"The Meaning of Family......and Traditions"

Each October I have the privilege to attend the Williams Family Reunion. I call it a privilege although after nearly 19 years of marriage I have probably earned the right to attend, well, at least while I am with Pattye. But it really is a privilege and an honor to spend a weekend each year with various generations of the Williams clan as they gather in New Braunfels for a chance to hear about the previous year's events and sadly reflect on the ones who have passed away.
The 1st cousins, as they are known, are the current oldest living generation of a family of 9 children whose roots in Texas started in the small town of Frost.

The 1st cousins include Pattye's father, F. Clark Williams, a prominent Presbyterian minister, who is one of the sons of the Eugene branch. The "Williams", although some of their last names now changed by marriage, come from as far as Italy, Hawaii, and England and all over Texas to join together. But it's not just of "bunch of old people" as some might think. True, some are hobbled by canes and might walk at a slower pace, but they find new strength in their bodies as each year brings new faces and new generations

I've never felt more welcomed than when I show up with Pattye and we begin to circulate among the different "familys", the 9 branches of the Williams tree. Each person wanting to know the news of the past year, asking about our kids, wanting to see pictures and sharing memories.

Friday night is usually left open and groups journey into the historical town of Gruene for a great steak or seafood dinner or for those who travel from overseas for a good Mexican food "fix". The night in Gruene is then capped off with standing outside of the famous Gruene Dance Hall listening to top artists in Country Music singing to the packed crowd.

A banquet on Saturday brings all of the familys together with many more faces showing up that make it a day trip. A prayer is given as the ones that are no longer there physically, are remembered in spirit.

Photo albums are brought out and laughter erupts as everyone is surprised how they have aged over the years. Yet, they have aged gracefully. Group photos are taken to be shown at the next reunion, stories are told and memories are once again brought to mind.


This year we were even graced with a popular dance band, the Royalaires, led by the husband of this year's hosting chairwoman.

Little girls twirled together with their moms and dads and grandparents on the dance floor, Pattye and I showed some "moves" we hadn't tried in years and yes, many of the 1st cousins danced once again and remembered the times they had in years past.

So maybe it sounds like just a family get-together, with just saying hi, eating food and looking at some pictures.

Trust me, it's much more than that. It's the spirit of some brave pioneers who over a hundred years ago in search of a new life settled on a place in the middle of Texas and started a fine family, created traditions and made Texans what they are today. I am now a part of that tradition, that family and one I am proud of and eager to see every year.