Family thoughts

I have some health problems and so I am often sitting or laying in bed remembering times when I had so much energy and life. I still have lots of dreams, but just not as much energy. I really enjoy Pinterest because it gives me so many glimpses of my childhood memories, ideas for fun things that I might feel like doing (or used to do), and most of all, a smile. There are so many glimpses into art, funny sayings, and pictures that put a smile on my face. I know that I don't have many followers yet, but I am also writing my blog for my children and my new grandbaby. I hope that they will be able to read what I have written and get to see a part of me that they may not have known existed. I'm sure anyone could look at my Pinterest board and see right away that I am a romantic and I love beautiful vintage items and lovely gardens. I also love to read....a trait that I passed on to my son but recently my daughter has been reading more. I still have faith in people and in our country although at times I feel that we have lost a lot of innocence and love that I had when I was growing up. When I was a little girl, I got to see my grandparents at least once a week or more and I always was close to cousins and family. It makes me sad that so many of our families have to move away for work or go to college and find a new life somewhere else. I know that is a part of life, but I miss the days of being with family. Thank goodness for my grandmother (Nonny) and grandfather (Papa) because when my children were little and I was working, they were always available to help. I miss them so much that as I sit here and type this out, tears are streaming down my cheeks. I miss the love that was so strong that I never had to question one second of it. But, I know they are both in heaven and still loving me from above. I got the pleasure of spending some time with family at our family reunion that has always been held on the second weekend of June. When I was young, there were sometimes 250 people who traveled to Stamford, Texas where we had the best time in a big bunk house. A lot of us slept there. I had some of the best times of my childhood there. Now, the only family that attends are what is left of my grandfather's siblings and some of the children and grandchildren. I still have my great Uncle Henry, Aunt America Jean, Aunt Billie Jo, and Uncle Morris. My mom and Aunt Beck were both there and I haven't been together with the two of them in years. It was so fun to be with family.

Thomas Ray and his children, (left to right back) Morris Ray, Willis Ray, Dallas Ray, Henry Ray, (front) Billie Jo Ray, American Jean Ray taken in the early 1940s.

Family left from my Papa's family who were all at the family reunion this year, (left to right) Billie Jo, Henry, America Jean, Morris

And, we got to go visit my daughter and new grandson. My mother is such a proud great grandmother. This is the picture of 4 generations.