We just returned from camping in central Oregon with my side of the family and our grown kids. This is now the only time we take the camper out...we used to take it out at least 3 times each summer...too much work and gas nowdays and our grown kids camp without us now.The "Coopers" started camping together about 28 years ago and now it has become a beloved tradition with many memories of engagements, newly weds, babies, elderly parents, and a Saturday potluck that quiets us all down for a least an hour of summer feasting.
This was a tough year with my Mom just passing away in April. She was the "glue" that held us all together and the campout was her favorite weekend. I wondered if we could survive without her and Dad but somehow we just did what we always do.
When nephew Forrest sang and played my folks' favorite love ballad on the guitar I could not join in for the first time...I always used to look over at Mom and Dad and watch Daddy hold Mom's hand if she was close by, now the song brought tears to my eyes and my throat much too choked up to sing.
I have no sadness for them, now in the presence of Jesus and free of this burdensome life, but my heart still is tender for the loss of both parents in a way that can make a 50 something year old new grandmother feel small and child like again. They were so in love....it made us feel secure and hopeful to have that foundation all those years.
Now a new generation claims the traditons and songs. Little blond children bobbing in and out of trailers and playing at the base of tall trees hold the promise that this tradition will live on.
Do you think traditions are important? Are they worth working to keep them alive?
4 comments:
Family grouping is the only way to live!!
And you are not old, keep camping.
We started camping with five children when the youngest was 3, he is now 50. Then the first tme Dean retired we went to full timing, year round, winter either Arizona, Florida, or Texas, then back to Wisconsin where Dean's desk was ready for him to work for the summer.
We loved it. But now at 81 and 83, we are content to be at home.
But like I said, you are young, and if you like camping with the family, pick up one or two, and go, and enjoy!!!
Betty G
aaaahh...the Cooper Campout. I wondered how it would go this year. I'm so glad you did it. I've often wished my family had more traditions like that...it seems to me that when we don't have them we are more easily fractured and less likely to fix things. The other side of the coin being sometimes I'm not sure it's worth fixing as there are sometimes folks it's better to simply not be around, good or bad it's a sure-fire method for peace. All that to say "good for you"..I'm glad you got through this one with some happy memories.
Some families might enjoy less intense time together. It depends on the family.
I hope the Coopers can keep this tradition. It will be an interesting test of who we are as a family at this point in our lives. I hope we can do it!
I am sure I left a comment for Gitta, re her work at the hospital. Now when I looked for it I don't see it anywhere.
I commented to her first and then to you.
Makes me wonder if I'm nuts!!!!
Betty G
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