Last Friday, my family and I left Andalusia headed to

Fort Payne in north Alabama.

It was a nice trip. Every year we go there to have our family reunion. This has always been a special time to me. I get to see family that I haven't seen in a year or more along with some of the ones I see a little bit more but not as much as I would like.

This year, I was worried about how it was going to turn out. I had two of my relatives that I only get to see a couple of times a year get sick almost at the time to go there.

Thursday, we found out they would be able to go. This was wonderful news because I have heard them say there is nothing they would rather do than to go to the place where they were born and raised.

It is a shame we can't see each other more, but with the advances in technology and thanks to the internet, we can talk to them and see them everynight if we want to.

It is nice to be able to write them and not have to wait a week or two for a response. It is also nice that on special occasions, you can get cards from them over the internet.

I know it has made me a lot closer than I was to them.

I always look forward to seeing them more though. Every year when we are at Lookout Mountain, we all go out and eat, and sit at the motel and visit. It is just a good time to spend with them and I always hate to see the time go.

I am lucky to have a supportive immediate and extended family.