Collins Family Reunion - Five Generations Together

A Family Reunion can be a truly memorable experience. This was a wonderful opportunity for five generations of family members to unite. A chance to share love and rejoice in simply being together. A time to celebrate that which bonds us together; the Collins name. Each member can attest to the happiness and warmth that was felt at our recent homecoming in Truro, Nova Scotia from July 28-31, 2005.

Mandy wrote:
"I have seen my family in a whole different light and for some reason have come to appreciate you all more than I ever had before. There was truely something magical about our gathering. I honestly believe that there was some divine power present which was shedding light onto our lives and into our hearts. Somehow, I think we were suppose to come together at precisely that moment in time. It was the perfect gathering; the most opportune moment to get to really know and love one another. Which, prior to this weekend, I really dont believe we have ever done before. I am convinced that this past weekend was meant to be a learning experience; it was meant to be a lesson in love, appreciation, and commitment. More often then not, we have to gather to mourn the loss of one of our precious loved ones to become enlightened in the way that we have. I think that we should all be grateful for the experience and remember how warm we felt when we were in Truro (or as Derold calls it...the motherland) each time we interact with one another, especially when the temptation exists to be something other than kind. It isn't always easy to get along with everyone when coming from a large family but we all know now how easy it is to just be loving to each other. I, for one, can say without a doubt that this has been by far the most fascinating, wonderful, enlightening vacation I have ever truely experienced. Until we all meet again, Mandy"

Derold wrote:
"...it was really, really cool to see all of you, especially those of you who I have never had the chance to sit and have a conversation with (especially all you "Westerners"). Anyways, looking forward to the next reunion and I hope that you all show up again so we can catch up, in case you all forget your promises of wanting to keep in touch with one another! Much Love to you all, Derold"

Kelly wrote:
"Like Derold, I too feel very blessed to have shared in this year's reunion and hope that we can all maintain the momentum and love that bonded us together these past few days. We need to start planning the next reunion NOW so that we don't end up waiting another 10 years. I'm willing to start the planning if we can all agree upon a venue. Until we meet up again, peace and love to all of you."

Uncle Dougie wrote:
"Just wish to convey to you all that I experienced the "best" feelings that I had in a long time. I enjoyed such happy feelings to witness such an enormous event as seeing 'my family' members come together and projecting so much love for towards each other.i hope that we all now understand how satisfying it is to know that there are people who love you and will be there for you. I hope that we all can come to together and find ways to support each other in all things. there may be a need to establish some sort of foundation to be set up to assist each and all of us in times of need and necessity. (just a thought). There may be times when some of us may need assistance in certain areas or situations, especially if it proves to be a positive endeavour(s).

for now, Tons of LOVE"

Paula wrote:
"Hello everyone! I just experienced the best vacation of my life during the Collins Family Reunion!!! It felt so good to be in my mother's home town after 19 years away. I will definitely stay in touch will everyone and please consider visiting me in Atlanta when planning future vacations. So long for now and God Bless all of you. Love Paula"

Chimere wrote:
"Hey all, Chimere here. Wow what a crazy weekend. I had so much fun this weekend I didn'twant it to end...I agree with us all keeping in touch, like for real this time. With the accessability of the Internet these days there's no excuse. I met so many cousins and found out so much about you all. I had no idea that my family is doing so many great things. I've got musicians, officers, basketball players, football players, dancers, executives and so much more as relatives. We are some really smart and talented people!...now that we all see its so easy and fun to keep in touch this way let's keep it up. Love you all!"

Tracy wrote:
"Hey Collins Clan, Tracy here, I wanted to drop a line to tell all of you how much this weekend meant to me. I had such a great time partying like I've never done before. I honestly can't wait for the next home coming. I finally got the opportunity to meet cousins I've never had the privilege of getting to know, especially those from the west. For me, the best time was watching all of the family interacting with one another. Young and old bonded in a way I never knew they could. Seeing all the younger cousins playing and getting reintroduced touched a part of my heart. I was so proud that the majority of my family sincerely tried and managed to make it down home. At the beginning of all the reunion talk, many of my Montréal cousins complained and were unsure about going. In the end, they were all there and having the best time I can remember them having. At the next reunion, I hope and I pray that all of those that did make it find their way again (with their families). Also, to those who were unable to make it this time, try your hardest to make it to the next one. I would love to see you. I love you Collins', you're the only family that I know. Please let us try not only to keep in touch but also redefine who we are. Changing the way we speak and interact with one another. As that old saying goes, 'united we stand, divided we fall. Your cousin Tracy"

Adria wrote:
"Hey, just wanted to say that I had a great time last weekend.
I wish I had had more time to spend with everyone and
I'm looking forward to our next encounter...
Take care, Love Adria"

Michele wrote:
"...I want to thank all of you for your kind words of thanks, but no thanks necessary, I put this reunion on because I love each and everyone of you very much and I missed you all. So I did this for me and much as for everyone else. I am so glad that everyone had the same loving experience that I did. I thought it was just me that received such an enormous blessing by being with all of my family... Love, Peace and Happiness to you all. Love Michele

Tya wrote:
"I just wanted to drop a quick line to say how wonderful it was meeting all of you and seeing how all the kids have grown up since the last reunion. I am so grateful that my cousins talked me into coming at the last minute (even though I caused Michelle more than a few headaches J). Now, I can't think of a more important event...so I'll see you guys in Montreal... summer 2007. Miss you already! Tya & family"

Stefan wrote:
"Yeah it was magical that weekend.. I too have been touched and moved by the experience and the memories will last me forever...But can you imagane the next one if everyone and those who were not there, were to partake in such an special event. It would be mind blowing....I get high just the thought of it.. I just love my family... Stefan"

Amanda wrote:
"Hello everyone,

Well, I was just sitting here trying to figure out how the reunion came and went so quickly. I wish that it lasted much longer. However, I am definitely excited for the next reunion and although it seems like 2007 is far from now, it's a lot better than 10 years. I can't wait. I had an absolutely wonderful time in Nova Scotia this summer with my family. I
bonded with so many of you. There were many times where I paused starring at my family members and remember feeling so happy just to see them happy. Like Mandy said, I too feel like this reunion was supposed to happen when it did. And I am so grateful to be a Collins and to have been able to share this experience with all of you. And for those who couldn't make it, you were there in our thoughts and our hearts, and I know that it will be a priority to make it to the next one. In the meantime (the next reunion), we can still value our family members. Don't forget about each other, love one another. If you're in the same city, invite one another to your gatherings, make each other feel appreciated, a phone call, an email, those are the simple things. We say we've all been moved by this reunion, so now's our chance to prove it. I love all of you.... Take good care, Amanda"

Rhonda wrote:
"Hi everyone, it seems like yesterday...it went by so quickly. Just seeing my family come together; laughing, crying, enjoying one another...it's the most important thing in life. Especially the ones we never see from Winnipeg... Even though it went by very fast, I had a good time. God bless you all..."
Sincerely, Rhon

Aunt Phyllis wrote:
"Hi, Everybody,

It's me, Aunt Phyllis. I want to thank all my neices & nephews who made it home for the Family Reunion. Didn't I say it would be a " BLAST ". Cousins meeting cousins for the very first Time. That was a "Cousins Reunion". I have tell all of You, that I was very Touched and so Happy . It gave me Ggeat pleasure, to see all of you again in "ONE PLACE ". That was History in the making. Yes! Lets do It again. You All ,made me very very Happy to witness such a loveable event. Love & Peace. My God Bless All of " U ". Aunt Phyllis"

Terry wrote:
"I am so happy that we all had a great time and delighted that plans are underway for our next one in 2007... It was truly a privilege to be our MC at the Banquet and I enjoyed helping out with other tasks at the reunion to support Michelle she is amazing...The words I shared with everyone about family and coming together to see and share our love with one another was from the heart (even if stolen from the O’Jays). The stories that we told that night and the ones that remain untold need to be recorded and shared...I also feel blessed to have had an opportunity to spent more time with our west coast relatives (Wendy, Robyn, Deanna, Andre and Carol, Leslie and Peter. Oh and Corey too "our TV family celebrity" when they came to Halifax. The Lobsters we ate were great and it another fabulous memorable event in getting to know each other better. Another memorable event that I enjoyed and it was a shame that not everyone was able to stay for was the karaoke night. What a blast!! There is truly lots of raw talent amongst us. Amanda and Tracy and Amanda and company (the younger generation Collins cousins) were awesome and truly blew the engine room away when you all sang that night! Luv, Terry"

Robbie wrote:
"I am amazed at what You, Kelli, Tya and others have done since the close of Reunion 2005. While not a tekkie or one to check my home e-mails daily. at each opportunity I am inspired by the new messages, photos, etc.

Michelle and family got the ball rolling with Reunions 95 and 05. The love and enthusiasm exhibited in Truro this year is truly infectious.

It just warms my heart to see the bonding that is occuring between "Generation Next" - cousins who were strangers getting to know each other. It's beautiful!

I look forward to each new offering on the Collins Family Reunion website. Keep it up, the Collins family is on fire and our potential is unlimited.

God bless..."

Aunt Dorothy wrote:

“Hi Everybody,

This is me, your Aunt Dorothy. First of all, I want to thank my niece Michele and my brother Francis & his wife Frances for the WONDERFUL JOB that they did putting it all together to make such a beautiful reunion. I have been to the first one, but the SECOND ONE TOPPED IT ALL. This family reunion reminds me of that song "I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS."

To see all my Nieces & Nephews come together, and the fact that My son Derold was part of the CELEBRATION" brought JOYFUL TEARS TO MY EYES. The Memories from this "FAMILY REUNION" will be with Me FOREVER. I Thank GOD for giving me a "SECOND CHANCE" in life to live to be united with my family!

Lots of Love Always,

Aunt Dorothy

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo