We had a wonderful time. Minnie West, the Grande Dame Matriarch, didn’t even come. She was home with a cold. God bless here. I was alarmed that she was not there, after all, she is just shy of 90 years old (+-). As soon as I got home I called her. She answered the phone and wanted to attend but, did not want to be sniffling and sneezing over people. Appreciated. Good to know she is, otherwise, ok.
There were not very many people there. Generally, there are at least 100 people who attend. This year there was about half that many. The hosts family lost 3 or 4 people due to death in 2016. The divide! The heads of family pass on and the young stop showing up. Stop participating in family events, for whatever reason. Drift away, separating the family. It sure made me look at my longevity AND family dynamics.
The Mistress of ceremony had every young person “claim” an elder and introduce themselves. Then that child was to prepare the elders’ dinner (if the elder wanted them to). I thought that was real nice. I only get to see these people once a year. The children grow up so fast, I can’t keep up. So, that started the feast. They had the dinner catered this time. To my knowledge, I was the only one to bring food – my now famous broccoli salad! There is always enough food. There was greens, mac ‘n cheese, simple salad, rice. black eye peas, rolls, various cakes and cookies. It was ok but, not like when we were cooking it ourselves. I got kudos for the broccoli salad (thank you, Kathy).
The program was a bit different than usual. The leadership torch for the Kwanzaa event is being passed onto one of the younger women, a niece. This year, all the children, toddlers to teens, sat up front., storytelling style. Then the principles of Kwanzaa were read and how each principle related to their family history. How the family started from meager means with determination, as a unit working together, starting their own businesses with an economic plan were able to prosper. As the Kwanzaa principles were read a member from each family came up and light a candle. After that we acknowledged our dearly beloved with “ashay”. Then a tribute to “Uncle Joe”, the latest deceased. It was tearful, yet , warm and fuzzy. The event ended with a prayer.
All praises to the Bottoms, Gums, West and all their family members who participate in this event every year. You have created quite a legacy. Thank you.
HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR
MarshAgogo
