Before the Great Depression nearly all my aunts and uncles lived within a morning buggy ride of all their siblings. My dad and Uncle Billy lived farther from their kin than the others. Living close together made it easy and natural to keep in touch. Uncle Billy and Dad moved away from the others; nevertheless Dad made frequent trips to visit as many of his siblings as possible. Personal contact between siblings was a good and satisfying thing for them.

I believe that you, my children, all love each other and sometimes wish you lived only a short buggy ride from each other, but this is not the case. Getting together takes real effort and is not always possible. Think back to when your late stepmother Dorothy was with us. She loved all of you and understood how important it was to get together as a family. That wasn’t easy. There was always a conflict in somebody’s schedule. It was a wonder that we got together at all, but we did and we were all the better for it. I give Dorothy all the credit.

I sincerely hope that you will continue to be a close-knit family. I regret that my siblings and I could not have been as close as you are. It was not until near the end of my brother’s life that we began to know each other. At least you have the advantage of being well acquainted.

Telephones provide a great way to stay in touch, but there is no substitute for face-to-face contact. Try to remember some of the things you did together on previous reunions. You explored the place and reported the new things you found. You played games that you had played with your neighbors but found them more exciting when you beat your brother. You cooked meals together that tasted better than those cooked at home. You all talked together and learned many things that you couldn’t learn over the phone. In short, you enjoyed the company. Remember your hikes just to see waterfalls, and a special retirement party for your dad?

For a reunion to happen you must put it near the top of your list of priorities. I believe the best way to start is to plan for the next year. First agree on a time when you all can possibly get together and then decide where to meet. It may not work, but it has a good chance. One of you should be in charge. You ought to take turns at leadership so that no one is burdened.

Don’t forget to include your children and grandchildren in your plan. It’s a very good thing for cousins to know each other. Good luck and may you have many happy reunions in the future.