of arms to represent our family. It became the symbol that connects all of us. I took care of getting the tents and chairs. My aunt and uncle brought their boat. Everyone was so excited that they all wanted to pitch in and help in some way.
It was like we had seen everyone just yesterday. We didn't miss a beat; we picked up right where we left off. The one little hitch in the whole
weekend was when I decided
I could still water ski. I was
thrilled to see my
nephew ski for the
first time. It took a
few tries but he
did it just like a pro.
Then, my niece
took her turn. We
were all having so
much fun just
floating and coving
together and cheering
for our new skiers as we
sipped on my brother’s famous rum concoction "Lake Water,” that I got caught up in all the excitement of skiing (or perhaps too much Lake Water). So when it was my turn, as I put on my skis I noticed that one ski binding was a little loose on my foot. I said to myself, "That’s okay I can handle it.” That was my first mistake. I should have known better. If a ski doesn’t fit properly you’re not going to ski properly. But of course I went for it anyway. I didn’t even get up. I was just barreling through the water, hanging on the rope for dear life when one leg went one direction and the ski that was loose came off and pulled my other leg in the opposite direction. I basically did the splits. Not the beautiful gymnast or ballerina type splits, but the kind by a 50+ year old woman. It was not pretty and in that exact moment I felt the most searing hot pain in my hamstring. My family came to my rescue. Trying to get me back in the boat was a whole other ordeal. It was not graceful but they finally hoisted me into the boat. After my sister and brother watched me wipe out I think they decided to rethink their decision to ski. Mark said, "Thanks Susan for taking one for the team." The rest of the weekend was full of love, laughter and ice packs. But I couldn’t
ask for more. I was with my family.
The highlight for me was the
last night when we took
a sunset boat ride. We
all piled on the
pontoon just as it
was getting dark;
the music was loud
and the breeze was
perfect. I looked
around the boat and
some were nodding
their head to the music,
my sister was gazing off at the lights of a nearby dock reflecting on the water, the children were clapping, my sister-in-law and niece were dancing in their seats. I was just trying to take it all in. The expressions of everyone, the proud look on my brother’s face as he captained the boat. My dad had a soft, sentimental look, the children were smiling from ear to ear and when I caught my sister's eye, I could tell she was feeling the same way I was … filled with lots of emotions and love. I think this is what reunions are about.
Whatever you do, don’t wait. Don’t make excuses. Don’t put it off. Maybe it won’t be the entire family, but those who can or really want to be there, will be there. My nephew Brandon said it best: "Memories are a currency of life. After this weekend we all came away rich."