As Uncle Sam is an icon of the spirit of America so are Uncle George and Aunt Frances icons of the spirit of our family. For the 37 years, our married life, Ron and I have been invited to the annual Kopshina/Bocco family reunion initiated, organized, and hosted by Uncle George and Aunt Fran. This event celebrates our families and America. But most importantly Uncle George and Aunt Fran have instituted a hallmark tradition in our family history.
Even though we have not been able to attend all of these gatherings, we know, as sure as there are fireworks on the Fourth, that family and friends are flocked together in the garage, under the tarp, on the porch and in the house of George and Frances in Stonewood. W. Va. They enjoy great food, stories, music, family updates and memorials. They are reconnecting at a home base where Aunt Fran wanders among the crowd greeting guests and searching out the new babies to hold and kiss. Uncle George,decked out in a wild patriotic outfit, is grilling sausages and preparing for his traditional firework display that is now the envy of Stonewood, despite possible police intervention.
Although they have no children of their own Uncle George and Aunt Fran have always been involved in their extended family. They have been shepherds who guide us to what is most important: keeping connected to our roots and remembering who we are. They took up the banner of Kopshina gatherings started at Grandma Kopshina's house. There is where I first experienced the strength of family in sunny times and through stormy seasons. There the ideals for my future family began rooting. Because of Uncle George's and Aunt Fran's example Ron and I continue this tradition in our family. We stay connected and gather as often as possible.
Although they have no children of their own Uncle George and Aunt Fran have always been involved in their extended family. They have been shepherds who guide us to what is most important: keeping connected to our roots and remembering who we are. They took up the banner of Kopshina gatherings started at Grandma Kopshina's house. There is where I first experienced the strength of family in sunny times and through stormy seasons. There the ideals for my future family began rooting. Because of Uncle George's and Aunt Fran's example Ron and I continue this tradition in our family. We stay connected and gather as often as possible.
As I stand in the crux of senior citizenhood I have a more seasoned perspective and appreciation of those who were here before me. It is all the more reason to honor and praise Uncle George and Aunt Fran for the years of love and devotion they have given to our families. Someone may take up the traditional banner but no one can fill the shoes of their spirit.
Happy anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Fourth of July.
Karen Kopshina Cain, neice.
Karen Kopshina Cain, neice.
2 comments:
Mom, what happend to the pics?
I remember one 4th we got there a little late ( as was the Cain tradition) and there was nothing left to eat. It reminded me of the thanksgiving at Grandpa's where uncle rodney at all the turkey before we got there.
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