I was shocked to hear about an animal lover in England that jumped the barrier of a polar bear exhibit in England. She was attacked. Unbeknownst to her, there was a second polar bear in the cage. It was the first "bi-polar" attack on record.
There are moments in time where the stars seem to align perfectly. I remember my Grandma Myrna wanted to organize a Thanksgiving gathering at the City Club in Plymouth. She knew that the City Club would be transferring to new owners. Myrna was in her late 70's at the time. It was her attempt to gather in all the my Dad's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in one place for a special occasion. Usually clambakes like the City Club Thanksgiving are not successful because everyone has their own priorities. Amazingly, Myrna was able to host several very special Thanksgivings in the huge "side-room" of the spacious City Club. Anyone who was related to my Dad was there plus special loved ones.
Your Mom's attempt (prompted by my sister Addie) to have a family reunion several years ago in Sheboygan began with low expectations and it turned out to be a very special gathering. Since that gathering, Addie has passed on along with Mary Ann and Johnny Andrews. That same moment can never be created again.
Easter Sunday turned out to be a special gathering. Everyone in our family along with special guests were in attendance with the exception of Grasshopper No.5. That doesn't happen very often. The weather was excellent, the food was "bring a dish" and of course ham anchored the whole thing. Everyone had time to visit and nobody "punched a relative out". Nana's attendance meant that four generations were in attendance. A special thank you to all that made it happen. "You created a memory" as Shelby Jr. would say. The only negative was that I was looking forward to finishing the French Vanilla ice cream that somebody brought and it mysteriously disappeared. It was indeed, a special moment in time.
Life goes so fast. Gatherings are rare. Family is precious.
Love,
Dad