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Cuzzins’ reunions required for July 24 celebration

Joyce Walter writes about family get-togethers
ReflectiveMoments_JoyceWalter
Reflective Moments by Joyce Walter

In homes here and afar there are likely plans galore being made for families to begin trips to visit relatives they haven’t seen for months and months.

Most communication among family members has been done virtually since the pandemic travel restrictions were put in place. Watching someone on a computer screen or listening to telephone voice mail in no way compares to face-to-face conversations, handshakes or crushing hugs.

Family reunions, weddings, even celebrations of life and funerals have been delayed, depriving friends and families an opportunity to connect with loved ones in any meaningful way. 

That is all about to change and just in time for the observance of “International Cousins’ Day” on July 24.

There is not much history available about this special day except to say it is to honour the children of our aunts and uncles — that would make those children our cousins. The celebration, I learned, should be a time for cousins to “get together for fun, to hang out together, to chill together, to just do anything for fun.”

The theme for this year’s Cousins’ Day is “what’s buzzin’ cuzzin’?”

I can just imagine the reaction I would get if I were to use that greeting when I see these family members for the first time in a long while. I already get funny looks from some of these folks so there is no need to add to the situation.

Family reunions, as I recall, always involve games and singing, stories, food and of course, a bit of gossip, all of it well-meaning, meant only to gather information, whether fact or fiction.

One of the reunions many years ago involved ball games in the pasture. I got one turn at bat, was put out at first because of the way I run, and suspiciously I never got a chance to bat again. My position was way out in the field where nary a ball ever came. A good thing too because I was kept busy waving at all the truckers who honked when they drove by on the highway.

Since that get-together, many of my first cousins have passed away as have all the aunts and uncles, leaving a conglomeration of their aging offsprings to be accommodated at a much different kind of reunion.

The venue would have to be accessible without stairs and with rest rooms designed to accommodate anyone who might be in a wheelchair or navigating with a cumbersome walker.

There won’t be any ball games, but we might try a game or two of horseshoes, with spotters being responsible for finding horseshoes in tree branches or somewhere else outside the designated premises. Aiming talents and eyesight aren’t what they used to be.

I can envision one or two of the cousins agreeing to be in a three-legged race, replaced knees and hips, aching backs and pace makers all taken into consideration. Suitable prizes would be awarded and EMTs would be on standby.

The catered meal would take into consideration a variety of dietary restrictions. Libations would be non-alcoholic in nature so as not to interfere with the medications being swallowed prior to the roast beef and ham supper.

After a song or two, sung in various keys, we would head home or to the motel to be in bed by 10 p.m., taking with us wonderful memories and a question or two about the identity of that person who kept saying “what’s buzzin’ cuzzin’?”

And a disclaimer here: this reunion of cousins is from my side of the family. Housemate’s cousins are a few years younger and they surely would be able to play some innings of ball, enjoy a glass or two of spirits, and stay up later than 10 p.m.

With them I would still be out in the field, sitting on my walker and waving my cane at the rascals who toot their horns or yell questionable greetings as they drive by.

I do hope someone on both sides gets these reunions organized before our numbers decline even more. Let’s get buzzin!’

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.  

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