If you’ve ever been a part of a family reunion, you know that feeling of not wanting it to end because it turns out to be such a memorable event.  The hours of planning paid off and when you look back at what you thought was a lot of grief that was involved in the preparation stages, you now realize it was worth every minute of the blood, sweat, and tears that you put into it. 

But do you remember the reasons for planning that retreat? Did you ever think about the real reasons to plan and hold a family retreat/reunion? Well, here are five of the best reasons that you should consider having a family reunion. 

Reason #1 – How long has it been since you and that cousin you grew up with out in the country have spent any time together?

What do you think? Has it been 5 years, 10 years, maybe even 20 years? The point here is that you were close to that person once, and neither one of you is getting any younger. Then you just drifted apart, and now, you can’t even remember the last time you were in contact with them.  Don’t you think it’s time to rekindle things? A family reunion is a perfect way to do that. 

Reason #2 – Don’t you think that it’s time to bury the hatchet and put things back together?

This is kind of a twist on the first reason, but it’s definitely a viable one.  Was there ever a time where you and a brother or sister, or even one of your parents, had a major falling-out and quit speaking to one another? Don’t you think that maybe all those years apart cost you and that relative some precious memories in the process? It’s a sad fact of life, but family misunderstandings happen all the time.  Oftentimes there are heartbreaking consequences.  It’s true that old wounds take a long time to heal, but sometimes, a family reunion can help those wounds heal quicker and things can get back to normal. 

Reason #3 – It’s all about the fun and the food. 

How long has it been since you had some of Aunt Rita’s world class pecan pie, and how much have you been reminiscing about the fact that it was undoubtedly the best in the world? As crazy as it sounds, we all have that special culinary delight that has been missing for the past several years.  Or maybe it was that homemade cornbread with ham hocks and beans.  One way or the other, you miss it.  Well rest assured,  there will be plenty of food at a family reunion and our well equipped kitchens can give your family the chance to get in the kitchen and cook together – everyone wants Aunt Edna’s special chocolate cake recipe!  In fact, you may not get to experience all of it because there will be so much. 

Reason #4 – You need a break from that stress at your desk. 

There’s no other way to put this reason other than the fact that stress is a killer, and that job of yours is loaded with it.  The problem is that the stress comes home with you and the wife and the kids feel it.  A day away from all the grief --- just one day --- can make all the difference in the world, not just to you, but to those loved ones that are the closest to you as well. 

Reason #5 – It’s time to reconnect as a family unit. 

This is without a doubt, the best reason for a family retreat or a family reunion.  You work your fingers to the bone to keep a roof over everyone’s head and food on the table.  Your wife, as a homemaker, works as hard if not harder than you.  When you’re grinding away at your desk in order to bring home the bacon, she’s doing everything else for the family that you aren’t there to do.  She cleans house, takes the kids to school or their sports activities, balances the budget, and on and on and on.  And the kids are stressing over exams 9 months of the year.  So don’t you think that this drives families apart? Don’t you think it’s possible that things at the home front can get disconnected? You bet they can, and they do.  Just a day away, or a family reunion vacation --- it doesn’t matter.  If your household is all together on this one, you’ll be amazed at the benefits that result.