The Last of the Family Reserve

Lyle Lovett wrote a song called “Family Reserve” about a family reunion. I always loved this song and its perfect lyrics. The gist of the song is that they are at a family reunion, talking about people who are no longer with them. But the singer is telling someone to stop taking pictures and to join in the conversation.

Yesterday, I attended my family reunion. It was for all of the descendants of my grandparents, Raymond and Catherine Becker. Ray and Kate, a little over 100 years ago, had sex at least six times in the little coal town of Mahanoy City, PA. Every one of the fifty of us was there because of that one fact. Amazing!

While there was some talk about those no longer with us (my three siblings that are gone would have absolutely loved this), there was more reminiscing about good times and look where we all are now. For the first time in over fifty years, I saw a cousin that I grew up with and lived next door to. He was a big part of my childhood. Sadly, his memory is very poor. Another highlight for me was reliving the past with two other cousins. During Beatlemania, we made believe we were The Beatles, every Friday night in my Slatington bedroom. I was Paul. Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs. What’s wrong with that.

We had so much fun yesterday. I, literally, love everyone who attended. My family is fun and funny. Some people brought photos. The food was delicious. Cornhole (whatever happened to beanbags!) was played and we had a water balloon toss. I could go on. Instead, I’ll end by bringing it back to Lyle Lovett and his song.

The chorus of the song, “Family Reserve”, goes like this: “We’re all gonna be here forever. So mama, don’t you make such a stir. Put down that camera, and come on and join us, the last of the family reserve.” Sadly, we won’t all be here forever. We’ve lost so many already. My cousin, Terry, said to me as we were leaving that he hopes all these little ones keep it together, because we won’t be around a lot longer. Wow.

Let’s end on a more positive note. This reunion was about reconnecting. It was about memories. It was about familial love. And in the end, all you need is love.