It was important to our Mama (Chinese grandma) and Uncles that the cousins grow up with a tight-knit bond, no matter what. So every year, even if there was brotherly drama, all of that was put aside and we came together. I can't remember a reunion that wasn't full of fun, love, and laughter.
Our family has always been competitive. If you could walk and talk, you were eligible to compete in something-- relay races, basketball, cooking, ping pong, water balloon fights, and made-up comps just to turn mundane things into games.
If there's not some sort of activity happening, then we're either eating or sleeping. Nothing in between.
As we've gotten older, moved further away, and started our own families, we've made it a point to keep the traditions of our reunions alive. It's a fight to nail down a date, but it's inevitably worth it.
Our mama came to the US with a dollar in her pocket and no place to live. She would tell us stories of her time in the war, raising 5 boys, living on rooftops, poverty, and hardship. Yet, most of her stories were about blessings and thankfulness.
And now, all of us have come so far in education, entrepreneurship, finding great partners, and in so many successes with the uncles and cousins.
Our bonds have grown deeper and wider. Our Mama and Uncles who have passed would be so happy to see us still together.
This year, we hosted the reunion in Southern California, at an incredible mansion in the hills that perfectly accommodated our many activities.
From eating and competing, to kid talent shows and silent discos-- watch the super fun 4 min highlight:
No comments:
Post a Comment