Family ties are precious threads, no matter where we roam, they draw us close to those we love, and pull our hearts toward home.

 

Genealogy is a Greek word, also known as family history. It is the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history. One goal of genealogy is to preserve the past for future generations. 

 

I grew up as one of 10 children on a family farm and spent a great deal of time with my family. As I’ve gotten older, family has become even more precious to me.

 

Especially with the loss of my dad when I was in my 20’s. By the time I was in college, I had lost my grandparents and many great aunts and uncles. All of those losses were very difficult for me because our family is very close-knit. Losing aunts and uncles was difficult, especially since my mom and dad each only had two siblings.

 

Over the weekend, approximately 200 of my relatives (ages 2 to 92) gathered near Elk River to celebrate our family roots at a Gilyard Family Reunion at the home of my cousin Maxine (Gilyard) McClelan. There’s something powerful about coming together with such a large group of people that care so much about our family and ancestors.

 

Maxine started the planning for this reunion over a year ago. The last reunion of our entire family was held in 1987 at Becker High School. Several relatives from Norway made the trip for that reunion.

 

Over the years our family has had quite a few get-togethers, but rarely of this scope. We usually choose to meet in the summer. It seems if we don’t make a plan to get together, years pass and the only time we see our cousins is for weddings and funerals. It’s more fun to celebrate happy occasions together, naturally!

 

After a brief tutorial on how cousins are figured out, Maxine and I determined we are third cousins (not to be confused with first cousins twice removed). Our great grandmothers were sisters and our great grandfathers were brothers (John and Olivia and Austin and Alma Gilyard), meaning we are double cousins.

 

The day of the reunion was a sweltering Minnesota day in the 90’s, but we didn’t let that stop us from having fun. There were huge white tents, tables and chairs to shield attendees from the summer heat. A kiddie pool full of bottled water on ice provided a drink, as well as a spot to cool down for many of the kids (and a few adults). There were bouncy houses and bocce ball and even valet parking with golf carts for the older folks. No surprise, there was plenty of scrumptious home-made food served! Even relatives who weren’t up to attending sent food. Thanks to Joyce Gilyard for the delicious potato salad. We missed you! 

 

It was wonderful to see relatives we haven’t seen for years and hear stories from long ago. Many people flew in from other states - Texas, Idaho, Arizona, just to name a few. As I looked around, there were quiet conversations going on between relatives, many of whom have hair that’s turned to silver. There were lots of smiles and wonderful visiting taking place. The day went by too fast and saying goodbye is always bittersweet, as you realize it could be the last visit you share with some of the oldest relatives.

 

Family reunions instill in children that family is important and teaches them to appreciate the legacy of those who came before us. Too often, the younger generation doesn’t take the time to ask questions and learn about their family history until it’s too late. The older generation is a true treasure.

 

I’m grateful so many of my relatives took time from their busy schedules to slow down and appreciate the gift of family. 

 

Family is a gift that the good Lord has blessed us with.