The Last of Our Greatest Generation

Aunt Opal passed on August 24th at the age of 86. For me, growing up, she was the primary symbol of our extended family's joy of being together. Uncle John and her always accepted us with open arms and kindness -- me and my 4 brothers.


My Aunt Opal (1926-2012), taken November 2009

Aunt Opal was middle born of the 3 Blair sisters. My Mom, Mary, the oldest by 2 years and their youngest sister Davine, born 16 years after Opal.

Even tho' each of the sisters took their husbands' last names, we still call our family get togethers the "Blair Family Gatherings."

Growing up, we'd get together at least twice a year for Thanksgiving and at a Summer Picnic. Laughter and silliness is what I remember most vividly about those gatherings. There'd be screaches as someone stuffed ice cubes down the back of shirts, or hoots as rolls were thrown clear down the long dinner table, or giggled "arguments" over how much vanilla should go into the whipped cream salad, or howls of laughter as men and women teamed up at the canasta table ... all of that fun and joy of being together rings in my head and heart right now.

Aunt Davine's husband, Uncle Fred, was the first to pass ('95), then my Mom ('96) and Dad ('06), Aunt Davine ('08), Uncle John ('11); and now Aunt Opal as the last of 3 sisters and their spouses of our greatest generation.

Now, it's up to us cousins to continue our Blair Family Gatherings. From these 3 sisters, the cousins, our kids, grandkids and spouses, our number is over 50 and counting.