Mabel carried the bowl of potato salad across the yard and set it on the heavily-laden table. There. That was the last of it. Herb finished flipping burgers and dogs, and brought the meat to the table as well. Mabel stood back and surveyed the scene, a satisfied smile on her face. It had taken weeks of planning, but the McKenna family reunion was in full swing. Mom, even at 85, still had the strength to ring the dinner bell – the oversized triangle hanging over the front porch. From all corners of the yard, family came. Kids stumbled over one another in anticipation of the tasty treats, and their parents weren’t far behind. Soon, the entire clan was seated.
Mabel, like the others, turned toward Uncle Stan, the eldest member of the clan, and therefore, the one in charge of giving the blessing. At 88, his voice wasn’t as strong as it had been in earlier years, but it still commanded respect. Even the cries of the babies quieted.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this day, for this meal, for those who prepared this food for us, and for the blessing of such a large family. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Herb chuckled. “Uncle Stan must be hungry. That was the fastest I’ve ever heard him pray.”
Mabel grinned at her husband. “Can you blame him? Everyone outdid themselves this year.” Besides the potato salad and burgers, the table was filled with fried chicken, salads, beans, watermelon, corn on the cob, and countless other dishes. The McKennas never did anything halfway.
“It has been quite a year,” Herb said, his gaze traveling from Rebecca to Shyanne.
Mabel followed his gaze. Rebecca sat holding her newborn son, born after so many miscarriages. Shyanne loaded her plate with food, a welcome sign after fighting cancer earlier in the year. Her hair was even starting to grow back. Mabel blinked her tears away. This was a day to celebrate.
The mood around the table was light. Plates were passed, stories were exchanged. Eventually, the chatter quieted while mouths were filled. After several minutes, Uncle Stan cleared his throat.
“Now that you’ve all had a chance to eat, I have a few more things I’d like to say.”
Herb nudged Mabel. “Told you,” he mouthed. Mabel grabbed his hand and squeezed it, then turned her attention to Uncle Stan.
“This is my 88th summer, and the 88th time I’ve gathered together with this family. Granted, most of you weren’t around for the early years, but as loved ones have passed on, new faces are added to the tables. This year, I’d like to welcome Rebecca’s little one – the newest member of the family. I pray that someday Cassidy is up here celebrating her 88th reunion.”
Rebecca dabbed at her eyes, as those around her shouted “Hear Hear!”
“As the oldest member of this clan, I think I’ve earned the right to give a little advice.”
Uncle Stan waved his hands at his sister who booed him. “Emma’s just waiting for the day when I pass on so she can take over the speech.”
“My speeches will get to the point much faster than yours ever do, big brother,” Emma said.
Mabel laughed out loud. How she loved seeing Mom spar with her brother.
“Nonsense,” Uncle Stan said. “My point is, there’s nowhere I’d rather be in the world than here with all of you. Treasure this time. Stay in touch. This is the family God gave you, and He put you here for a reason. For those of you who married in, God bless you. You’ve joined quite the clan.”
“That’s for sure,” Herb said, grinning at Mabel. He’d been going to these reunions for 35 years, ever since he and Mabel were married. He knew the drill by now.
“This is the best family ever!” shouted Michael. All eyes turned to the five-year old, who stood on his chair, watermelon juice dripping down his chin.
Mabel tensed. What would Uncle Stan think of the interruption? She turned her eyes back to him. He stared at Michael for a moment, then a wide smile broke out across his face. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.” He raised his glass. “To Michael, and the rest of you crazy McKennas. Here’s to another year together.”
Proverbs 17:6
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
God, some family members can be an incredible blessing, others can be more of a challenge, but You created them all. Thank you for such a precious gift. Please help us to bless those in our family, to show them Your love. Help us to remember the value of those who have lived long on this earth. They’ve had more time to learn Your ways, God, and should be treated with respect. Please give us the strength to love those who may be difficult, and please help us be a blessing to our families. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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