UNCLE CLIFF’S FAMILY REUNION

The majority of the immediate Hargand family; Bob's mother, siblings and thier children.

There are 12 years between Bob and his Uncle.

Uncle Cliff likes to combine his birthday with a family reunion: it’s a long-held tradition.

Uncle Cliff is Bob’s Uncle: Bob’s father’s brother.

Cliff and Bob loved each other like siblings; they are only 12 years apart in age.

Bob and Cliff were very close – they deeply loved each other.

I love Uncle Cliff, too.

It hurt my heart to think I’d never see him again.

Uncle Cliff was the first person Bob introduced me to when we started dating exclusively: Grandma Smalley was the second.

When a fella introduces you to his family … it’s a big step: he’s making a statement, and cementing a relationship.

Both liked me, and both told me, “You’re good for Bobby. He’s happy when he’s with you.”

I thought so too 😉

Their immediate welcoming of me into the family fold, and their unconditional love extended towards me, endeared them to me for life 😊

When widowhood was thrust on me 30 months and 10 days ago, my actual tie to the family was severed.

I didn’t think I’d ever be invited to Cliff’s, again. 

But I was; and I was happy with the invite.

But over the years others were not so welcoming, and they didn’t love me – unconditionally, or otherwise – and as badly as I wanted to see Uncle Cliff, I did not to deal solo lobo with the bitter anger of the others.

My stomach had been miserable with jumpy nerves all week long, just thinking about the upcoming weekend.

Last night, when I crawled into bed – I still wasn’t sure I’d be going; but this morning … I did.

Decided to go to Uncle Cliff's Family Shindig, after all.

I was raised that it is rude to turn down an invite given in friendship.

So, I bit the bullet, and went.

On impulse, I grabbed the Remembrance Urn with some of Bob's ashes in it for Alex, if he came. He didn't want it in 2019; but he might want it now. I was hoping so.

I was prepared to wrestle with snarly and snarky lions: but they behaved like lambs.

I.e.x.p.e.c.t.e.d.t.h.e.u.s.u.a.l.

And was surprised by Elohim’s blessing 😊

19 months and 11 days ago, at Bob’s celebration of Life, I had been deliberately hurt by a few of Bob’s relatives; I’d pretty much written them off and erased them from my life: I was stressing meeting them face to face again.

But Elohim wasn’t going to allow that – He was working in everyone’s lives.

Kasey Musgraves – Family Is Family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nQXGOY1wDY

I do believe today’s gathering of the clan was the most enjoyable time anyone has ever spent together: seriously.

I did get wet-eyed when Alex showed up; he looks like Bob, my heart squeezed for a few minutes. Alex, Kerry & Cliff.

There was no backhanded remarks or underhanded activity towards anyone ‘just to get a rise out of them’.

People had matured.

Immediate family and cousins; except me ... I was taking pictures.

Mingling with the family was blessedly enjoyable today.

New babies added to the family, since the last gathering, years ago.

Cliff funning and sticking his tongue out when teased about his aging.

Sly & The Family Stone – Everybody Is A Star: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d248d06PWhY

Not a single word was spoken out of place. 

Not a single poisoned dart was shot. 

There wasn’t a frown, or a sneer on anyone’s face.

Toward anyone – for anything.

No one made overt … or silent judgements that gets betrayed by facial expressions and body language.

I smiled and laughed a lot; my stomach settled down.

And everyone was glad to hear of my latest decision to get on with my life – they all agree that it’s a good idea; all said they’d be praying it works out for me: and they meant it when they said it. I could feel Bob smiling.

4 babies had been born since the 2017 Reunion: a set of 2-year-old toddler twin boys, a 6-month-old baby girl, and a 3-month-old baby boy.

It was wonderful to see the babies!

Babies are Yeshua’s guarantee that life goes on, and family continues.

The older ‘kids’ who were present today ranged from 52 (the oldest son born to the oldest Hargand son: Bob), to 10 years old (the youngest son born to the youngest daughter of the oldest Hargand daughter: Merry).

The last baby born into the Hargand lineage, was Azariah – who recently turned 7 (but sadly, my children and grandchildren did not make an appearance) … the babies on display today, were a delightful addition 😉

Everyone behaved.

Everyone who came today; except Cathy's husband, who took this picture. I'm the chub in the purple shirt, 2nd row.

Even the additional babies 😊

Baby cousins hugging goodbye.

I am glad the day was a good one for Cliff; and a blessing for me.

The gathering actually went waaaay better than anticipated; thank You, Yeshua!

Everyone behaved, and I was able to give Alex his little Urn of Bob's ashes.

I feel blessed and encouraged. Thank You, Lord.