I’ll get to the title later.
Mention “Family Reunion” to some folks and their eyes glaze over. Some “families” just don’t like each other. That’s not the case with the Jorgenson clan all in all.In 1976 the remaining eight children of Engebret & Elise Jorgenson gathered the clan together on the family farm in southwest Minnesota. That marked the beginning of what has become a bi-annual “happening”.The 2009 gathering was held in late June at that farm. It officially started on a Friday evening but had been in the planning ever since the last gathering 2 years ago in Wisconsin.I flew up early so that I could be with my best friends in Mukwonago, WI. It was a great time. There was a lot of laughter, hugs, comparing of aches and pains, and even chocolates on my pillow. After just a few days I had to go since this was really a stop-over on my way to the family reunion. I met up with Matt & AJ at the airport in Milwaukee, rented a car and started west. We hooked up with nephew Mike J and car-pooled. Our trip to Minneapolis to meet Cindy was uneventful. Cindy’s trip on the other hand was not fun.
Cindy was to fly out of El Paso and meet our car-pool in Minneapolis. Well her plane out of El Paso got a late start which meant she missed her connection in Dallas. Thank heavens for cell phones. We kept in constant contact. She eventually was able to get another standby flight and made it to Minneapolis over 5 hours late. We had decided earlier to leave a car for her so she could drive out when she got in.
When we arrived at the farm other family members were arriving also. Hugs, handshakes, smiles and greetings were exchanged when we arrived. Scenes like this were happening all night as other family members arrived and settled in. Lorna & Spenser (I hope I’m spelling it right Spenser) were there from Connecticut, Don from Phoenix, Barb & Joe from Tucson, Scott & Emily from Texas, Laura & BJ from Colorado, etc.. A total of 130 clan members from all over the U.S. came this year. Now if we could only get JoAnn & Bill from Melbourne, Australia we would truly have had international representation. My dad Harlan is the oldest clan member at 93 with the youngest there being a weeks old foster child Paul & Deb are currently caring for.The reunion starts Friday evening and concludes Sunday morning after we worship together and have brunch.During our time together we have a horseshoe tournament, plus other activities to keep us busy. Group pictures are taken on Saturday and of course we have the clan parade which is a hoot. Each night there is a campfire gathering for those who want to hear the same old jokes .One of the highlights of this reunion was the pig roast. Brother Don had proposed digging a pit, putting a pig in at around 4am after preparing it appropriately so that we could all have roast pig the next evening. Would it work out or would Burger King get a rush order for 200 Whoopers to go? Well it was a great success. Thank heavens.
During our time together we laugh a great deal, talk endlessly, nap in the shade, play games, eat and simply enjoy getting re-connected.
My dad managed to be there a bit of the time. He was not feeling very well but since he lived close by he was able to come and witness the pig roast for himself.
After the reunion my family met up with Cindy’s brother and folks in Minneapolis then on to Rochester for a few days.
Oh, the title. I discovered that Oreo, Cindy’s parents dog likes to lick feet and does an especially nice job getting between the toes. What bliss.
Shalom
