I got word recently that my Aunt Nell and Uncle Bob will not be hosting our annual Hines Family Reunion this year.  A sister and brother-in-law to my Mother, they have been playing hosts to the family reunion the last fifty years.  Not this year.  Circumstances beyond our control have presented themselves.  It was a great run.  My Mother’s oldest sister, Authula,  turns 90 soon.  As I said,  it has been a great run.

I spoke to my Aunt Barbara last night for the first time in a while.  She told me she has recently lost two of her buddies Ruth and Carolyn to illness.  Cancer is the worst word I know.

On Saturday I thought about my Aunt Nell and Uncle Bob.  Their spirit was on display and it is every year around 4th of July time.  Our friends Tim and Michelle, not New Hampshire Michelle, but Marengo Michelle, play host to many folks as we have a great time celebrating our country’s Independence and celebrating each other’s company.

Tim and Michelle gladly invite us to their home.  They open their doors and say “Y’all come on in…”  It is that spirit and heart of invitation that automatically makes this a special time for those of us fortunate enough to be there.  We talk and we laugh…and we laugh some more.

Good folks.

Good food.

Even the rain could not dampen the good times we had.

Here Bob thinks about just how bad the Tennessee Vols will beat Alabama this football season.

Fireworks.

Tim and Michelle put us on a hill with a house that looks like it is waiting to be discovered by Southern Living.

Michelle, Michelle, and my dear wife, Carrie.

I am delighted these three have remained friends.  Gives me places to go in the summer!

This is like a reunion for families and friends and we just have a good time. Thank you Brother Tim and Michelle.  I will  not be so kind when Ole Miss beats Bama for the third year in a row in a few months.

Three years ago Carrie and I made it down to Mississippi for the Hines Family Reunion.  The size of this family has been the subject of past posts.  My mother had 16 brothers and sisters.

Little did I know it would be the last time I would hold forth with my cousin Harold Finnegan.  He is in the red shirt having speaks with me.  Harold was a Vietnam War Veteran.  He graduated from Ole Miss.  He lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  He was 68.  Did I say how the word Cancer is a dirty word?  I meant it.  His Mother, my Aunt Jewel, was a fine lady.  His Daddy, Frances, was one of the most interesting characters Mississippi has ever known.  That is saying something.

One more photo from that day just because I can.  Me and my cousin Doyle Crout.

Take care of each other….and when you need to…

Speak the Rights.

Danny Johnson