Reunited

Hailing as I do from a small family, and also a family that was not very organized, or celebratory, reunions were not part of my growing-up experience. My aunts, uncles and cousins, while lovely people, were few. If you even mentioned the word “party” to my mom she would flip, because hosting one would be an unthinkable burden; merely attending one would take more energy and focus than Joanie possessed. The only times I recall being in one place with the whole extended fam involved wakes and funerals, and for obvious reasons they are not the happiest memories.

But then I joined the Seyfrieds, and suddenly reunions were an actual THING, not just a vague concept. Steve’s whole childhood could be considered one big family reunion, what with his 65 first cousins, most of whom lived in Indianapolis and environs. They were forever dropping by, having dinner, or going fishing, or playing cards, or other idyllic pastimes.  

As if all this familial togetherness wasn’t enough, the Baker branch of the clan has always hosted an annual summer blowout back in Indiana, featuring, as the invitation promised, “beer and brats.” I originally thought that was a rather rude way to refer to the children, until I was informed that “brats” were sausages! We never once attended, but ever-optimistic Cousins Ray and Linda kept us on the list anyway.

Steve's brother Phil and wife Jackie held several Seyfried reunions while our offspring were young, which we did attend. My primary memories of these involved the long drive to Virginia, and little Patrick’s unfortunate tendency to read picture books in the car, then promptly throw up, which made the drives not only long but really smelly as well. After a while, those gala events tapered off, and that was it for decades.

I feel the same way about school reunions. As I attended three high schools, I've had my choice of classmate celebrations, and chosen “nope” for every one. I keep up with the friends I have always kept up with, and otherwise feel that a large gathering of half-remembered guys and gals--maybe less than half-remembered, because (unlike me, of course) everyone’s appearance has changed drastically--would be a tad depressing.

At brother-in-law Rod’s funeral last summer, we all made the standard parting comments about “not waiting for the next death to be together,” but then the ever-reunion-minded Phil actually PLANNED something. This one will just be the adult siblings and their spouses, and the happy day is rapidly approaching. There’ll be another significant drive, this time to Tennessee. I promised Steve I will not read in the car, but it’ll be a long haul anyway.

Actually I am looking forward to this. I’m truly fond of everyone, and agree that life is racing by, and seeing each other again on this side of the grave would be nice.

And if all goes well, my 50th St. Pius High reunion is coming up next year. Might be fun! Hope there’ll be brats!