family / LIVING WELL / out and about

there and back again

This weekend, I did something that fell into two categories…something I haven't done in a really long time, and something I've always wanted to do.

Neatherbay

On Friday morning, I packed my bags (equal parts knitting/camera supplies and clothing), waved goodbye to my three little girls and headed out on the road with my dear cousin Maggie. We were on a little pilgrimage of sorts–the something I've always wanted to do. We took a long weekend away to visit our other dear cousin Catherine and experience first-hand some of our family history.

Neatherbay

We saw the homes that my father, grandmother, grandfather, and other "great-greats" grew up in or called home. We stood on the shores of the bay where my grandmother once played and sailed. We visited gravestones, yacht clubs, cottages and main streets.

East Islip (view from the pond)

We hoisted each other over tall privacy fences to snap pictures and get closer looks.

Pine Meadow

We sat around, knitting in our laps, watching old movies and slide shows mourning, yet adoring the loved ones we've lost.

bellport bay

We laughed until our sides ached.

We cried some more.

Otis + Edey

I tried to figure out a way to really describe my weekend away, but I am truly left without words. It feels like something that can only be understood by a handful of people who know what I know, have known what I have known and long for the same things I long for.

birdsall

But I can tell you, that getting to experience my family's history in such a tangible way has left a deep impression on my heart.

an impression

I haven't done something like this in a very long time, leaving all my babes behind and going somewhere by myself. But I am returning with a sense of refreshment, contentment and a joyful sorrow that has been escaping me for quite some time.

This weekend, I did something that fell into two categories…something I haven't done in a really long time, and something I've always wanted to do.

Neatherbay

On Friday morning, I packed my bags (equal parts knitting/camera supplies and clothing), waved goodbye to my three little girls and headed out on the road with my dear cousin Maggie. We were on a little pilgrimage of sorts–the something I've always wanted to do. We took a long weekend away to visit our other dear cousin Catherine and experience first-hand some of our family history.

Neatherbay

We saw the homes that my father, grandmother, grandfather, and other "great-greats" grew up in or called home. We stood on the shores of the bay where my grandmother once played and sailed. We visited gravestones, yacht clubs, cottages and main streets.

East Islip (view from the pond)

We hoisted each other over tall privacy fences to snap pictures and get closer looks.

Pine Meadow

We sat around, knitting in our laps, watching old movies and slide shows mourning, yet adoring the loved ones we've lost.

bellport bay

We laughed until our sides ached.

We cried some more.

Otis + Edey

I tried to figure out a way to really describe my weekend away, but I am truly left without words. It feels like something that can only be understood by a handful of people who know what I know, have known what I have known and long for the same things I long for.

birdsall

But I can tell you, that getting to experience my family's history in such a tangible way has left a deep impression on my heart.

an impression

I haven't done something like this in a very long time, leaving all my babes behind and going somewhere by myself. But I am returning with a sense of refreshment, contentment and a joyful sorrow that has been escaping me for quite some time.

12 comments on “there and back again”

  1. What an amazing thing to do. You are so lucky to know enough about your family to do such a thing. What I know of my family is they all scattered to the wind, then moved like gypsies…I’m sure the trail has long gone cold. So special for you.

  2. First off, it sounds like a dream come true to touch so closely with personal history. Second, those houses . . . they are just gorgeous! Really? Your relatives grew up there? And Third, what a beautiful way to show your girls that their heritage matters, and that it is important to keep the stories alive!

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