The Family reunion

Kendrick Ray
Sep 4, 2018 · 3 min read

It is often said that Family is where the heart is. In the south that phrase is meant more; it’s a tradition. That tradition is expressed in family gatherings, reuniting with cousins, aunts and uncles. Enjoying company from a family member that you haven’t talked to since kids or getting the surprise of finding new family members isn’t all that a family reunion offers.

THE FOOD.

Born and raised in Lafayette Alabama, home of Joe Louis , I know all the joys of a family reunion. My personal favorite is the food. An assembly line of pulled pork, BBQ chicken, Boston Butt, chitterlings, cornbread , dressing and more dance on the outskirts of a giant tent the family all sat under. You couldn’t wait to get a taste of homemade red velvet cake coming from aunt Helen’s house ,cousin Jeff ribs that’s falling off the bone before they exit the grill or aunt Lissie Mae’s famous peach cobbler. Arguments between who had the best dish would be the popular debate over the family. These delicious dishes sparked into something more; a family cook-off.

FAMILY COMPETITION.

Family reunions call for every family , near or far, to come together and rejoice with one another. Though there are great times going on , there is often a debate on who is superior. Who is the fastest? Who is the strongest ? Who’s the best dancer? Who is the best cook? All of these answers were solved through friendly family games. Sack races, dance-offs and cook-offs were the deciding factors of who’s the best. The winner of these games would be awarded with a cash prize and bragging rights for the year.

THE FIREWORKS

As the family reunion come to a close , it is tradition that a firework showcase is in order to close out the event. My family would gather around the lake placed on the opposite side of the tent and enjoy the fireworks as they light up the night sky. Huge bursts of cannons rocketed ears that were too close. Colorful lights lit up the night sky for all ages to see. These moments were sacred to my family. The fireworks show not only concluded the ending of the reunion , but also gave family members time to celebrate the loved ones that have passed. My great aunts and uncles would look up at the sky and reflect how they would pop fireworks as kids with their parents. With an hour long show and a flurry of side show fireworks , the family would then go home until the next year.

cousin Mike is ready for his plate
it was my turn to drive the train
a friendly game of Laser tag can get intense when money is on the line
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