The Peterson clan gathered for their annual reunion this past Sunday. It was a picture perfect day with low humidity and a little breeze, and no bugs to speak of. I married into the family some 35 plus years ago so I’ve had the opportunity to observe this event for decades.

And even though lives change and societal norms evolve and technology imposes change, a family reunion is sure a venue that affirms that some things are still the same, that they are still true.

It’s not easy for families to stay connected. And as the years have advanced, I’ve acquired a great respect for those who work at maintaining a family bond. My maternal grandmother, Jeanette Stewart, was one of eleven children. Their last name was Cousar. My address book doesn’t even have an entry with that name and I think it’s a shame that all those connections appear forever lost.

My paternal grandmother was Julia Steen Shultz. From what we know, the Steens have an annual reunion every October down in Pine Apple, Alabama. It’s reported that the Steen reunion draws 200 to 300 family members from all over the United States. “Some day,” I keep saying, but someday doesn’t seem to happen by itself.

From my vantage point at the Peterson reunion, I’d say the following is:

Still True It is still true that a meal is

more succulent in shared

company, rather than

alone, It is still true that a dinner

bell gets folks’ attention, It is still true that saying

grace reminds us to be

grateful, It is still true that an abundance

of food invites eating

more than we require. It is still true that babies held

and passed around bring

joy and smiles, It is still true that children

will pick a ball over a

computer if you will toss

that ball to them. It is still true that a fishing

pole will draw dads and children, and worms will draw shrieks from some of

the little girls. It is still true that remembering

names is hard, but the

highest compliment, and It is still true that congratulations

and condolences can

be shared even late. It is still true that taking a

group picture is always a hassle, and that the organizer gets more always, always

worth the trouble.

I love hearing stories and remembrances that bind family and folks together. And one story I’ve heard shared by many of the Petersons involves an unmarried aunt who lived at the family homestead. I never met Clara Peterson but I feel like I knew her. She invested so much interest and love into the pack of kids who came and went through the family farm that she left an imprint.

The one remembrance that so often gets shared at the reunions is Aunt Clara’s green lime drink served in pitchers during the bailing of hay. A ram brought cold spring water into the old farmhouse and the perfection of Clara’s thirst quencher involved this cold spring water.

And while I won’t challenge the memory that this was the best drink ever concocted, I imagine part of the marvel of this drink was Clara’s care and interest in rewarding the children for their efforts.

And so it must also be still true that an act of kindness resonates, sometimes for years to follow.