Well, it's been awhile!

1974-The Williams Cousins

A few weekends ago, I did something I haven't done in 35 years...I had a reunion with my cousins, on my Dad's side of the family. My Dad had 3 brothers and Dad was the youngest of four sons to Henry Austin and Mattie Clyde Williams. Between those 4 sons, they had 8 children. We got together in 1974, and again in 2009! To say we haven't really be a close knit family, is putting it lightly. My grandparents died when I was very young and as life has a way of doing, the family just kind of went their own separate ways. I have thought a lot about that lately, that mothers (or at least in my family) are the glue that holds things together. So, thanks to my cousin Steve and his wife Elaine, we all gathered at Perini's to reconnect . Sadly, one of my cousins passed away a few years ago, so now there are just 7 of us. It was a sweet reminder that no matter how much times passes, you still feel that connection with family. You somehow just pick up and move forward. We shared stories, pictures, laughs and some tears, it was a fun evening. I was so proud that everyone brought their kids and grandkids! It was a wonderful time for us to share with our children about their great grandparents. It was fun for me to hear stories about my grandparents, because I have none. Like I said, they died when I was little but since I was the youngest of the cousins, the others had some sweet memories to share. On Sunday, we drove to the Homeplace of my grandparents, near Ballinger. The house is vacant and time is wearing away at it, but standing there holding on to that little wire fence that surrounded the yard, I could almost imagine my grandmother running about to feed and clothe four ramboncious boys! I have a beautiful light pink tablecloth and set of 8 napkins that she made me when I was born, complete with the most delicate tatting around all the edges. She must have been a wonderful seamstress because the work is perfect! I am sad I didn't get to know them, but I am thankful to my brother and cousins who shared some memories of two people who loved their sons and wanted the best for them. I am pretty sure they would have smiled on our gathering! 

2009