Memories of the 49th Hamet Reunion

While enjoying the 49th Hamet Family Reunion, at the Piccadilly Inn in Fresno, we were already working and planning for the 50th Reunion.

Two of the three 'founding' fathers of our Labor Day Weekend tradition are still alive to see the continued success of their dream: Sammy Daher and Kemel Daher. My husband's grandfather, George Daher, "Ghidu" has passed on, but must surely be proud of us for carrying on this event, even as the numbers dwindle and more families move away, not only for their Central California roots, but from California entirely.

I will make the extra effort this year to find out more about their dream, to hear again the love, joy and need for family ties and traditions to be carried out. After 50 years, what are Kemel and Sammy thinking? How do they view their treasured family with so many generations taking their place in the pool, at the card room or dining table? Weddings, graduations, funerals and births. First steps and last.

Always the sentimental type, the historian and story keeper (as well as story teller), I love participating in this family ritual. Preparing our favorite Lebanese dishes is part of the process. I married into this family. Loving the food, I spent two weekends with Russ' grandmother, "Situ" learning to bake pita bread, make tabouli, kibbi, grapeleaves, humus and baba ghanouj, lentils and cabbage rolls. I feel close to her every time I prepare her recipes. I have tried to pass this on to my children. Comparing recipes and preparation with the other family members at the Reunion keeps her spirit alive, and strengthens the spiritual bond of this entire family, thriving, growing, prospering and contributing to a better world for our children, all children.

Over an electric grill, warming the unthawed grapeleaves and kibbi burgers, the aroma of lamb and onions brought back powerful memories of Situ's kitchen in San Mateo. Cousin Bill and I reminisced about the old house, the slanted light through the dining room windows, with so many occasions and holidays spent around the table. The smell of baking bread, simmering cabbage rolls, kibbi, onion, garlic, fresh lemons. Memories of a child's wonder and security.

Russ and I have not missed a reunion since our children were born. So far June and Steven have perfect attendance. In their twenties and in college, that could change. They may find themselves out of state like many other cousins. Russ I missed numerous reunions in the seventies and early eighties: As starving students we only attended when Russ' parents generously offered to pay for the room and meals out; while in Boston for Dental School, we returned to California twice-for Christmas/New Year; after graduation we opted to do other things, like the Begonia Festival where we lived in Capitola. What were we thinking? Not of the future.

The ice chests have been unloaded. I'm on my second load of laundry. Phone calls and Facebook help keep the momentum going a little longer, because Monday has come too soon. With the speed of the internet I am connected. We share pictures and memories. We will plan a one day picnic in the spring. Schedule cooking weekends to plan and prepare. I will be dreaming about next Septmeber, and our good times with family.