2013 Redux

When the Cipkar clan gathered in July 2011, the remainder of the first generation posed for what was to be their last group photo. From left, Aunt Mary (Cipkar) Miklovic, Aunt Betty behind Uncle Sam, Uncle George behind Mom, Aunt Katie and Uncle Mike Pohanka.

Aunt Sue Hlavac had been lowered into the Iler Cemetery the September before.

Grandma had rested at Colchester for over half a century, next to Uncle George's dad and Grandpa. Uncle George died just 2 days short of 62 years after his own father.

We had visited my cousin Cathy in the hospital at Windsor on the way to the reunion; she would go to Colchester in time for Christmas.

Aunt Mary (Miklovic) Cipkar was confined to the nursing home until next May.

In December of 2012, a year and 2 days after his oldest daughter, Uncle Sam would join Cathy at Colchester.

Then it would be Aunt Mary's turn in May,

Uncle George's turn in December, at Kingsville,

where he joined Aunt Helen

and Tommy

and Andy. Hard to believe I haven't seen those little guys in half a century.

Finally, Uncle Mike also in December.

So of the original batch only Mom and Aunt Katie are left.

And 2014 will mark Dad's 100th birthday.

I feel old.