Generations

Momma was the oldest of Grandad's second family.  After four sons, Grandad's first wife died during the birth of a baby girl who, also, died.  A few years later Grandad and Granny met, married and Momma was born a year later.  Two more boys were born and then the family was complete when Momma's baby sister was born.  These two sisters were bound to spend their lives closely entwined.

Holidays, vacations and weekends were spent together even as their families grew from children to grandchildren to great and even great-great-grandchildren.  Last year was our first Christmas without the sisters holding court over the affair.  Momma sat in lonely vigil occasionally noting to whomever was near, "I sure miss Opal."  Five weeks later Momma was again with her sister in the same graveyard.

The past few days have been a flurry of activities with my younger sister's family.  Her three children gathered at our son's home to have an early celebration of Thanksgiving.  Sister's oldest was in Austin for additional training for his job back in New Orleans.  Her youngest son lives in Austin while my family lives in a nearby suburb.  So Sis, husband, daughter, son in law and three grandchildren made the trek for an extended weekend of festivities.  Yesterday was the last of the activities with a full blown Thanksgiving dinner.

Ages ranged from 14 months to 14 years for the grandchildren.  The night before Sister's four year old redheaded granddaughter convinced the big guys to play duck duck goose goose on our grandsons' trampoline.  Sister's six year old grandson and our nine year old grandson spent hours playing video games, dressing as super heroes and just being boys together.  My three older grandsons alternated between watching football with the 'grown-ups' to video games with the younger ones. 

There was  more duck-duck, goose-goose games with the blue eyed redhead charmer.  The 14 month old boy just kept us all on our toes as he is an adventurer!  Our 15 yr old granddaughter was not available as she was at a soccer tournament about a 100 miles away.  DJ the 8 month old boxer pup even got in on all the action creating chaos like knocking a half eaten cherry pie to the floor ; )

Following yesterday's meal Sis and I settled next to each other at the kitchen table.  I noticed we both had smiles on our faces as we watched our husbands, children and grandchildren interacting together.  Slowly I realized we were now the sisters holding watch over the families.  I brought this to her attention and we both teared up at the thought.  And then we smiled as we realized the legacy of love lives on into the next generations.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5 NIV

Momma and Aunt Opal enjoying watching Santa call out the names from the 'good' list for presents.

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