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Family get together

September 7, 2008

For the first time in 8 years we had a family reunion of sorts.  It was just a picnic in the Forest Preserves but it meant so much more than that.  For at leat 30 years, my family got together annually and celebrated family (I have over 50 first cousins), but as the years have gone by, the new generation hasn't taken on the charge and the current elders (45 and over) just hasn't done it.  But I think that will change now.  To make it happen, my immediate family bore the cost but what we have gotten in return is invaluable.  We had a great turn out and the family is still talking about it.  To see the kids with their own kids reminds us of how our family legacy continues and grows and gives tribute to our elders who have gone on before us.  It reminded all of us of how important we are to each other and how we have unnecessarily lost touch (a good deal of us still live in the same geographic area).  Renewing our committment to family was worth the time and money and I hope will re-establish a family tradition that is important and needed during this time of strife and tension. 

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Comments (1)

I know I will do my part to make sure it happens next year.  Even though I spent most of my time in the hospital.  I would do it all again to make sure the picnic happens

Posted 102 days ago by Jason

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Cheryl's Latest Commentary (9)

  • November 4, 2008

    I voted early.  A columnist I read said that those of us who have already voted are no longer interested in the campaign.  That can't be further from the truth.  I feel relieved,proud and uncustomarily emotional.  The campaign just sent me a ticket to the VICTORY party today in Grant Park and like most of us, I can't stand large crowds.  But this is different, I am going.  To be part of a historical event is an overwhelming proposition and I wouldn't miss it for the world.  I will welcome our new president and Commander in Chief to his new position and I suspect there will be many tears flowing and some will be mine. 

  • October 29, 2008

    I am not a fatalist.  I don't necessarily think that we are destined for what comes in our lives.  I generally feel that things happen as a result of our actions, but this is different.  This is Obama's destiny and nothing can be done to stop it.  As one of McCain's supporters said "how did we get here"?  How did Obama, who really is inexperienced by political definitions get to this place where he very likely will be the next President of the United States.  All of this has been divine order.. this place we find ourselves in where a Black man will be our Commander in Chief and even if President Obama might be sacrificed (and it is a real possibility if you have seen the hate and filth posted on these many blogs),  it is all his destiny and I am so proud to be a part of this experience.

  • October 23, 2008

    Great post.  You can't help but wonder what difference Barak will make.  Our young brothers who insist on hurting people that look like them, young parents trying to eek out a living, the campaign not really addressing poor people at all.  Will it really make a difference in their lives?  I understand that the middle class is targeted because if we don't work, they don't eat, but with our own concerns of feeding our own families and having a roof over our own heads, how does that "trickle down" to people who $6.00 is a lot of money.  I don't necessarily think it will change poor people's lives but I do think it will give the next struggling young child the energy and knowledge to know that they CAN be the next "whatever they aspire to be".  HOPE!!!

  • August 4, 2008

    You have made a lot of assumptions.  Just because the mother is lacking in one area does not necessarily mean that she is across the board. (Although I am one who abhors men peeing in public against a building, in an urban area, when there are generally restrooms available all around).  I do think that psychologically she gives her son a message of entitlement by saying that it is okay to relieve/release yourself inappropriately and as you please, but I want to give her the benefit of the doubt that she was 1) with her son, if that was indeed her child and 2) tending to his needs.  But every decision that is made as a parent can be scrutinized, criticized and  critiqued.  It is a tough job, with no instruction manual  and we, as parents, make mistakes.  Let's hope that is just one slip of judgement against the hundreds of important, insightful decisions she makes for her child(ren)

  • July 23, 2008

    Wow!  Scary and it lends credence to "nothing good happens on the street late at night".  Times have changed and it is important to try to avoid putting yourself in volatile situations, but how do you do that?  It can happen anytime, any place; all you can do is live your life, be aware of you surroundings (which gratefully it sounds like you were) and trust in God.  I love you and I am glad that you are safe.

  • July 22, 2008

    Definitely required coordination.  It is a big world out here...hope that's not one of those video hoaxes.

  • July 20, 2008

    A story that needs telling over and over again...there is always hope

  • July 5, 2008

    It never ends...needing hep.  The trick is the willingness to accept the help.  ometimes even when you think you are open to help you become defensive..."because you didn't like the way it was said".."you don't understand", etc.  When every moment could be a teaching moment if we were just silent and think about words and advice given.  Not everyone is willing to help and somethimes the help doesn't help, but the iwllingness of another to even try should be appreciated.  Everyday I NEED HELP!

  • July 2, 2008

    Times are getting harder. 
    This summer, in
    Chicago, there are daily broadcasts of killings of young, black males.  Where are their fathers. ..fathers of the victims, fathers of the offenders..would knowing, loving, respecting and having a father who is involved make a difference in these young people's life.  I know that sometimes women make it difficult for a man to be involved with their children, but isn't it worth the fight...your father proves that it makes a difference.  I wish the same for all Black children and their fathers. 

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