Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Family Reunion (06/05/08)
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TITLE: The Butterfield Reunion | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Shell
06/12/08 -
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It all began with the planning. Where to have this annual event is an annual argument. Since we’re now spread across nine different states, the Butterfield Family Reunion must, of course, be in a central location. Now some families choose to go “home”. Others make it a vacation at a classy resort. But not us. This year, we ended up at Redstone Lake, a place very few of us had ever heard about. The brochure, picked up by good old cheap Uncle Fred, promised fishing, boating and fun in a private setting, perfect for a weekend getaway.
When we arrived, we found a few cabins and campsites strewn around a rather small lake with a couple of old rowboats to use, if you dare. In all fairness, it was clean, and secluded, very secluded, miles from life as we know it. The teens in our group were disappointed, to say the least, at the limited cell-phone service. Of course it didn’t stop them from trying.
Our weekend adventure started with breakfast on Saturday, sharing welcomes and the usual catching up. The fun began later in the morning, on one of the rented boats. There’s nothing like a good disagreement between spouses to bring secrets out into the open. Some things should just never be shared. Even cousin George, who already knows everything, and is ready to share it with anyone who will listen, could seem to find no words to say. That, of course, gave Aunt Nellie an opening to give her opinion on the matter, not that anyone listened.
The highlight of the day was the feast, prepared by the wonderful cooks in our family. Aunt Mabel, known for miles, for her chocolate layer cake, was beaming as we praised her for a job well done, as usual. As for cousin Sally’s meatballs, the less said, the better. They could be found in the bushes nearby for days.
Fortunately for us non-athletes, the softball game was halted as a rain shower popped up in the second inning. As we all ran for shelter, the sudden boom of thunder should have been a warning for what was to come. Cousin Nancy had news. It wasn’t a surprise, but you might not call it good, either. It did, however, keep George and Nellie busy for the rest of the afternoon. Poor Nancy got an earful, on both sides, for her life-long decision-making blunders. Some of us felt so sorry for her, we almost jumped in to save her, but we chose to be cowards. Not cousin Vic. For the life of me, I can’t figure out how he’s related to us. I’m not sure anyone really knows. But, being a successful lawyer, he likes to argue. He certainly came to Nancy’s defense not a moment too soon.
Sunday morning finally came around. It seemed appropriate to end this weekend with a prayer for safety before we all hit the road. As Grandpa Joe bowed his head, silence fell like scattered raindrops across the lake. He asked God for protection as we traveled, and grace throughout the year on each of us as we continued our lives apart from each other. He then thanked God for each and every one of us, his family, and His creation. As I whispered Amen along with him, I looked around at each person that made up this sometimes wacky family, and realized I couldn’t imagine life without them.
While packing up to get out of there, we shared hugs, new phone numbers and the usual empty promises to stay in touch. This year, I told myself, I would really try. After all, we’re family.
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