Friday, June 17, 2011

Family Reunion in Minnesota


family by Vladimir Moldavsky



I am going to a family reunion on Sunday at the home of my niece, Lori, who lives in Minneapolis. Her father will be there and his brother, too. This is altogether wonderful because those two men happen to be my older brothers, with whom I was not raised and have not spent nearly enough hours in our lifetimes together. It has been about 34 years since I met them for the first time, which was the last time I saw Lori's dad, although my other brother did visit me here in Oregon 20 long years ago.

Each of them had five kids and those kids now have their own families.....and quite a few of those people will be there at the reunion. One of them is my nephew, Ron, who has been stationed in Iraq since July 2010 and just got back to the U.S. last week. His brother, my nephew Jim, is coming from Korea where he and his wife have made their home. So those two will have made the longest trips to the reunion, and I imagine I will come in third.

BLOGCATION ~ I fly out on Saturday afternoon and will return home on Wednesday night, and will not be posting (including Old Postcard Wednesday) or commenting those days.

Our 15-year-old precious cat, Feather, has had a terrible decline in her health in the last week. I took her to the vet yesterday and x-rays showed she was filled with fluid. Her vet believes it to be cancer, and recommended euthanasia. Because she is not in pain, and because she is such a baby needing home and us more than anything, I brought her home. She is eating well the last 24 hours, sipping water, listening to classical music, sitting in windows watching birds and smelling summer in the air. Please, while I am away, send many blessings of hope, prayer, and soothing wishes to my Feather Sweet for her to be strong enough to be here when I come home (I am thinking of Paul Simon's song, Mother and Child Reunion...). My husband will be taking two-hour lunches on Mon-Wed to come home mid day and will be with her each night. May love shine all around this house and keep my family safe...... and I wish the same for Lori's reunion house.


 Feather - June 17, 2011


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19 comments:

Snowbrush said...

I'm so very sorry to hear about your kitty, Feather.

Fireblossom said...

Bless Feather. I will keep you both in my thoughts for sure.

Don't Feed The Pixies said...

all the best for your family reunion - have a nice break. Those of us that your posts (esp OPW) help to keep sane will miss you x

mythopolis said...

Oh wow! The family reunion sounds like such a wonderful thing. Hopefully, you can take lots of pics, and pick up more info on such a family tree!

I feel so much for your kitty, and those who love her. My dog is 13 and I don't know about how long she will be around. Sometimes when she takes a long nap I go feel her to see if she is still breathing. It's gonna be a hard day when it happens.

I hope your precious one is still there upon your return. Wishing you safe travel. D.

pohanginapete said...

Good thoughts coming your way. This can never be easy.

Roxana said...

oh :-(

perhaps she will still be ok, i am thinking of you and her. i hope you will be able to enjoy the family meeting nevertheless, it seems quite a special occasion.

Freda said...

Just hold onto the beautiful picture of Feather listening to classical music. Every Blessing

naomi dagen bloom said...

A wish for painfree ending for Feather. But judging from the horrific illustration at the top, does not seem you're expecting a Norman Rockwell type frolic with family. May it surprise you!

Darlene said...

Have a wonderful time at the reunion and try to avoid thinking about Feather. I am sure that a beloved cat would not want you to spoil your good time with worry.

I am sorry for your beloved kitty's decline. That is the sad part of owning pets; their life span is just not long enough.

Owen said...

Here's wishing you a fine reunion with family, and a fine reunion with feline family when you get back... she sure looks like a real sweetheart. Not fair that they can't live as long as we do. Inevitable departures. Be well, travel safe.

Stickup Artist said...

What a an exciting trip you are taking to reconnect with your family. Sounds like quite a clan! And how lovely that your husband will care for your cherished pet while you are away. Have a wonderful reunion and I sincerely hope Feather continues to not feel any pain, that is indeed a blessing.

Rob-bear said...

Blessings on your reunion travels, and for your Feather.

Olga said...

I hope you have a pleasant family reunion. What an angelic cat! I'm so sorry about her illness.

Kim said...

Poor Feather. Animals have such an amazing spirit to them. She's a gorgeous cat.

And I'm glad you decided to go to your reunion!

Lydia said...

Hello Dear Ones~ I have a moment at my niece's computer and just read your wonderful comments of support for Feather and interest in the reunion, so wanted to leave a quick update. I just spoke with my husband on the phone and he said that today's mid-day lunch break at home went well. Feather used her kitty box when he put her there and then made her own way back to the bed. She used the little pet-stairs that we bought for her last week, but he said that last night he watched her actually jump onto the side of the bed opposite the stairs side. She ate lunch. She is hanging in there and my heart is so uplifted for the rest of this day.

The reunion was more special than I ever thought possible. I will write more later. Didn't take too many photos but will see if some are good enough to share.

I am having dinner tonight with a dear friend, who lives here in Minneapolis.

Thanks again to you all.

Rhiannon said...

I am so so sorry to hear of Feathers health problem. I don't know what to write you about it! I am at a loss for words...sigh..at least Feather is home and in good blessed loving care. My cat Lizzie is getting on in age and I often wonder when I look at her if she is okay. Is there something I don't know?

I hope your reunion goes well and what a nice thing so special to have happen. I have yearned for a reunion with my family and it will not be so...but my sis and I are still doing good..so finally at last I have one family member left who we are close by one another and are connected as sisters. I've not known that for so long. So, Lydia meeting your brothers after so long so so special. Let me know how it all goes.

Thinking of you your cat, your life and that this reunion meets your hearts desires.

Love,

Rhi

Kathe W. said...

a momentous family reunion and I am sending lots of soft pats and love to your kitty. Our kittys are our best buddies....and I do know what you are going thru and your decision was spot on...

Anonymous said...

A lot of love & light from me to you, my DEAR DEAR blogfriend!

Agneta, the swedish one

Lydia said...

Rhi, Kathe, Agneta~ So many many thanks for your dear and uplifting comments. They mean so much to me and I will try to write a bit soon about losing Feather the morning after my return...

*********
xoxo to all my readers who are sticking with Writerquake during this longer-than-expected pause.

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