HELLO RON & GERI HARDIN, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK?
Having grown up within shouting distance of a family loving granny gave me special insights into how she loved her siblings and wanted them to have the warmth and and closeness of sharing a love that extended way beyond herself. She influenced my desires to have that same relationship while raising my own family. Her extensive family love and her beautiful kindness to others influenced my life forever–thus: this book that desires all might share this same gathering of my flock and stay close throughout life.
DID YOU DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR WIDE FAMILY?
My extended family pretty much had the same feeling as I when it came to gatherings. We all wanted to be together every chance we had which included gatherings every Sunday for pot luck lunch after church and games throughout the afternoon. Then, of course,there were those special gatherings on holidays where blessings of the year were shared with keen interest in what had taken place throughout the year in each of our lives.
WHICH FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE READ AND REVIEWED YOUR WORK?
The book pretty much has made the rounds among my cousins and their siblings.. Their comments have been encouraging and enlightening. They too have shared my same enthusiasm about keeping the family in a tight loving relationship.and look forward to our annual gatherings.
DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STILL HAVE A GATHERING IF YOU IF YOU HAVE TO START SMALL?
The important aspect of family closeness can be felt whether it be from a large group of 100 or a small one with only a dozen or so. You may be the one who can initiate that start of your family gathering this year regardless of its size. Many aspects of life start small–but in time can grow to large proportions.
HOW HAS YOUR GATHERING EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
The original attendance at our July 4th gatherings in the 1940s involved a few dozen family members and friends. That number grew as our families expanded over the years. On special occasion years we have had some 150 in attendance. Circumstances in numbers change as time evolves but the importance of the meeting does not change–to be faithful in gathering that a special love can be shared by all.
IS THERE ONE PERSON THAT TAKES THE LEAD WITH ORGANIZING IT?
It is important that as many as possible be involved in in generating and keeping interest in our gatherings. There will always be a few who enjoy leading out in different areas of the organization but this does not diminish the fact that the more involved makes for a happier gathering.
WHICH PART OF THE EXPERIENCE CAN LEAVE YOU FEELING LIKE YOU NEED A SHORT BREAK?
Having experienced most of the 80 total family gatherings does not diminish my commitment to be involved as much as I can with our gatherings. I love our annual get-together meetings and will continue to be involved as much as I can and see that others do the same.
WHAT WOULD LIKE TO WRITE NEXT?
I am currently involved in co-authoring a thriller novel-type book that may make its debut next fall. It’s exciting to stay active in the writing profession.
DO YOU THINK THESE TYPES OF FAMILY RITUALS ARE DYING OUT BECAUSE OF THE ONLINE WORLD?
I would say that there is no question that our current generation is being affected by various aspects in our tech and social media world. We have to be on guard and see that our younger generation does not forget the important things in life–loving one another and staying close to our family roots.
ANY ADVICE TO FAMILIES WHO WANT TO FOLLOW YOUR LEAD?
Think about your priorities in life and how the family plays a part in this picture. Protect those values that mean so much to a family. Love one another and stay close and connected.
