« "I love technology..."? | Main | A Sad Farewell »
January 08, 2007
A Black Christmas
The town of Las Cruces, New Mexico is not usually at the top of the average American's holiday destination list. Come to think of it, there aren't too many places in the whole state that make it onto said list, but who's keeping track anyway? But to me Las Cruces will always be very important. It means the pecan rolls for which Josh's dad has earned quite a name for himself. It means getting to eat an inordinate amount of red meat (sorry, honey, that will have to last you for the next 12 months). It also means Josh's hometown, the place where he spent the first 17 years of his life, the site of countless soccer games, his home church and, best of all, his family.
This year was no different. In fact when I say family, I mean all of us: all the aunts, uncles, cousins, grandkids and great-grandkids of the Black family (Josh's mom's side). Grandmother Black, recently turned 90 years of age, welcomed each of her four children and all of their offspring, spouses included, from all areas of the world - J and I got the most points for coming the farthest distance. That totaled 66 who made the pilgrimage to the Marriott hotel in Las Cruces. (Well, 66 doesn't include the second cousins who came along as well...) I have never seen anything like it.
I entered the family late (I'm number 40) and am still getting to know the various family dynamics, but I am still amazed at the capacity this family has for enjoying each other. Cramming over 50 adults and half as many children under the age of 10 into one room for games, songs, chat and food doesn't usually fit my idea of a swell time. But I'll be the first one to say, it was a blast! All the work that went into the weekend - all the planning, feeding, cooking, feeding, purchasing, feeding, organizing, feeding - it was all worth it. It worked! We had so much fun.
So, next time you hear those dreaded words "family reunion" floating around the general conversation and you are tempted to run screaming from the room, remember, it might just be the most fun you've had in a while. I've got the t-shirt to prove it.
| By j and b | 05:26 PM
Comments
Bry-- ask Josh about Wompapotamus hunts on the way to Bloys... they are Grandmother's favorites!
Posted by: Sister Kari at January 18, 2007 08:27 PM
You made me cry again. Joanna is laughing at me. I am pitiful, I know. But you won't understand until you get to be as old as I am. There are some perks with aging, and sentimentality is one of them. It was a fabulous reunion, and what is a reunion without a tee shirt and a game of Family Feud?
Posted by: Aunt Lucy at January 17, 2007 03:21 AM
You made me cry again. Joanna is laughing at me. I am pitiful, I know. But you won't understand until you get to be as old as I am. There are some perks with aging, and sentimentality is one of them. It was a fabulous reunion, and what is a reunion without a tee shirt and a game of Family Feud?
Posted by: Aunt Lucy at January 17, 2007 03:21 AM
A WHAT?
Posted by: Bryonie at January 15, 2007 09:03 AM
Yep it was wonderful! But did you find a wompapotamus while you were here??
Posted by: sister Kari at January 14, 2007 02:39 AM
I have dreams of returning to CO - it's been so long - the NM mountains gave me a fix for a time but that won't last forever. Miss you guys!
Posted by: Bryonie at January 12, 2007 05:25 PM
sounds like a GREAT time. I just hate that you were so "close" and we didn't get to see you. when are you coming for a rayburn reunion in CO?? we'd LOVE to hang out when you do. miss you lots~
Posted by: erika at January 12, 2007 03:33 PM
Ask me what it was like growing up half Black.
Posted by: D. Martin at January 9, 2007 12:44 AM
welcome back! and happy new year to you's.
Posted by: abigail at January 8, 2007 05:45 PM