2009 Lewis Family Reunion

Going in, I thought my dominant emotion during the reunion would be stress. And I did feel stress the first day. However, I quickly learned how wrong I was. Instead of stress, my dominant emotions turned out to be peace and a deep, deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for being part of a family - for belonging to THIS family - for our temple covenants which make us an eternal unit, and for the many small kindnesses and memories we shared over the last three days.

Because 3 of my oldest siblings are either empty-nesters or very close to that stage, I had assumed this would be our last reunion. I had prepared myself for such a suggestion since each of them have married children and multiple grandchildren and I understand how limited resources can be and how precious vacation time is. But on that last night at our traditional family meeting, my older brothers said, we need to continue our reunion as well as the gatherings of our descendants. An overwhelming feeling of gratitude washed over me (tears still come to my eyes now when I think about it). I would have understood if they had wanted to focus on their own families, but I am touched that they would be so generous and gracious to still include me and my family. Being the youngest and then marrying late, they are all we have from my side and I am grateful they care about us. I was touched over and over at how wonderful each of my brothers and their wives and kids were to my little kids. They played with them, tolerated them when they were obnoxious (and believe me, there were some VERY obnoxious moments), helped them, and talked to them. My kids just knew going into the reunion that this group of people were going to love them and they did. My heart is so full of love and appreciation for each of my brothers, for their beautiful spouses, and their amazing children. My siblings and their wives are GOOD, GOOD parents. I feel so inspired to try a little harder to be a better parent, wife, sibling, and daughter.

I should also add what a great help David has been through all of this. He never complained, he helped out quietly so I could visit, he wasn't stingy with funding our activities. He values family regardless of what their last name is and I so appreciate him! I also appreciate and love my Mom and Dad. They keep telling all of us how blessed they feel to have had us a children, but from my perspective, it is we who owe them. They have always been strong and good and independent. I am so very proud of and grateful for their example and teachings. I love my family. I am deeply grateful to be a LEWIS and for the temple covenants which bind us together forever.