My husband Mike has a great family, full of wonderful and weird characters (like most families I am sure). Unfortunately, distance and time has prevented us from getting together as often as we would like. The last time the whole family was together was at the matriarch of the family's, Madeline Pond, funeral. Even though the circumstances were formal and sorrowful, we still managed to be silly and have a fantastic time together. The comment, "we need to get together more often," was thrown around and I took this to heart. So in my mind I started planning a family reunion.
I was randomly watching PBS one day and the program "Our State" came on. I caught a segment on a place called Fontana Village that was built during the construction of the Fontana Dam by the TVA during the 1930s. The Tennessee Valley Authority was one of FDR's programs of the New Deal in order to create jobs during the Depression and also assist a poverty stricken area of the country with electricity and infrastructure. The Village was built as a place for the workers of the area and was later remodeled to become the vacation resort it is today. Being the history nerd I am, I thought this sounded awesome and I immediately thought of the family reunion.
So last November my husband and I took off for Fontana for a long weekend to check out the property and see what kinds of adventures were to be had at this place. We had a great time and being November most of the stuff was closed in the village. We thought if we could have such a good time with restaurants, the pool, and other amenities not available, it would be a blast in the summer. I set up a Facebook event and the planning began to take shape.
I did my best to accommodate everyone coming. We took polls on what dates people were available, I sent out a survey for possible activities, and took charge of making a schedule and fixing food for the family. In early June I sent out the final itinerary and everyone that was able to make it had their rooms or cabins booked. All we had left to do was let the good times roll.
And we had some great times! Highlights of the trip included swimming in the pool and lazy river, Rock Band sessions, family meals together, hiking and exploring waterfalls, and attending church together. Was there stress? Of course. Did everyone get along all the time? No way. But that is what family is all about. They are the people that know all of your faults and love you anyway.
The best part of the whole experience was watching the next generation of Ponds get to know one another. At Grandma Pond's funeral that was the thing that stuck out to me the most - how these children were starting a whole new chapter in the Pond legacy. So although Charles and Madeline may be gone, the future is looking bright for the Pond family. Thank you to Dave and Marj, Tim, Anne and Emily, Matt, Laura and Carter, Dick and Connie, Kyle, Beth and Lawton, Kevin and Mandy, and my husband for letting me be a part of your family and for making the trip a success! See you all again in 2013!
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