Saturday in Plant City, FL

My (former) sister-in -law Mary Redder passed away a few weeks ago.  She had been married to my older brother John (Mick) Benjamin who passed away several years prior.  It was in the late 80's, early 90's when the family moved from NY State where we all lived, to Florida and settled in the Plant City area and Mary re -married.    That was the last time that I saw Mary or my 6 nieces and nephews.  Most of them had never met Rich.  We did catch up with one of the six kids, John and his wife Mary for the first time a few month's ago.  Five of the kids still live here in Florida, Plant City, Lithia or up near Clearmont and the other, with her husband moved back to NY State.

We drove from Kissimmee to the funeral home in Plant City, where the memorial service was being held for Mary........It was a beautiful ceremony and two of the children spoke as well as the minister.  It was just unbelievable to see the family.  We were all so young when we last saw each other.  Now all six of them are married, with children, AND grand-children.  So.......at our very young age, Rich and I are already a Great, Great Aunt and Uncle..................many times over!

This is a picture of my nieces and nephews:  back row - left to right:  Kevin, Bonnie, Linda and John.  Front: Steve and Lourie.  This picture was taken at Kevin's home in Lithia.

Following the memorial ceremony the family headed over to Kevin's home for family time and eating.  It was a miserably HOT day - so most everyone changed from their "ceremony" clothes to more comfortable outdoor wear!

There were so many- that we were sitting inside, outside, in the yard, on the porch!!!  And there was every kind of food and dessert imaginable. We enjoyed the laughing and hugging, and even the crying as we met our long lost family.  It was a wonderful, most memorable day.   And we ALL promised to make a point of staying in touch.

A few more pictures of the family:

And the rains came...............................and we headed back to Kissimmee.