Reunion

Reunion
noun
- an instance of two or more people coming together again after a period of separation.
"she had a tearful reunion with her parents"
- a social gathering attended by members of a certain group of people who have not seen each other for some time.
"a school reunion"
- the act or process of being brought together again as a unified whole.
"the reunion of East and West Germany"

I learned something today: I absolutely love reunions. I went to the blessing of a friend's baby, and I got to see a lot of her family. I know them from Idaho. And sharing so many smiles and hugs was wonderful! And then I had the blessing of visiting another wonderful woman in the hospital. It was an incredible day, full of incredible feelings.

My mama has always said that heaven will be wonderful because we won't be separated. We won't physically have miles to travel to see family or friends. There will be no time, so we'll simply be there. And the more I think about it, the more incredible that sounds. I was talking to that friend in the hospital about my grandparents, and she said, "Billie and Don were quite the pair." They were. And I miss them so much. I look forward to the day when we will be reunited.

Last week, I introduced my nephew (Spencer William) to a photo of the grandpa he was named after: William Donald Hunt (Don). I couldn't help picturing Grandpa preparing Spencer to come to earth. I'm sure that he was there, and that he watches over all of us, as does Granny and our many other ancestors.

I have a family tree on my bedroom wall, featuring family photos that I've collected from my maternal side. Sometimes I stare at it for what feels like hours, imaging that those people are cheering me on. I believe that they are.

Reunions are wonderful. I can't even express the joy that I felt today. And in the eternal perspective, that reminds me of the importance of family history work - of helping others have their happy reunions. It also reminds me to cherish the people I have now, because I never know when I might see or speak with them again. So from me to you, all of you: I love you. I've been blessed to know so many wonderful people - many of whom are almost angelic. I thank you all for the ways that you have inspired and graced my life.

Bonnie Gwyn