Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Don't Rule My Aud Life

My husband’s family just celebrated the second annual family reunion this past weekend and what a blast! It was wonderful to see people we haven’t seen in years and some I had never met. Around 100 family members gathered just a few miles north of our hometown at a camp ground and a good time was had by all, from the 7 month old babies to our 92 year old matriarch.

The year before, I ventured to host it at our house; feeding and entertaining 60 people left me exhausted and set me back health wise. This year  I was happy to allow others to plan and take it on! I absolutely love my husband’s family and we are very close, but because of my rheumatoid arthritis, I felt that I could not throw them the party they deserve.

They are a very affectionate, easy going bunch and a constant warm atmosphere seems to over flow when they all get together.  There were races and games for the kids, young and old alike. I don’t know who had more laughs, the gamers or the on lookers; tumbles and spills, trips and sprawls were hilarious and nobody walked away without a cool prize to take home, whether their team finished first or choked in the field.

When it comes to satisfying the stomach, our family is not stingy. Food and drink flowed like Niagara Falls, you name it- it was there and in surplus. Conversation was at record heights, and it didn’t matter how long it had been since you had seen a person, warm embraces erased and shrank the lost time.

It was remarkable to watch my daughters get swept up within minutes by their cousins whom they hadn’t seen since last year. They were a large band of roving, fun seeking boys and girls the entire weekend. Not a peep of discord was heard, and heartfelt sad good byes were given when the weekend was over, along with promises of continued contact.

The children weren’t the only ones bummed out to have to say farewell to each other. We adults felt the pangs as we hugged and reaffirmed our connections and the bonds we share. I adore this family, truly and deeply; even though I’m exhausted, stiff, sore and a little swollen- I’ve got the days counted down until next year!

How about you? What are some traditions, memories and special times you’ve shared with your family?  Our family’s always open to some tips and new ideas, and I’d love to hear them!

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Tags: family activity and arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and family