Dozens of Cousins Gather For Auld Lang Syne

Some of the descendants of Henry and Katie Wert together for their cousin reunion.

Yesterday some twenty Wert cousins and spouses met near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to reminisce and to celebrate a lifetime of family memories.

Sadly, not many people do that anymore. One of the in-laws, with only four cousins to his name, expressed amazement at this celebration of the "tie that binds". As a fellow in-law, I felt blessed by having joined the continued story of the Katie and Henry Wert clan. Their legacy lives on in their descendants, including our children and grandchildren. Without them, they would not be. Through them they are forever influenced and blessed.

And ah, the stories. 

Grandfather and patriarch Henry Wert, son of a German Lutheran who became a Mennonite deacon, himself was ordained a deacon some years after his marriage to Katie Musser. He died in 1931 at age 58, a hardworking farmer and father who never drove a car. Of their large family, their second child, John, died at age six months, and precious daughter Mary at age 15. Son Henry, burdened with debt and in serious financial trouble, joined the Army during World War II and became an airplane mechanic serving on the African front. Unlike the rest, he never married, but did reconnect with his family's Mennonite faith in his latter years.

And oh the happy memories of childhood fun, bountiful meals and unforgettable times with cousins, uncles and aunts. It was enough to fill the room with laughter and tears.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne.

CHORUS

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne.

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.