I have never missed a Weese Reunion. In my 33 years of life, I have made it to every single one of them. And this summer's gathering will be my 34th.
Hard to imagine, I know, but it's simply because I love them so much. For the first 18 years or so of my life, my parents had a big role in getting me to each one, as they also haven't missed one in all of those years.
The reunion, for me, wasn't just about seeing family you hadn't seen in a few years (or in a lot of years), but it was about making real, lasting relationships. Real friendships. And also having fun. It's my favorite time of the year. I enjoy the reunions more than birthdays or Christmas. And most years, we've tried to make a great vacation out of our time at the reunion, either before or after, traveling to see the countryside.
Here are a few photos of me and my experiences of making great friends over the years at the reunion....
my first reunion, 1976, Longmont, CO
I don't remember it, and it isn't a very good picture,
but it's my great-grandparents, Sam and Zola Weese,
my mom, Norma Eckerson, my grandma, Jo Ann Uthe, and me.
This is the first reunion I can remember, 1981, Grenville, NM.
I was five years old, and this is me and Dave Weese,
playing ball....the first of many times.
This was the following year, 1982, Longmont, CO.
I just watched the big boys play.
1984, Buffalo, OK
Aren't I cute with my rocks?!
For many years, this was how stayed at reunions...in a tent!
My parents, Ron and Norma Eckerson, and my sister,
Amy is there on the right. Mom was pregnant with Ryan.
me and Jerry
me and Nathan
me and Cecil
me and Alysia
me and Dave
We hope to see you this year at our home in Missouri...and hopefully, we can all make new relationships and build upon previous ones.
