A special party in Boulder, Colorado

Peter and I left Marfa friday morning and flew to Denver, Colorado.  My brother John picked us up at the airport and the three of us headed to Boulder.  We met my youngest sister Ro and her husband Brian (my new brother in law) for dinner and then headed to my cousin Craig’s house for the night.   This was the beginning of a long weekend of reunions.  In addition to his wife Linda and their two children, my cousin Gage and his spouse Brenda and their two boys were there as well as their cousin (and old friend of mine) Ken, and his brother Steve (my new friend).

I grew up in Colorado–and there is a certain quality of light here that is different than anywhere else I’ve lived. You could actually say  that there is a different quality of life as well.  So many people are outdoors at any given time–and they all seem to be in motion.  Walking, running, cycling, and of course the winter sports when there is snow on the ground.

After breakfast we went on a short walk with the family dog and then a longer walk to a neighborhood swimming pool where we were joined by two other nieces.

Some of my fondest childhood memories involve summers at our pond with my cousins.  We swam, we boated, and perhaps most fun of all–we battled.  We made boats out of anything that floated and used our paddles to splash each other.   It was a bonus to swamp the other crafts.  All in good fun, of course.

As we swam and sunned I couldn’t help but reflect on a year ago.  Last summer my cousins and our families got together for a reunion.  It was particularly poignant, as we all assumed that it was the last time I would see most of them. None of us could have imagined that I would be sitting here with them again this summer or that I would appear healthier than I had in years.   It is a gift I never take for granted.

That evening we go to dinner and are joined by my aunt Claudine, friends of hers from California, my cousin Leigh,  my mother Evalynn, and stepfather Jim.   On Sunday there will be a big party to celebrate Claudine’s 80th birthday.  I am so glad to be here to help her celebrate!