A Night to Remember - Thursday night, May 14 2015

Continuing on Thursday afternoon (May 14th), we had some free time in the afternoon.  Some shopped, some went to the beach, and others napped.  Then, it was time to get ready for the huge Papanikolaou Family Reunion Party.  We all arrived together and were greeted warmly.  The tables were beautifully decorated with wildflower arrangements and Greek and American flag centerpieces.  A huge welcome banner hung in front of the doors to the school.  We were taken inside to tour the building and saw the pictures of our grandparents hanging in the hallway.  Some old family photos had been enlarged and were also on display.  Seeing this picture of my mother with Uncle Pete working in the Pappas Restaurant in Eufaula brought tears to my eyes.

There was a goat on a spit plus many other meats on the grills (the meal was catered by a local restaurant and was delicious and plentiful.)  Live music and Greek dancers added to the enjoyment.  It was such a perfect event in a beautiful setting that it was almost surreal.  "Is this really my life or am I dreaming it?"  Before dinner, both the Greek National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner were played.  We were all so proud to be both Greek and American that tears streamed down many of our faces as we sang.  We, of course, ate and drank and danced and danced and danced.  A circle of fire was lighted around some dancers.  Napkins were tossed in the air (in lieu of breaking plates, I believe), and then the hunters among us (several men and Tori) were invited to shoot guns.  Not sure why....it's just something they do.  Special day-glo hats and vests were given to all shooting participants.  Desserts followed.  More wine, more dancing, and young Giannis (home for the weekend from the Greek Army) invited many of our younger folks to join him in shots of tequila.  Finally, we had to let the party wind down like a favorite toy at the end of a complete day.

  You know, as Southerners, we pride ourselves on the hospitality we display to our guests, but I have to say that I have never experienced anything like what this family and this community did for us.  We felt so honored, so loved, so humbled that I cannot even put it into words.  That night, especially, is something that I will never forget.