Well Done, Cousin Kenneth

The Montana winter snows that covered the countryside could not cool the spirits of my great aunt and uncle as they rolled into my grandmother’s yard in Big Timber, Montana that mid-March day of 1951. They had their own unbelievable wild tale to tell. How could bushes and flowers of every color imaginable be blooming and flourishing in the south? Nevertheless, they said it was true and that settled it, they were selling out and moving to Georgia.  

They found the perfect place to raise cattle and the perfect place to build their home. Driving up the rise to their house, you would think they lived on the Montana prairie. Only a few trees near the house offered a bit of shade. The rest were cleared from much of the land. One could stand of the brim of the hill and see for miles. Like my mom, I think my aunt did not like to be penned in and surrounded by trees. Those prairie girls liked to be able to see wide open country. 

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Down the hill and within view of the house on the hill was the home of their son Kenneth, one of my mom’s favorite cousins, and his wife. He exhibited some of the same family characteristics as his mom’s family – a big booming voice. When the family gathered, their resonant voices echoed in the great outdoors just as well as within four walls of a room. There was great comfort in being around those folks. Along with their loud voices was deep laughter that gurgled all the way up from the tips of their toes. My, how they loved to laugh! That family characteristic has passed down to some of the other generations of cousins as well.

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A few years after my aunt and uncle arrived in the south, my parents followed suit. That is where they got me. I think they figured they needed as much help as possible and since Godparents were a custom in our family, I needed some as well. Mama chose her special cousin, Kenneth, and his wife as my Godparents. Through the years our families gathered together on various occasions, for reunions, or just to visit. They always stayed in contact with one another and kept up with the happenings of the family.

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I recently received word that Cousin Kenneth left on another journey to meet up with family members who have been enjoying the scenery for some time now. He will be greatly missed. He joined the ranks of those who lived before us a life of honor and integrity. May we honor his memory by following suit and continuing to share our rich family heritage. There must be quite a reunion going on with stories and deep resonating laughter unleashed and flowing freely. Oh, the scene that must be! I wonder, who got the first slice of watermelon? 

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