FAMILY

FAMILY
I just experienced a great emotional lift. At this stage of my life, I never expected such a rewarding experience. My nieces,
Laurie L’Amoreaux and Becky Davenport, and nephew Pete L’Amoreaux, came out from Michigan, to visit Marie and I. They are three of my late Brother Bob’s, and wife Jackie’s, nine children! What a great expression of love, for them to spend their time, and hard earned money, just to see us. I am sure that the lure of San Francisco played a part in their decision to fly out from Detroit.
Mary, Joan, Sue and I really enjoyed seeing them. I hadn’t seen them since 1992, at my Mother’s (their grandmother) funeral in Ypsilanti. It had been much longer since my daughters had seen them. We had many laughs, and a few sad moments, while sharing our memories and experiences.
The “First Cousins” arrived in San Francisco, from Detroit, on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. We all remembered that it was a memorable date. My Mother - their grandmother - died on this date in 1992. She was 99, and would have reached the magic number of 100 birthdays on September 6.
Some people take relatives for granted and couldn’t care less about them. But, family ties are very important - especially so today - during this
uncertain time. They matter not only genealogy wise, but they have a lot in common. They have a trust, and a duty, to pass tradition and family lore on to the next generation.
My Dad, Raymond Marks, was one of nine children! His family remained very “close” during their lifetimes - even though they were spread out geographically. They held family reunions in the summer every so often, rotating the locations. They established a Family Circular, which rotated through the members. It was a packet of letters, photos and clippings. When you received the packet, you would remove your previous insertions and replace them with a new letter and any photos. Then, you would forward the circular on to he next recipient in the chain. As family members died the next generation would fill the void. Sometime during the forties, the circular stalled out and stopped. It was a big family argument as to who was responsible for the demise of the packet. No one would admit to being the last recipient and the culprit. There were no computers back in the 1930’s and 40’s. Long distance phone calls were very expensive back then. When you received a long distance call it usually meant a death in the family.
We got to see a lot of each other while they were here. On Thursday, Joan and Manny drove us over to Rutherford, and we browsed around the shops at Vintage 1870. Then, on the very picturesque route over to Sonoma - a beautiful place. This is one of my favorite spots. Manny drove around the very posh area on the south side of the city. Very nice homes. The cousins treated us to a very nice lunch at the Cheese Factory. Afterwards we walked around the square, visiting the museum and old fort and barracks, and a unique gallery with great photos for sale.
Then, we were off to the Jelly Belly jelly bean factory back near Fairfield. We took their guided tour. A group of about 50, spent 45 minutes watching video displays, and touring the factory. I never thought much about the making of a jelly bean, but I learned that there are many interesting stages. We had a good view of the numerous operations , from an elevated platform surrounding the factory. I was very surprised by the many automated operations. To get a feeling of our tour, go to www.roadtripamerica.com/places/jelly.htm
On Friday, Mary drove us over to Marin County - via Highway 37 to 101. She drove us to a bluff above, and to the west of the North tower of the Golden Gate bridge. Normally, one would have a spectacular view of the bridge, the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, Alcatraz, and the Bay. But, we were fairly early in the morning and the fog hadn’t burned off. It was very windy and cold, but this was part of the atmosphere. Visibility was poor.
Then, she drove down to the city of Sausalito below. We ended up at the Spinnaker restaurant. What a setting! The restaurant is situated over the water, with a spectacular panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay and skyline. They treated us to a very nice lunch, and then we were off on our return trip. We wanted to beat the commuters and the Friday “get-away” drivers. Mary drove back over the Richmond - San Rafael Bridge. Before the bridge, we got a good view of the San Quentin prison.
Friday night, the family, and they, met here at Quail Creek for dinner. The girls went over to the Laurel Creek health Center and picked up Marie. The ten of us enjoyed our private dining room.
They went in to san Francisco Saturday morning to check out the City, Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. They flew back to Detroit this morning (Monday). I enjoyed their company, and I will miss them.
RCL - 6/1/09.