The Reunion

I am entering My Favorites Photo Competition by @wolfje with a photo from the first family reunion since my siblings and I left our family home in August.

Here is the competition link:
https://steemit.com/competiton/@wolfje/photography-competition-35-sbd-up-for-grabs

I chose this photo of my grandson befriending a neighbor's dog during our first three day family reunion in Westfield, Pennsylvania near Warren; a secluded spot up in the mountains. This was Jasper's first time meeting his extended family and exploring the vast woods and creeks nearby. His sunny personality and Samson hair style, which would soon be cut for the first time of his life on his 3rd birthday, made this shot a once in a lifetime opportunity. Jasper's fearless nature caused him to befriend a strange dog that my Dad confided the owners never let leave the property near him. Somehow the little black dog snuck over and made fast friends with Jasper. You can see the dog had claimed Jasper as his find to the little corgi standing near.

This first family reunion meant a lot to me, my Father, sister and brother. Apart from Mom's funeral in 1997, we had not reunited in one location as a family since her suicide. My brother lives in Buffalo, New York, my sister lives in Miami, Florida, Dad and his wife split the seasons in Pennsylvania and Arizona and I live outside Erie, Pennsylvania. It's hard to coordinate family gatherings.

This photo is of Jasper, my youngest grandson and Dad's youngest great grandson. Jasper is my son's youngest child. The family has grown so much since Mom passed. I'm blessed with two siblings and their offspring but haven't seen my brother's children in many years. Mom never got the chance to meet any of her great grandchildren. I hope she's looking down from above and smiling.

My siblings and extended family reunited in love and we are planning a new gathering for this coming year. We waited far too long for the first reunion. It's worth all the planning.

I hope you enjoy this memory. I know it's a moment I won't forget.

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