This past weekend the pilgrimage home happened for my family. We came from distances south to north, from east and west. Siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and parents all coming to celebrate, remember past gatherings, and make new memories. I remember in the past how we would drive up Mom's driveway and she would be out on the porch smiling and excited to see us or in the kitchen waiting for our arrival. Her house would be decorated and many dishes prepared for us and for the family Christmas party. That house is now my sister's home. We drive up the same driveway and are greeted with her smiles and the house decorated and food prepared as in the past. But a little of the light is gone as this is the first Christmas family gathering without Mom and also without my brother Greg. My sister arranged for a Catholic Mass to be held on Saturday morning as a memorial for Greg. His daughter Vicki and his granddaughters came. My sister-in-law couldn't make the trip up from Georgia because of her own health issues. But there were many family members and friends who came and after the Mass we gathered for a nice brunch and a time also to reminisce about his life and share memories. We wanted it to be a joyous time as I know Greg would want it to be that way. He was a happy person who wouldn't want all the sadness to continue. Later that day we gathered again at my nephew's home for the annual Christmas party. This year some couldn't attend because of travel problems or health issues. Still, we had fun, ate good food, opened silly gifts (white elephant gifts we call them!) and gave hugs all around. Afterward we all departed to homes or hotels. Most of the kids stayed at my nephew's for a huge cousin sleepover! I'm sure that was a lot of fun for them! We left for home this morning after bidding farewell with the hope of next year on our lips that all can attend and we can continue to make memories, laugh, eat and again give hugs all around!
We got to Chicago on Thursday so we could help my sister out with preparations for the weekend and of course we were greeted by her pup, Hope.
Hope just loves Jack....has to be by his side or begging for attention.
She even shares her favorite toys with him...she's generous like that!
Preparing food is always on the to do list and my sister is fabulous at that!
My nephew Bill and his wife Laura hosted the party at their home. Thanks guys! Plus they had all the cousins stay all night. They have 5 kids of their own and add a few more dozen and I bet it was pretty fun for the littles and pretty crazy for them! Thankfully a couple of the kids are teens who could help out. The following pics are just a few of the cast of characters we lovingly call FAMILY.
My brother Phil and his wife Cilla. They just moved back to the states from Panama and now live in Florida. She's from England and has a delightful accent!
My nephew-in-law...Eric. He's married to my niece, Amy.
Here's Amy with her favorite Uncle...at least Jack thinks he's the favorite!
Midge and me being photo bombed by my brother, Rick. Funny boy.
Rick and Phil having a lively discussion. There were lots of kids here and there but I didn't get too many photos of them. They were in the family room and having some activities of their own...
They all got to make gingerbread houses...good job kiddos!
Remember I mentioned a "white elephant" gift exchange? Well, this is a good example of what you might be so lucky to receive...a unicorn mask. You never know what can be lurking in those pretty packages!
On Sunday Midge and I took a few moments to visit Mom and Dad's gravesites. The weather was pretty nasty on Saturday night but sunshine came through for Sunday and we had a nice day together. The drive home today was good with warmer temps..in the 50's! And lots of sunshine. I'll take it. My brother Rick lives in northern Wisconsin and he got a foot of snow on Saturday! I was very glad not to come home to anything like that. Now on to planning for our family Christmas here at the Pines. Lots to do in the coming weeks as I'm sure most of you have. I hope all your gatherings are wonderful and contain hugs all around.
11 comments:
Oh, I always love your posts about your family gatherings! And this one did not disappoint. I know your Mom and Greg was missed, but I know you felt their presence and love. White elephant gifts are the best
And that unicorn head is the best, so funny !! Now I wait for your Christmas pictures with family at The Pines!!
Hi, YaYa!
I'm happy to know that you made it home from Chicago safe and sound and that you didn't need to plow through snow on the way back to The Pines. It does my heart good to read that people came from far and near to attend the large family gathering and to see all those smiling faces, even as hearts were surely aching over the recent loss of your Mom and brother Greg. As you mentioned, they would want their loved ones to experience joy and laughter and to celebrate the occasion rather than sit around with long faces. Midge is looking fantastic! What a blessing that she is out of the hospital and recovered in time to take part in the family's huge Christmas party. Hats off to nephew Bill and his wife Laura for hosting all those people at their place. I thank you for honoring my request to take pics of Hope dog. Your camera captured some great moments as Hope begged Jack for lubbins and brought him her favorite toy. All's right with the world when you are enjoying that type of interaction with a dog. I'm sure Phil's wife Cilla remembers English singer Cilla Black. Perhaps she was named after her. You and Midge look lovely in your bright red outfits. I would be pleased to be the lucky recipient of the coveted unicorn mask. If your family is like Mrs. Shady's, the unicorn mask and other white elephant gag gifts will be kept in a safe place, wrapped in pretty paper and handed out at future family parties to evoke laughter. The final picture touches my heart. It shows sisters, beautiful inside and out, posing at your parents' grave site. You had every reason to be proud of them and they of you.
Enjoy the rest of your week as you continue making holiday preps at The Pines, dear friend YaYa!
So glad you got to enjoy extended family. Our extended family Christmas has been canceled. to many health concerns. Fun gifts and good for some laughs which is needed right now.
Merry Christmas
Cathy
Sweet entry and love it when families travel to be together. You mentioned the British accent, I too love to hear it. Sweet pictures and a lot of memories exposed I am sure.
Sherry & jack, Behind the house and a little cool here in NC, but not like there I am sure..
Years ago all my whole family got together every Thanksgiving at my mom's house. She was centrally located, but it was still a bit of a trip for my one brother and his family. Great times, I miss them.
Your post reminds me of that Vince Gill song "Till the Season Comes 'Round Again"....complete with the missing brother. 😢 If you aren't familiar with it, you should listen to it....it was playing through my head as I read this. So very glad so many of you were able..and willing...to gather and renew bonds. It's strange, but it seems that in this era when travel is such much more accessible, fewer people are making the journeys to be with family on holidays. Yours remains a beautiful exception. Many happy faces.... And yes, I know exactly what Rick came home to. Grrrr.... Looking forward to more posts of your holiday celebrations. ~Robin~ (Too funny about Jack and Holly...he must have a good heart. I was taught to never trust someone who animals did not like. ;-) )
What a great visit with family. So glad you could all get together and enjoy the season. See you again soon!
Hugs to you! Lovely photos and I am glad you were all able to get together.
I know you all are missing your brother and mother. I lost my Dad in 2019 and Thanksgiving and Christmas is just so very different without him. Still, I know he would want me to be joyful so I do try to remember that. Take care. xx
Family together is a joy to see! So much love in that gathering!
I'm so glad dear Yaya that you could get together with your family at this special time of year. Covid has made it difficult for so many this year. When someone is absent, it always leaves such a big hole. The love never goes away and we remember all the sweet memories that weave the tapestry of our lives.
You are very fortunate to have been able to get together. I know it's a lot of work and effort but so much worth it.
I love all the photos and it looks like a wonderful family time. I think Jack is sending some special vibes to Hope. She looks like she really wants his attention.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas even at this late hour.
Hugs, Julia
Thank you for the nice words on my post.
Merry Christmas
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