Under the shady cottonwoods, carpenter Lafe Boultinghouse set out the tables he had assembled. It was his gift to the reunion that would take place in Bloomington, Osborne County, Kansas. His wife Mamie brought along eating utensils and plates that were used in her restaurant. Grandma B spread out the embroidered tablecloths that she had created by hand. Grandpa B toted the bread basket that contained loaves made from his wheat. Soon the families would assemble.

About noon, Grand and Grandma Storer arrived with their wagon loaded with chairs and food. Grandma had baked her family famous sugar cookies while Grand brought his family famous appetite. Grandma loved to entertain young people so she supplied games and prizes for them. Andrew Storer, their son, brought along his wife Isabella and two young daughters, Mae Mae and Mary Lee. Isabella had prepared hamper baskets filled with her fried chicken, potato salad, and several kinds of pie.

As the family sat down to eat, Grandpa B offered a prayer of thanks and blessings for all the assembled. Laughter and talking permeated their surroundings. Grandpa B told stories about his time in the Civil War…he was careful to tell just fascinating stories about fellow soldiers as he left out the real details of war. Grandma B told of her childhood in France and coming across the ocean while still a child. Lafe talked about his hunting and fishing exploits in Montana. The ladies all shared their plans for starting new quilts at the next Busy Bee Club meeting. Of course, the young people played games and entertained themselves. It was a heaven on earth day.

As evening approached, they gathered up their belongings and packed the wagons. Hugs and kisses floated across their spaces. They bid each other good-bye as they ventured home. It would be remembered as a heaven on earth day.

Note: this reunion is an imaginary one. The Boultinghouses and the Storers are my mother’s family. (She is the daughter Mae Mae.) In telling the story, I included talents that each one shared as their contribution to the reunion. Several of them were not alive at the same time. Perhaps in the Kingdom of Heaven, such a banquet has taken place among them.