Going to see people we’ve not seen in 34 years.

@AmbiePam (101948)
United States
August 23, 2025 3:37pm CST
As soon as we get off the plane in Boston (where the cruise sets off), we’ll (me, dad, stepmom, sister and her family) get in a rental car and drive to Connecticut. Why? Because we’re going to meet in person a family we haven’t seen in 34 years. When I was a child, my dad pastored in California. We continued our friendship with this particular family, after we left California, and a few years later we went back to see them for a vacation. When I was ten, they came to Oklahoma to see us. Over the years, even though we hadn’t seen them in person, they’ve talked to each other about twice a year. Obviously, that family moved to Connecticut since, and when my sister saw how close we’d be to them, she contacted their daughter (who is my sister’s FB friend) and they all wanted to get together. Of course, their kids have kids now, and my late mother won’t get to see them, I know we’ll all have a good time. It’s going to be quite a long day though. I can’t get into the hotel until 3pm so I’m going to have to go. Darn my ever present shyness!
17 people like this
20 responses
@MarieCoyle (47553)
23 Aug
It sounds like lots of fun, and you know they will want to see you, too. It will be OK, It will more than likely be friends, food, and fun, along with chatting, etc. Honestly? I feel the sorriest for the person who has to drive the rental car in Boston! I HATE driving in Massachusetts. People seem to make up their own speed limits there...and I won't drive there again, not ever, big NOPE from me. But you won't have to, you are lucky!
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (101948)
• United States
23 Aug
That will be my brother-in-law or my dad. I do feel a little unsure how well we all fit. We reserved the car months ago, but it doesn’t fit as many people as we have. That will be interesting. Just one more adventure!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (47553)
23 Aug
@AmbiePam If you will have 8 people plus luggage for the trip, you need a van. I can't imagine that many in a standard sized vehicle, it just won't work. Adventures!
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (101948)
• United States
23 Aug
@MarieCoyle They didn’t have any vans. Not even months ago. Luckily, for luggage, the kids, my sister, and BIL only fly with carryons. She will not pay baggage fees, so she has packing down to a science. I’m going to try to fit everything in a carryon, but we’ll see. She says Annelyn will probably sit on a lap. This is why my sister wanted to drive to Boston in their van. My dad said Diana and I (me) couldn’t manage the long trip in a car. Anyway, I’m not worried. Who knows, something bigger might become available. But for now, they are planning on squishing us in that car.
@Tampa_girl7 (53271)
• United States
15h
I remember how nervous you were about your daddy’s birthday party and you ended up enjoying yourself. You’ll enjoy visiting this family too.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (101948)
• United States
15h
That’s a great point, Marie. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (53271)
• United States
15h
1 person likes this
@kareng (78877)
• United States
23 Aug
You will be fine and enjoy the time once you get there!! It actually sounds like a lot of fun!!
1 person likes this
@kareng (78877)
• United States
24 Aug
@AmbiePam Yes!!
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (101948)
• United States
23 Aug
I think it will be.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (482203)
• Italy
20h
I am sure you will love to meet them and you have so many things to tell each other. I know that it's a problem being shy, but I never found a way to get rid of my shyness.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (101948)
• United States
15h
It does help to have relatives who excel at talking. Diverting attention to others works only so long though.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (482203)
• Italy
14h
@AmbiePam You are so right.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (157799)
• United States
24 Aug
I'm sure you'll all have a great time with them! After a little while, it will seem like you haven't even been away from each other. (That's how it happens with me and people I haven't seen in forever or new people I meet. )
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (101948)
• United States
24 Aug
I think you’re right.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (157799)
• United States
24 Aug
@AmbiePam Good luck!
1 person likes this
@Tendz09 (335)
20h
This is truly a special occasion, celebrating enduring friendship and family ties. I hope every moment is filled with warmth, laughter, and a beautiful rediscovery of old connections.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (101948)
• United States
15h
That is so sweet; thank you.
@allknowing (152278)
• India
24 Aug
I tought 10 years was long when our family got together at an event where I saw some after10 yers but yours is 3 generations. So much has changed
1 person likes this
@psanasangma (7923)
• India
22h
34 years is long years but maintaining such connection is precious
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (54501)
• Canada
24 Aug
I love friendships that weather the decades and changes in our world, good for them to for maintaining theirs. Maybe you can enjoy some 'quieter' time with the children since you will be tired from travelling.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (101948)
• United States
24 Aug
That will be very nice; I hope so. I’m so glad my dad will get to see them especially.
1 person likes this
@rakski (147213)
• Philippines
24 Aug
That looks exciting to me, meeting up people from the past to reconnect
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (10537)
• United States
24 Aug
Be careful squishing into a car made for six. You can get a huge ticket. If they had no van, maybe when checking in, ask if they have a SUV that seats 8. If the rental place knows there are that many, they may not allow it.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (101948)
• United States
24 Aug
Believe me, I know all this. Try telling it to my sister. I still think something will happen in the end where we get a bigger vehicle. I appreciate the warning though, I really do. I’d love to figure out a way to keep me from having to go and that would be one out of the way.
@JudyEv (361598)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Aug
I'm sure you'll have a great time. I hope it all goes well for you and that you don't get too tired.
1 person likes this
@Traceyjayne (4570)
• United Kingdom
19h
What an exciting time . I understand about the shyness . I'm the same....but remember you will be with family. Enjoy
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (198701)
• United States
19h
You will be fine and will enjoy the reunion. We took a wide arc around Boston so we didn't have to drive there. I hope everyone has a good time.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (194934)
• United States
23 Aug
You'll have a great time! Just be you, and it will be all good.
1 person likes this
@xstitcher (35296)
• Petaluma, California
23 Aug
That sounds awesome.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (38268)
• Toccoa, Georgia
24 Aug
I hope you all have a great get together.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (121299)
• Marion, Ohio
23 Aug
It should be a wonderful visit
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (88289)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Aug
That sounds like an adventure and lots of fun, I hope you'll enjoy it,
1 person likes this
@Neil43 (4093)
24 Aug
Wow! That's a long time.