Reunion

During one of their honeymoon phases, Mom and Mo take me to his family reunion in Virginia. The number of people is staggering; it feels like a small-town gathering. I know a few of them as acquaintances; most are strangers to me.

When the yard games and mingling fizzle, the music starts.

Whatever interests and activities divided this group throughout the day, the beat unites them all. I stand back; no one else seems shy. The joy in the room is palpable and intoxicating. My hesitation melts away. I dance within the mass and notice our nucleus forming. We open up, and those closest encourage each other to take their moment in the center. My body burns with excitement.

These are my people.

I move my body where the beat beckons. The brave ones step into the spotlight with finesse. I watch in awe. Before I could protest, my neighbors pushed me into the ring. It’s my turn. I freeze with intimidation for what feels like an eternity. They invite me to let go; I reluctantly give myself to the moment.

I feel the beat, the earth, and the bounty of our collective movement. It’s as though I could vibrate out of my body; the tension, the release, the excitement, the high. Someone begins a chant, and I hear my name spilling from their mouths.

“Go, Katie, Go, Katie, Go!” Their smiles and voices cheer me on.

I feel alive. I feel seen.

All the things I couldn’t say earlier in the day come bouncing out of me in wordless communication. I ride the wave of belonging as though I’ve always known how to surf. Giving someone else their turn, I melt back into the family taller than before.

The energy burns itself into my being.

© Katie Pendergast 2022