Lynn Family Reunion

53 members of the Lynn family drove/flew in for the Lynn Family Reunion. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny weekend. Grandma and Grandpa Lynn's home the hub of family activity and gatherings for 4 generations was the destination of choice. The small white farmhouse, outbuildings and barn brought back memories for each one as we pulled into the gravel driveway and side yard. Family trickled in as a soft breeze blew. Folks brought a special dish or dessert for the family picnic which sent tempting scents into the air. The metal chairs and sling backs started filling up as the morning slowly turned to afternoon. The big climbing tree in the back of Grandma and Grandpa's backyard which has been a center point for children for many years was once again being conquered, this time by the 4th generation. Stories were swapped, memories exchanged, and lives updated. We marveled over the little ones, and the young adults, that last time we saw them they were the kids running in and out of Grandma's kitchen. Time passes on, and the intermingling of the generations sure would have kept a smile across both Grandma and Grandpas faces. They loved it when their home filled up with family, and it happened often.
We started with prayer, and ended with more memories etched in our minds eye. It was bittersweet being back at the homestead, because everyone missed Grandma and Grandpa. There were pieces of their lives setting about, and as each child or grandchild looked over things, a certain item would jump out to them, and gingerly with great emotion each said item would be caressed and the story behind it shared. The creak of the wooden floorboards, the familar smack of the side screen door on the porch, the pictures on the wall, the furniture, all of it was being cleaned up and in some cases out, so that Uncle Phillip and Aunt Charlene could now make this their home.

It is good to know that we will all meet again here on earth as long as its possible, but the best part is that before Grandma and Grandpa died, they knew that each of their grandchildren had accepted Christ and that several of their great grandchildren also have a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ meaning we will all get to have the ultimate reunion one day in Heaven.

The Little Red Stool

Just inside the kitchen door at the Lynn Family homestead stood a rather inconspicious red stool. This little red stool has silently supported family and watched several generations grow and slowly fade as time ticks inevitably ticks on. Almost every visitor to this little country home has a story about their time spent on little red. Its location of prime real estate in the corner in the kitchen allows for being part of the heart of the home, the kitchen. This is where you would find Grandma preparing a meal, and Grandpa sitting at the table chatting about his latest flight, or some news from his trip to town. After the meal was prepared, folks would retire to the sitting room just off the kitchen to chat and catch up on the day's activities, and family happenings. On one of my first visits to the beloved home, I too spent time on little red listening to the family interact and laugh together.

My favorite story is Grandma Lynn telling me about how Richard (my father in law) when he was courting my mother in law would come in the side door of the home and take a seat on little red and wait there for Ginger to be ready for their date. ;) He spent a lot of time on that little red stool. Grandma told everyone before she left us to fill her place in heaven, that Richard was to get that red stool.

This past weekend the family came together once again for a reunion of sorts. It was odd to be there in this enduring home without Grandma and Grandpa. Today, we packed the little red stool and carried it home to TN, where Richard and Ginger will put it in a place of honor in their home.

Is there something special that everytime you look at it, it brings you back to a happy time in your life? Isn't it something that an inanimate object such as this little red stool can hold such a place of honor in a family?

83 Years - A Birthday Celebration

SNICKER! Guess where I've been?  We have some precious friends, adopted family really that we get the privalege of visiting with often. I always come away amused. Tonight was no let down as the air was ripe with the electricity between two hearts happily married 60 some odd years.
His money, Her money, Our money together was the topic of conversation. As they teased each other back and forth, Sweetie and I grinned from ear to ear. This couple is so real. We have had conversations covering all sorts of topics, all peppered with humor. They have given advice, which we treasure, they have worked with us on projects, and we have gone and had fun with them also. When you get to live life the everyday ups and downs of it, you become part of that person, or in our case, that persons inner circle.
On our way out the door, it was let drop by the Mr. that it was the Mrs. birthday tomorrow. The Mrs. proceeded to tell us no fuss was to be made, although she used that as an opportunity to throw a jab in on the Mr. about how he'd better take her somewhere nice to eat. To which he replied with a wink, "I'm takin her to McDonalds!". 
Since Sweetie and I work and the boys are in school all day we have to wait until evening to visit and "show no fuss". Mrs. informed us it was a good day as Mr. took her to Logans Roadhouse and even let her get dessert. She smiled as she softly touched the pedals of the red gerber daisies and yellow carnations the boys gave her. Although her mouth said, "You really shouldn't have"; her eyes gave her away. She was thrilled over the gift and even allowed for a giggle to pass her lips when our puppy Sasha 'gave her paw (five)'. Cory played Happy Birthday on the piano for her to hear and she loved the 'cha, cha, cha!' that Brian added to the end.  In order to stay in character, the Mr. took no time in adding, "You look like a monkey and smell like one too!". 
What a great way to spend an evening!