Family Reunion 2008

I had a great time at this year's reunion. When I was little on up to my early twenties, our reunion mainly consisted of my dad, his eight brothers and sisters, and their children and grandchildren. Now, my dad is the only one still living of the nine. There were 11 children born to the family but 2 died in infancy. I realize I digress but I wanted to mention them. I think their names were Laura and Robert.

The family reunion we attend now was started by distant cousins of ours. I believe it was Mr. Uther Wright. It was hard for me to get used to these reunions. I went from knowing everyone there to not knowing more than I knew. At first, I went mostly to support my dad and to talk to my dwindling circle of closer relatives. Now I honestly enjoy everyone who comes. It's just not that hard to ask someone's name and introduce myself.

I have several cousins who never come. I wish they did to further enrich our reunions. Some live hours away and some just aren't interested. In any case, they are missed.

Soon, I hope to post pictures from the reunion. If anyone has something they would like posted, please feel free to e-mail the items or write them yourself in a comment.

Love to all

Karen Denise

family blog

I have been posting things besides family things on this blog, but from now on I will be publishing my day to day thoughts and things on the Rodriguez blog. I will also make an effort to post more frequently. There are loads of past and present family stories and events to blog about. Most recently, my brother asked something I had not thought of..."What did the grandkids call George Troy Swindall?" He died when my dad was five, and the only grandkids old enough to remember him were Donald, Alice, Edward Earl and Kay, as far as I know. I found out from Donald that he was called paw. I also found out that Matt was called maw. This was a big surprise for me since I am a grandkid and I always called her grandma. Donald said he thinks it was Orene's kids who started calling her grandma instead of maw. Maybe I can talk to some of the others who remember him and find out more. Dad has told me several interesting stories about George Gilbert, his maternal grandfather. I want to get them in print and share them with the rest of the family. At least with those who are interested.

This years family reunion will be July 20.