Reunion

My great-grandparents had 9 children. For 17 years, those siblings and their families have gathered to reunite and stay connected. I haven't always been able to attend those reunions, but I was thankful that I could attend this year. We gathered in Fredericksburg, TX, a town that has maintained the heritage of the German settlers who founded it in 1846. There were probably 100 or so relatives in attendance, some from California, some from Florida, but most from Texas. Sitting in the banquet room, surrounded by my family during the Saturday evening "program", I couldn't help but think of Brad Paisley's song Two People Fell In Love. I am so proud to be part of this family. Here's a pic of the clan of 8 (Uncle Harold was called home this year):



Keeping with tradition, we closed the program with "Abide With Me". It gets me every time.

Abide with Me
By: Henry F. Lyle

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour;
What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like thy-self my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, they victory?
I triumph still if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Hymn # 490
Lutheran Worship
Author: William H. Monk
Tune: Eventide
1st Published in: 1847