Bringing Families Back Together

Summer's glorious skies and longer days bring with them vacations, picnics, and that most American of traditions: the family reunion. Reunions provide an opportunity for family members to come together in celebration of their common roots and heritage and to preserve the traditions that make our state unique.

Throughout the summer months, legions of native West Virginians, many now residing out of state, journey back to the old home place, making the annual reunion the centerpiece of their family vacations. On almost any summer weekend, West Virginians perched on old porch swings witness the passing by of family cars, following familiar country roads, drawn to fellowship, fresh air, and down-home cooking.

From vans and trucks and cars pour giddy children, glad to be free, at last, to roam and romp in cool mountain air. Tables scattered under the graceful branches of old sycamore and oak and maple trees overflow with lovingly prepared casseroles, steaming baked beans, creamy potato salads, flavorful home-grown tomatoes, and, of course, that favorite pie from the old family recipe, a closely guarded secret.

Before anyone lifts fork to lips, a family elder calls on the Creator, offering thanksgiving for the blessings of the past and asking for future blessings.

Well fed adults doze in the warm afternoon sun, while the unofficial family historian takes a seat on an old oak stump to tell once more the oft-repeated family tales. These shared stories, passed down from generation to generation, help to instill in the children a respect for their forebears and for the "old values" that are the cornerstones of a good and happy life.

Later, revived by the breeze and the spray of a cool brook, cousins will choose sides for a baseball game. Sack races and water balloon tosses keep the youngest entertained. The sound of laughter and happiness echos around the mountain.

When shadows grow long on the verdant hills, the packing begins for the journey home. Those gathered will depart, each with the certain knowledge that, as West Virginians, they are specially blessed. Fond memories of the day spent reminiscing and rejoicing with kith and kin will linger throughout the year.

This summer, as hundreds of Mountain State families reunite to give thanks for their blessings and to share the stories of their forebears, let us also take time to reflect upon our own family's beginnings, and to celebrate the special way of life enjoyed by those who are fortunate to call West Virginia home.
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July 29, 1998