her new machine and all the plans she has for it. She has also finished a handmade quilt of her own design. Good work, and her very first try.

As we neared Lakeland, Linda said that a shake from Steak and Shake was in order so we found a place to stop and after a long wait decided to leave. We had already placed our order but no one had paid a lick of attention to our party since and the place was so dirty we felt a bit like things were crawling on us by the time we decided to make our way to the exit. We were stopped however by the lady who took our order who apologized profusely and didn’t seem to understand that “I’m so sorry” wouldn’t make our sour faces smile again. She did have our shakes done and we did pay for them but I can’t say they were worth the experience or the price we paid. Yucky memory, that one.

Once in Lakeland, Owen and I made camp in the guest room, checked our e-mail and made a couple of phone calls. Okay…maybe I checked e-mail and made phone calls. Owen played and played until he couldn’t play no more. I’ve already told you about today so all that’s left is a bit of an apology for the length of this post (sorry) and a farewell until I have more to say. Good Night! or good morning as it is now 12:06. Lord, have mercy!