Reunions of any kind can stir up all kinds of thoughts and feelings – happiness, nostalgia, a desire to connect, and inevitably sadness due to the fact that reunions can remind us of those who are no longer here with us.

My parents met in New Jersey – my mom a coal miner’s daughter from Pennsylvania who found herself in Brooklyn, New York as a teen. My dad, from Massachusettes who somehow took a job coaching football and teaching in New Jersey after his graduation from Springfiled College (MA). 

My memories of holidays contain a mix of the streets of Brooklyn, Hackensack, NJ, and the suburbs of Boston and surrounding area. My dad’s family of French Canadian descdent, was rather large; he was one of seven and he and his siblings went on to have large families for the most part, hence I ended up with 42 First Cousins. My earliest memories are also filled with fun Thanksgivings in New England hanging out with many same-aged cousins who became like siblings to me and my own. Christmases were celebrated locally in New Jersey with my mother’s family.

Family Reunions have always been a big deal for my dad’s side. When many of those family members migrated to the West Coast, reunions began to alternate between Massachusettes and Northern California. I’m happy to have attended several on both sides of the nation.

Last weekend another reunion took place in coastal Massachusettes. I hadn’t been to one in six years. Then, I attended with my parents, Rich and my newphew Zac, all of whom have passed since. My sister, who passed just a year before that, always loved these gatherings. As I drove into Newbury Port, MA, on Saturday, I passed the big townhouse I’d rented for all of us on that occasion. It was a bittersweet moment.

For a time, I didn’t think I’d actually attend this one. Living now in Central Florida, it is a bit challenging to fly during peak holiday time. And it was. Boarding my first flight from Daytona to Charlotte, I was greeted by a male Flight Attendant who asked me if I liked Vodka. I replied, “Tito’s and cranberry.” He said he’d bring me one, so I assumed much later. But as I settled in, before we even taxied to the runway, there he was, asking for his “Tito’s Girl!” Turns out he had worked as a stand up comedian, and he did entertain throughout the short flight.

The second flight was not as much “fun”. About 35 minutes in, the pilot announced he was aware of the situation in the back of the plane and we were turning around to fly back to Charlotte. Apparently someone had become ill and that’s all I will say about that. We deplaned and waited a few hours for another plane. Kudos to pilot and crew (and passengers) for taking it all in stride.

I checked in to my hotel around midnight and crashed. The next day brought warm sunshine and a great time spent with so many I hadn’t seen in a while. Lobster. Clam Chowdah (as they call it) and clams and of course a Full Bar! And lots of laughs with people I’ve known for so long. I truly appreciate all the time and effort on behalf of those who make this happen.

But, at times it was a bit sad as I found myself searching for my own family members and I really felt it when it was group picture time. Thankfully, my brother, John was there with his wife. I spent a little time thinking of those who’d gone on, or those dealing with circumstances that prevented them from attending. 

I’m glad I went. Rich loved our Family Reunons and was surprisingly a Red Sox fan so he fit in well. At the airport for my return flights, I was informed my flight was delayed due to a flat tire. At the next gate, they were delayed because that plane had run over a bird it was announced. Thankfully, American Airlines was kind enough to delay connecting flights so it all worked out.

It is helpful to know I have a strong network of good friends and family and although I currently live far off “that grid” it’s nice to know they are only a plane flight away…serving Tito’s and for the most part air travel goes well, and life goes on.

Have a great weekend.