Update on the Family Jewels

Back in August I told you about the little marble hearts that my Granddaddy had made and how I wanted to let my cousins know that I was willing to share my stash when I found out not everybody in the family had one. What a kind and noble thing to do, don't you think? Well, I sure think so.

During my formative years, I was surrounded by nothing but brothers and boy cousins. The picture above shows Christmas at Grandmomma and Granddaddy's circa 1959 or 1960. You can see all the stinkin' boys. This picture was actually taken before any of the Luther girls this story is about were even born. I guess I'm just throwing in this photo because I have it and I think a post with a picture is much more interesting. And it shows what a fun, jovial family I was surrounded by! You can click on the shot and enlarge it to clearly see how much Christmas fun this group was having.

Santa must have delivered everything I asked for...at least according to my silly grin. And there is an ever-so-slight smile on Grandmomma's face...she was probably thinking, "Surely, after these blasted pictures are done, they'll all pack up their kids and get out of here." The rest of the family looks like they've had all the holiday excitement they can stand. Isn't that hysterical?

And by the way, don't you think my Grandmother was one trendy chick? Look at that Christmas tree. Not that traditional and boring green tree I bet your grandmother had. I never knew she was so with it! I do remember in later years she had an aluminum tree complete with the multi-colored revolving light wheel. Remember those?

But back to the girls...I heard from my cousin Sandy, my sister Joyce, my cousin Tina, and my cousin Diane. They have all received their hearts by now and are hopefully enjoying the sentimental little treasures. One cousin I didn't hear from is Madeline. But I did hear through the family grapevine that she typed up a long comment after reading the post, but couldn't get it to go through. Such a disappointment. I guess I'll just always wonder what she had to say. I also heard she has three hearts of her own. I don't know why I had six, she had three, and none of the other girls had any. I know Granddaddy didn't play favorites, so maybe he just forgot who he'd given what to...

I received more comments and emails about that post than any post I've done yet. I even heard from one person who volunteered to join the family just to have a heart. Of course, at that point, she'd not seen that picture! Despite the dour faces, we really did have fun when we got together. We laughed at ourselves and each other, unwrapped lots of fun gifts, and always had those stellar meals my grandmother and aunts put on the table.

It was good to be back in touch with my "little cousins" and my "little sister." And sweet to think it was a heart from Granddaddy that prompted us. I just wonder why we're all too busy to stay in touch...and I'm just as guilty as the next relative.

And, Madeline, you could always go to my profile and find my email address if you're out there! Guilt trips...isn't that what families are for?!