Reunion Observations

The dates June 28 - July 1, 2002 are dates that will live long in Memory! The occasion was THE GREAT GROW COUSIN EVENT - which brought together ten of the current seventeen Cousins who trace their lineage to the Watertown Grows - to nine of the children of Fred and Nina Grow. The great gathering met in Iowa City/Coralville Iowa - for a time of meeting, eating, talking, and "getting to know you" with one another. Some of the cousins had never met, and for the rest, it had been a long time! We also welcomed several second cousins - a promising group of their own!

It was a gathering of a remarkable group - representing many vocations, occupations and callings, as well as many places across the United States. After only a few moments it had become a cohesive group of long-time friends! It was a talented group as well as a group that could be cited for its amazing assemblage of handsome and great looking persons.

Two special highlights marked the event. The first was a gala dinner at Iowa City's Lone Star Steakhouse - no formal program, but a lot of reminiscing! A group photograph was taken - which is available to those who request a copy. The other special time was the luncheon gathering in a special room in the Amanas - where the Reunion Book was presented to each Cousin - and which sparked a lot more questions and memories. Uncle Mike - the representative of the 8th Generation - The Watertown Grows - answered questions about the Cousins' parents - and about Growing up in Watertown. The amazing Book deserves special notice. From hundred-plus photos and many biographies assembled by the Committee, to bringing all of this together by Mary - to the actual production and printing by Betty Lou - it was, and is a Book to Remember.

After Thoughts: As representative of the Watertown Grows (of which only three remain of the original thirteen) I am confident that every one of them - and including Fred and Nina, too - would be very pleased with their offspring and their offspring, and they would be voting for another reunion soon.

Fred - my Father - would have found a way during the gathering to say to all present: Always remember that you are a GROW. I proudly echo his words. Whatever you do, wherever you go, always remember that you are a Grow - and be proud of it!

Roger D. Grow - aka Uncle Mike

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everyone! click the picture for a bigger version with names! thanks, Kathy!	Uncle Mike	Uncle Mike and the enraptured audience!

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last update 9/1/2002

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