Middle age plus 7/17

Thursday, July 17, 2003

Weather can be a friend or a foe, and sometimes it is both things at once. The thunder storm last Friday night that brought hail as well as all the fireworks of a midwestern storm, came just as my family members who had come from all corners of the U.S. for my sister's internment had finished eating a meal on the deck of our family home. Although we didn't get the amount of rain that we wanted and needed, we did get some welcome moisture. But it also drove the family inside where we all gathered in the large living room. Earlier in the day the relatives were scattered all over the farm. Some had taken a walk up the driveway. Others had gone down to Gray Lake, the new pond, to swim, canoe, or just walk around the banks. A few gathered on the deck to visit in small groups, and others were inside in the air conditioning, visiting or looking through the remnants of our parents' library. But after the storm began we were all in one room, a circle of sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, aunts, mothers and fathers. It wasn't long before some of the young adults wanted us to start playing some of the family games. We were brought together to honor Kathryn and have a service at the cemetery the next day. But we all agreed that she, our parents, and others who had lived in and loved this home would be very happy to see so many of the relatives enjoying playing the games that have been a part of our family for so long. Kathryn's grandson, Erick Chase, had even written an article in a children's magazine about one of our outdoor games. But last Friday we were restricted to indoor games. The two fifth graders added a few new wrinkles to one of our favorites. Some of the older adults shared their memories of other times we had played these games and brought back memories of other years and other gatherings. A boy friend of Kathryn's granddaughter, who was on his first visit with the extended family, quickly learned the games and was soon amusing us all with his ad libs. Even those who had lived in Missouri in the past were impressed by the storm and said they had almost forgotten the looks and feel of a stormy night. Being in the country where you can see for miles intensified the experience. We all agreed we didn't want another tornado, but this simple storm was exciting and fun. When the hail began there were some concerns about the cars, but we escaped any damage there also. No one turned on the TV. No one had a boom box playing music. The computer in the corner of the dining room was left idle, and the only action was enjoyed by all of us together in one group. It was like turning back the pages of time, yet with new faces. In the past that had been the only recreation we could have enjoyed. This time it was chosen over anything else because that was what we wanted to do. The rain was gone before the morning graveside service, but the cooler temperature was another benefit from the nighttime storm. As we said our last good-byes to Kathryn, we were a strong united family. United by our love for her and by the fun we had with each other. What a precious memory!