Family get together in Shippensburg on May 24, 2014
THE FARM
Camille’s father lives in this little farm house tucked in and amongst Amish pastures and fields.
THE LANE
This is the long, winding lane that leads to the house. All siblings but Camille lived for some period of time at “The Farm.”
MOST OF US
Camille’s parents, five of their six children, three grandchildren, spouses and nine great grandchildren.
THE MAN BEHIND THE SCENES
Brother John is the photographer behind the scenes. Here he is staging the group portrait and taking candid shots. When we all took turns speaking to the group about our past year, asked to go first so he could take photos of the rest of us speaking from our hearts. In the space of a few hours, he took two hundred photos. Most of the pictures on this page are John’s good work.
BASKING IN THEIR EIGHTIES
Father John and mother Janice, 87 and 82 obviously relished this opportunity to see so much of the family at one time.
BABY BOOMERS
Mom and Dad had their six kids during the baby boom era. Camille, the oldest was born in 1954 and James, the youngest (far left back row) was born in 1965. Brother Bob, third born and nine days older than Bob of Trouts Farm is in the front row and brothers John, the second born and Joe, fourth born are in the back row. Michael, the fifth born did not make it to the reunion.
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS
There is something in every animal’s psyche that requires food to fertilize relationships. Everyone brought a dish or two and we feasted on home cooked food.
PIZZA!
Well, except for the pizza which we bought at a local pizzeria for the great grand kids on Mom’s recommendation. As you can see, it was a hit.
EVERYONE EATS
Charity and Jason’s youngest isn’t ready for pizza just yet.
BRIGHT AS A NEWLY MINTED PENNY
Christina and Lou have taken to parenthood like fish to water.
BABY CLOTHES
The young mothers pick out clothes made in Ghana for their kids. Josiah prepares to take a nap.
MOM, DEAR
Camille’s Mom was in her element and full of love as always.
FATHER JOHN
Joe suggested we take turns speaking to the group about our year and when it was his turn Camille’s father said, “I am learning to accept reality without losing faith – a hard thing to do for a Pole.”
TRUE STORIES
Camille talked about the shock of returning to the same place and finding a cache of social capital. Joe spoke from his heart about his plans to create an community of Priests in San Francisco.
THE SIXTH SON
Bob, ever charming shared his story about how he and Camille threw in together and created a wonderful life together.
DEBBIE AND BOB
Debbie and Bob spoke from their hearts as well.
DARLA
With young Alexander in her arms, Darla described the trails of her recent work history.
BRANDON
As one candid story after another flowed from one mouth to many ears, we were all captivated.
BRIAN AND MAGGIE
Brian and Maggie brought us up to date about their roles as caregivers for aging family members. Brian’s mother is Camille’s Aunt Jeanette.
LOU AND JIM
Lou spoke for both he and Christina because she was outside keeping an eye on the kids. James was his usual affable self even though he had some serious news to share with us.
CHARITY AND JASON
Charity and Brandon talked about the challenges and rewards of raising five young children.