It Began at the Reunion

The 3rd Saturday in August for as long as I can remember. That is the day. the Eberhart families gather at the Eberhart farm on Colonville Road in Clare, Michigan. My Great Uncle Chic & Great Aunt Bea have hosted the reunion since it's beginning when rain was in the forecast and in other years the reunion was held at Eberhart Grove.

This year, 2024. was held at the farm. I am embarrassed to admit that it is my first time attending in several years. Due to the deaths of our elders and the selfishness of members like me, attendance has dwindled, which I hope to rectify, and still, the best of the reunion remains. I say hellos, explain which branch of the family I belong to, "I am Butch's middle daughter, Chris, and these all belong to me." I introduce my husband, my kids, and my eldest grandson. We add our "dish to pass" to the table, get out our families service, and fix ourselves a plate before finding a seat next to family.

I sit next to Uncle Chic and Aunt Bea. Uncle Chic, Henry Eberhart, the eldest and the only one left of my Gramp's siblings. He will be 99 years old this year, and Aunt Bea will be 95. Across from me is John Seibt. He shares tales of how Aunt Bea could throw hay faster than any of the young men in our family. She recalls the memories as "the good ole days".

After we eat lunch, and have a few cookies, is the Meeting. We update records with births and deaths, we find out who is the eldest attendee, who is the youngest, and, lastly, who has traveled the furthest. We vote on officers, I volunteer to take Games for next year, we discuss any new business, close the meeting and move on to the Auction.

My daughter, Taylor, prodded by me, takes the helm. We needed someone that could be heard to conduct the auction. As expected, within seconds she livened up the barn! She, with her vibrant personality, makes everything fun. All items are sold, many purchased by my sweet Hubs and the soon to be Son in Law, Jamie. These two fine examples of humans, also, make everything a little better.

Last on the Eberhart Family Reunion agenda is Games, the best part! Uncle Chic and Aunt Bea's granddaughter, Brandi (Lewis) Dvonch handled the games like a pro this year. Keeping all the standards that we grew up playing and adding her own fun touch! Just a few of us in the beginning and then when others saw all the fun to be had, they joined in! Classics like the Sack Race, Egg Toss, and Water Balloon Toss just to name a few!

As I watched and listened during the last few moments of the reunion, I thought how wonderful it was to have these memories and family connections. On the ride home, talking with the Hubs, I decided to help outline our family tree in a more modern way and I vowed to myself to help bring the reunion back to it's former glory for the upcoming generations.

Stay tuned...

Kari, Jennifer, Chris (me), and Allison enjoying Gramp Junior's famous reunion BBQ at The Eberhart Grove