A Family Reunion (39 page)

Family reunions are special. A reunion is a time when the entire family gets together to celebrate their existence with an abundance of good food, recreational activities, and, above all else, talk and getting acquained and reacquainted. It’s a time to recognize past generations, descendants, and living elders for their contribution to the family structure. And most important, it is a special occasion for reaffirming family ties.

I hope my book takes you down memory lane, because the Bennett family can represent any African-American family. No matter what, in the end, “blood is thicker than water,” and your family will always be there for you.

I would like to thank my friends who shared memories of their family reunions with me. It was a delightful experience. I want to especially thank my good friend Denise Coleman. When I shared the idea for this book with her, she became as excited about it as I was.

I want to thank my family, the Randolph family, for holding the first Randolph Family Reunion during the summer of 1999. It was everything a family reunion should be. I look forward to our next reunion.

If your family has not held a reunion, please do so. All it takes is one person taking the initiative to get the reunion organized.

The results will be rewarding and worthwhile.

If you enjoyed this story, please check out my Web site for information about other books written by me at
www.brendajackson.net
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To three important men in my life: my husband, Gerald Jackson, Sr., and my sons, Gerald Junior and Brandon. I love you guys.

To my very own family, whose love from my childhood has helped to make me the person that I am: the Streater family, the Randolph family, and the Hawk family.

In loving memory of my grandmother, Josiephine Randolph Streater Threatt, who was a very strong influence in my life and whose earthly presence I will forever miss.

To my friends who shared fond memories with me about their family reunions, this book is especially for you.

In loving memory of my childhood friend, Willie James Hodge (Bill)—October 12, 1952 to May 20, 2000. You are deeply missed.

To Brenda Arnette Simmons for her helpful feedback on the finished product.

To my cousins, Barbara S. Love, Gwendolyn Streater, Jessie S. Wilson, Bettye D. Wendt, Maretha C. Hines, and Jackie Johnson. Remember our early teen days sitting on Gramma Josie’s porch, talking and sharing secrets.

And to my Heavenly Father, who makes all things possible and who gave me the gift of writing.