I just returned from a family get-together. I’ve mentioned my large and somewhat unconventional family several times in my blogs before, and this gathering involved “just” my Kennedy siblings and their families. Nevertheless, we made for a sizable group: six of the seven Kennedy brothers and sisters attended (our youngest sister is currently traveling in Europe); four of their five spouses were there, and six of our eight children came along, plus one partner and a baby on the way. While most of us live in Oregon and Washington state, oldest brother Bill and his wife live in Oklahoma and don’t make it out this way very often.  When we learned they were planning a trip here a few months ago, calendars were consulted and schedules coordinated to make this reunion possible. We had a splendid time, first catching up on all the news of jobs, graduations, awards, triumphs and challenges. As the day progressed and a big box of old photos and letters came out, we Kennedy kids turned to reminiscences and funny stories about our memories of growing up together. Spouses and offspring heard a few new stories about the people we were before they came into our lives, and everyone had a good chuckle over those hairstyles and clothes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. It was fitting that this gathering occurred on Memorial Day Weekend, for we also shared memories of our parents, Jim and Jewel Kennedy, who passed away in 1972 and 1973, respectively, when the youngest of us was only 8 and the oldest was 19. We agreed that we had enjoyed a great childhood where we could roam the neighborhoods, woods and creeks near home without fear. Through the concern and nurturing of family, friends and our new extended family (the Sipes, who fostered the four youngest siblings), we have maintained a close and loving family who truly enjoy each other’s company and sense of humor. The greatest memorials we can offer to our parents are the lives we’ve come to live and the continued love and support we offer each other and all those who have become part of this family and will enter it in the future. I wish you happy memories of those you’ve loved and lost this Memorial Day Weekend, and treasured times with those who are special in your life. — Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader