Yesterday, September 6, we had a renewal of the Erdman Family Reunion. It's been over a decade since we all got together. I don't know if there'll ever be another one, but I'm glad this one happened.
Nearly 100 aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins and more showed up at the Doug (brother) and Tisha Erdman residence for over six hours of talking and eating and talking some more. Eighty-seven years separated the oldest to the youngest.
Some of my relatives came armed with pictures and all came with memories, memories we shared over and over. My cousin John came with a 1914 Model T. Nancy came on a Harley. How cool is that!
Doug and Tisha's residence has a large pond (some might call it a lake) with an island cottage house in the middle. Pontoon boat rides were given for much of the late afternoon to the island. After while, I was sure this was going to be as popular as Alcatraz.
Pictures were taken of each branch of the family tree. Then there were the cousins, and then the children of the cousins. It was interesting to see how the generations were moving on, how we who were the children, were now the parents.
Typically, we don't all see each other except to pay our respects to one of us who has died. This was different. We were there to celebrate each other, our lives and our heritage.
People came from all over, many flying in, knowing this event was special. My daughter, Cortney, flew in from Arlington, Virginia. She was not alone.
My aunt Ruth and Uncle Marvin organized this event. Aunt Ruth put together a sort of family history from the seed of this event, my grandparents, Louis and Hattie Erdman. While I don't think the Pulitzer committee will be calling soon, this publication will find its place in my most valued possessions.
Thank you Doug, Tisha, Uncle Marvin, Aunt Ruth, and all who thought it was important enough to be part of this event. It made for one memorable day. 
Hi Tommy,
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a great day for me as well. I continue to replay the day in my mind which stirs more colorful memories from the past.
The location could not have been better. It was almost dream like, something from a movie. The day was perfect! I think my next painting will be this event on canvas.
Doug and Tisha were so giving of their time and the use of their beautiful home. Aunt Ruth and Uncle Marvin were so giving of their gift of organization pulling this day off with out a hitch, WOW!
Tommy, have a good day and do take care!
Love Ya!
Jean
Looks like a fun & action-packed day for the Erdman clan :-) You're right, too often family get-togethers happen because of a death in the family. So much better to have a get-together with the sole purpose of sharing good times with each other :-)
ReplyDeleteI know you're a busy guy, no worries about being delinquent :-) I've been slower about doing my blog rounds lately myself.... so many other things to do and not enough time in the day!!
Have a safe trip to China.
Kelly
...and what a handsome group you are! I must admit while browsing the pictures I found myself playing my own little version of 'Where's Waldo?'. Where in the heck are YOU Tom?
ReplyDeleteSending my best wishes for good health and good fortune to all the Erdman Clan.
Sincerely -Brenda-