Mississippi Cousins Reunion

Last weekend, I had the privilege of spending two days at a girl cousins' reunion in Mississippi.  Two generations ago,  three sisters from Woodville, Mississippi, all married and raised two daughters each.  Then six more daughters were born, making for a slew of girls in our family!  

We have started the tradition of getting together once a year, which has been a precious connection to our rich heritage, as everyone brings photo albums, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and lots and lots of stories.  

 We met this year in Greenwood, MS and our first night was dinner at Giardina's, part of The Alluvian Hotel.  Greenwood is a small, historic town, and it boasts quite a selection of entertainment, food, and shopping!  If you love to eat or cook, Greenwood's Viking Cooking School is something to check out!

 We spent a good deal of time at our hostess's home, where we listened to and told stories about our mothers' and grandmothers' lives, their families, their histories...it was fascinating!  Pictured above is an example of what we peeked at...a write-up in the Woodville newspaper about our granddaddy/great-granddaddy.  I am so thankful for a rich heritage and for family who values our history enough to preserve it!

 Another one...the three Massey sisters, only one of whom is still living.  My grandmother is in light blue.  There are days I miss her terribly.

 My mom's cousin, Jeanette, hosted our weekend, and her hospitality, her home...everything...embodies true South.  Can you believe this table?  What a treat.  And the food...Shrimp and Grits!  I could not wiggle the recipe out of her, but oh my goodness, it was delish.  

 Leave me a comment if you know what this is!  Against my natural tendencies, I broke down and tried it.  Not bad!

 All six Massey cousins plus one Massey daughter

 We were all to bring items that remind us of our mothers or grandmothers.  Pictured above is my mom holding a string.  Her grandmother tied anything that needed securing, in string!  Especially gifts.  They all agreed that receiving a gift wrapped in string from Grandmama Massey was a special treat.  

I snuck out Saturday for an hour to visit a dear friend from my hometown who lives in Greenwood now.  Above is her precious and all grown up little girl!  Twelve years old and taller than me! 


Our family has experienced its fair share of heartache and sorrow...yet...I can say without hesitation that despite where life has taken each of us, despite how different we all may be, a rich, deep heritage weaves us together in a most beautiful way.  We can learn volumes from our histories.  And we all have histories that mold and shape who we are today.  I will be forever grateful that I have the privilege of knowing mine.