(Due to the fact that I have so many thoughts on family right now, I have decided to make this into 2 parts. Come back tomorrow for Part 2!)

Yesterday we had the opportunity to go to the Williams Family Reunion and we had a GREAT time. It was so much fun to see everyone again. The Williams family is what I would call “The Real Deal”. They are all so kind and genuine; I could sense the presence of the Lord in that place. I know that the Lord is so pleased with their love and respect for each other. There’s nothing like having a family member embrace you with a warm hug and a smile. My father-in-law mentioned that he felt so good after seeing the family, he said that it makes him feel safe and secure when he is around the family. I couldn’t agree with him more.  There is something to be said for the family bond.

After we left the reunion, we went to Shirley’s grave (Danny’s mother). It was such a special time to be there with Danny’s dad and his wife, his brother and nephew and our children. Danny’s Grandparents and Great Grandparents are also buried in the same cemetery along with an Aunt, Uncle and other members of the family. We first stopped at Shirley’s grave where Danny’s sister Melisa had left a beautiful wreath of yellow flowers that said “Mom” earlier in the day. We all talked about how we missed Shirley and the legacy that she had left the family. She was a strong woman of faith and everyone that knew her, knew of her love for Jesus Christ. She was the epitome of Christ’s love and how we should love our neighbor as ourselves.  As I stood at her grave I longed to see her again, she had so much wisdom to give. My heart breaks for not only the older ones, but the children of the family who don’t remember as they were too young or those like Kylie who never had the opportunity to meet her sweet grandmother. 

            From left to right, back row: Cheryl, Danny, Dennis (Danny's brother),
            Billy (Danny's dad)
            From left to right, middle row: Jon (nephew), Kelsey
            From left to right, bottom row: Abby and Kylie
            (Thank you Alice for taking the picture!)

We walked around the cemetery for a little while, Danny’s dad told of different family members that were buried there. Danny told his father that we needed to pass the legacy on to our children. He wrote down some information and took photos of some of the different family headstones. We cannot forget the history of where we have come from; we are responsible for passing this rich heritage onto the next generation.

We also spent time with Danny’s sister and her family at her home yesterday evening. We had such a wonderful time and the food was delicious (Thanks Melisa!). We have all had the opportunity to spend a little more time together over the past month or so and it has been wonderful. It makes my heart long for more time with them. It is a BEAUTIFUL day here in Austin and I am sitting outside writing this, I can’t help but get a little teary eyed as I think of my side of the family. Being around Danny’s family makes me long for the rest of my family even more.

I remember as a child getting to see my Cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents on both sides of the family quite often, those were such special times. I get so excited when I get to see family, I love the fact that we can pick up right where we left off, no matter how much time has passed.  I want my children to have those same fond memories of time spent with family. 

Take the time to embrace your family today, thank you for allowing me to share about my family, come back tomorrow for Part 2. I would love to hear about your family, leave a comment.