As I was growing up our family had huge reunions at Easter and Thanksgiving. These were always held at someone's house, not a rented venue like now days. My mom and aunts would clean and cook for days in preparation of the big event. In attendance would be most, if not all, of my aunts, uncles and cousins...all under one roof. It's funny to think that many people can fit into one house, and even funnier to think that anyone who wanted to stay overnight had a place to sleep! The adults would sit and talk, while all us kids played and had a great time together. When the time came to eat the long-awaited meal, silence overcame the mingling as every head bowed and every eye closed while the blessing was said. I loved those gatherings...it was fun...it was family...it was love.
With that memory alive in my heart and mind, I can only imagine the family reunion that took place last night with Jesus in the center of that unbroken circle and God embracing them all.
Pictured below:
Center: Chester T. Southworth, Sr and Rosie Sargent Southworth (Ma and Pa)
Top Left: Chester T. Southworth, Jr and Jerry Southworth, Sr
Top Right: Bryant William Southworth
Bottom Left: George Owen Southworth
Bottom Right: (Standing L to R) Lethie Francis Southworth McDonald, Edna Mae Southworth McDonald, Rhoda Lee Southworth Mauer, Florence D. Southworth, (Seated L to R) Virginia Hall Southworth Wykoff, Hazel Heath Southworth Withrow