A Special Family Reunion

We returned last night from our annual Larsen family reunion in southern Utah. This year it was held at Panguitch Lake for the first time.

My sister Leslie planned the reunion months ago. She reserved cabins for some, campground spaces for others, and she and her family intended to stay in their personal cabin nearby. When Leslie and Danny knew they wouldn’t be attending because of Leslie’s cancer, they invited us to stay in their cabin. We arrived on Thursday evening to a warm and very welcoming (newly remodeled) cabin, wishing Leslie and her family were there with us.

  

Long story short, we enjoyed lots of visiting on Friday, including a potluck dinner that night where the tables were filled—in true Larsen fashion—with more yummy desserts than anything else.

 

Then, early Saturday afternoon, after all the women and older girls had finished a craft project (magnet boards and coordinating magnets—one made especially for Leslie with notes of love from us girls attached), who should show up unexpectedly? Leslie and Danny!

We were shocked because we thought Leslie was in the hospital, but Danny joked that they’d escaped, and we were thrilled. It was like Christmas in July!

Needless to say, we all gathered around Leslie and listened intently to every word she spoke while it rained off and on and the hours flew by. It was a wonderful visit!

When Leslie and Danny left hours later to stay near a hospital (a must when she’s at this stage in her treatment), we all noticed how much better Leslie looked than when she arrived. One could argue that it was the beautiful scenery or the fresh mountain air. I think it was a little of that and a whole lot of love!

When I think of the fun we had the last few days watching the kids climb trees and run from camp to camp while visiting until late at night surrounding a campfire, the highlight of this reunion will always be the surprise visit from Leslie.

Comments

[caz]

I am sure it was the love from all of you. Sounds like a wonderful escape from the norm.

Cazx

[Karen]

How wonderful that Leslie & Danny could join you for a while. Hold those memories close.

[Faith]

What FUN, FUN pictures!!! I always enjoy the pictures you post... Thank you for sharing your life and family with us... my prayers are with you all....

Faith

[Wendy Peatross]

I love the southern Utah mountains. I grew up in Cedar City and remember the Jr.High band trips to play in Kanab. Good times. Enjoy Convention next week. I wish I could be there.

[Susan]

the pictures tell the stories of the reunion; hugs to Leslie as she enters another stage of this dreadful disease.

[Denise]

Is that my long lost friend Kelli P. I see in one of the pictures with the 6 ladies outside of the cabin? I've lost touch with her and if indeed it is her, it's nice to see her.

Denise in IL

[Sherrie Robinson]

What a wonderful surprise that Leslie came. She truly understands the power of God's healing and keeping positive. What a wonderful testimonial and lesson for all of us.

[Mary Lou Kemp]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful reunion pictures. God bless Leslie and her family too. There is nothing in this world like being with those we love to lift our spirits.

[SHH]

I'm reading this post with tears in my eyes. I am so touched by the thought of Leslie showing up. Even though I don't know her it sounds like she just couldn't stay away from family! A true statement on what really matter most. I'm so happy for all of you that she was able to attend. Thanks for sharing the news & the pictures. I only wish some of the pictures were labeled. Not knowing these beautiful people personally I would sure enjoy a name w/ a face!

[CS]

What a wonderful family you have there. Best wishes to Leslie! Would love to see the magnetic boards and magnets you all made.

[Twila Davis]

Hugs and paryers. Glad you had a great reunion.

[Maxine Conrad]

How wonderful! Continued prayers are being offered for Leslie :)

[Melanie]

Why are you guys wearing jackets? Are temps arealdy cooling off there? Send some of it down south.

Family reunions are nice, especially in the summer.

[Liz]

So lovely to be able to have a family reunion ! I don't have enough family left or close enough to be able to have one. I do see my mom as often as possible and we talk every day.

Better get scrappin those pix !

Love and prayers to your family
Liz

[Elissa Gilbert]

That's just awesome!

[Danielle]

Very Happy to see that Leslie and Danny were able to show up, I know they as well as you all really enjoyed it. Hold your family dear and always put them first.

Danielle Dees

[Nikki]

Good Evening, This is the first time on your blog and I love it! I have a suggestion.

My mom & sister-in-law sell longaberger. Longaberger has a Facebook site that one can become a fan of. Longaberger posts there Wednesday special on this site, you can then click on share and post that same special on your personal facebook page for your friends & family to read. What a great way to get the deal of the week out, or any other updates. Facebook seems to be growing so fast!! Maybe Stampin Up up should try it! I love the thought and so do several of my friends. I am just getting started in the Stampin Up company and feel this would be a great way to advertise, in addition to the tools we already have! What do you think??

Have a Blessed Day,

Nikki Doane

[Pam Banta]

This is TOTALLY random, but I used to live next to Sara when she lived in the house at Courage Reins. Seth was in my nursery class. We are adopting a little boy that reminds me SO much of Seth when he was little...is there any way I could get a picture of him around 3 and see if my memory serves me very well and if my Caleb really does look like him?

Hi to Sara!

Pam Banta