So glad we did this...

Upper Deerfield Twp,  NJ

Like so many families we lose touch with relatives who might even live nearby.  As we mature we find our own lives and make our "grown up" families.    Such is the case of my relationship with my cousins.

My mother was the only child of her mother.  However she did have two half sisters.  I have remained in touch with these cousins.    There are only two who still live in NJ.   Two weeks ago we had dinner with one of them.    The other three, who are siblings, are scattered.  One in Kentucky, one in Oklahoma and one in Arizona.   I've caught up with two while traveling and hope to one day soon see the one in Kentucky.

My father had one brother and three sisters.   I've not seen the one surviving son of Dad's brother in many years.   One of Dad's sisters had no children.  One had two children and the other had three sons.   The one I've kept to touch with since Mom's passing last year is Mae. 

Mae turns 82 today.   She and my mother were close and talked frequently.  I now call her every few weeks to catch up.  

Kenny was my favorite cousin growing up.    Both of his older brothers have passed.  

 

When we returned to NJ for these two months Leonard and I visited with Mae.  I asked her about Kenny and told her I would love that we got together for lunch or dinner.     Instead of going out to eat, Kenny's wife Margie invited us to lunch.

I asked if I could invite my brother, sister-in-law and sister.   Unfortunately my sister could not make it.  

Want a lovely time we had yesterday.   My brother really did not know Mae well and this gave him an opportunity to get to know her.   Kenny's one brother, Louie's daughter Sandy was there.  I had not seen her since she was a small child.    Also there was one of Kenny's daughters Kim.   I've seen her over the years but really never spent much time with her.  

Kneeling in the front is Kim.  The child is Sandy's granddaughter.  Standing from the left is me, Kenny, Leonard, Mae, Sandy, my sister-in-law Nora, my brother Norman and Margie.  

The small reunion is one of the very best Christmas presents I could get.   We all so much appreciate Margie's hospitality and this opportunity to see people we love.