Sweet Home Alabama

An 87 year old woman recently returned to her hometown of Guin, Alabama. There she was welcomed by individuals representing four generations of her family. They ranged in age from two to ninety-five. They journeyed from the comfort of their homes and scheduled plans to welcome this lady home. Fresh vegetables and fruit adorned the table with the accompanying variety of salads,breads,meats and desserts.( One should never leave a southern table hungry. There is simply no excuse for that.) The food was plentiful and delicious. The four day visit was filled with stories,laughter,tears and more stories and more food. Additional family gathered for another wonderful meal with delectable hamburgers and fruit and desserts. The canteloupe and watermelon and tomatoes were incredibly bright and colorful and scrumptious. Most of them were grown in family members' gardens.The meal was fantastic as was the visit. The four days included the most fascinating maneuvering of walkers and wheelchairs with children darting in and out of sight and a soundtrack of giggles emanating from both age groups. Holding hands,giving and receiving hugs and exchanging smiles and winks with loved ones is a timeless gift.We skyped with family in Missouri to extend this reunion and love a little further and to remind them that they are never far away from our hearts. Photo albums were dusted off and old memories were made new again. Jokes were shared along with football predictions and hopes. More photos were taken and additional memories were created. Nostalgic drives were made through northwest Alabama. Beautiful flowers were placed at five cemeteries. The record-breaking heat did not stop these acts of love and respect. Another stop was made on the trip home to see more family and enjoy more food and stories.There is always time for one more embrace and one more memory.This visit was restorative not just for my 87 year old mother but for me and for our friend who made the trip and for everyone involved. We were reminded that although we are not Corleones, we are family and our family is important. We represented. And we were happy to discover that in Alabama, you can go home again.