A few weeks ago the Campbell side of the family joined us in Western Mass. Linda is JD’s mom’s sister, and this was the first opportunity Sammy and I had to meet JD and Christopher’s three cousins.

I rolled up late to the family gathering; returning from Cambridge two days into the clan reunification, but I caught up quickly and got to know cousins Scott, Eric and Kristy better. I had followed Kristy’s blog as she did her Peace Corp work in the Gambia, so I felt I knew her a little better then the boys. She was also staying the longest with us, so I still feel more strongly connected to her.

JD and I took Aunt Linda and Kristy on a hike in Wendell. The bugs were alarmingly awful, but it pose a good intro to how Kristy handled living in Africa. She spoke of bugs and bowels--the two things most Peace Corp volunteers battle, and we laughed easily over talk of bowel movements being there, or not there.

We had the fam over for dinner that evening, and celebrated both my and Kristy’s upcoming birthdays.

The conversation flowed easily, as did the wine and beer, and the vibe was lovely. In all things there is a balance, I suppose. Doris’s passing has opened the door for the cousins to reunite, and I sincerely hope we are able to maintain this extension of family. It was good for us all.