The Big "Bang"

The year was 1990-something. The Crawford Clan was all "home" at Brookside Farm, which sat on 60+ acres of rolling Shenandoah Valley farmland in Virginia. My dad was one of five siblings; three older sisters and a baby brother. Each family unit was deeply dedicated to the annual summer reunion. I loved those gatherings and being a part of a big family. I'm number 5 out of 11 grandkids and didn't realize what a special thing that really was until later in life.

Growing up in a big family meant there were always opportunities for group fun. With a little coordination, an ordinary summer day could turn into a memory that would last a lifetime. That's just what happened this particular day. The pasture next to my grandmother's 1890's brick farmhouse (the scene of the "cow chase" from last week's blog) was perfect for a big game of family baseball. It was a wholesome idea - all ages were welcome to play and Uncle Bob kept things fair by slow-pitching tennis balls instead of real baseballs. It was all fun and games until....

My Uncle Mac was up to bat. He hit the ball to left field and high-tailed it to first. My dad was playing first and rushed to the base to anticipate the incoming catch. We all cheered for our own team, eating up the sibling rivalry that was unfolding before our eyes until ....we heard a big "BANG!" The ever-determined "little" brother gave no thought to my dad's 6' 4" height and plowed into him in a sprawling display of arms and legs. They both hit the ground in a thud we could all feel like a mini earthquake. Our cheers turned to gasps and we thought for sure someone was going to need a ride to the hospital. While recounting the story to me today, my uncle was quick to tell me that my dad didn't make the catch so he was safe and that "a couple of cracked ribs later, it was well worth it for the entertainment factor for the fam!"

On behalf of all the Crawfords (except for maybe my dad), thank you, Uncle Mac, for a memory we'll never forget! That was truly one for the record books. There is one thing that beats the story of The Big "Bang" in my opinion. It's the simple fact that we played that game together. Everyone was welcome despite age or agility because everyone belonged. If that ain't a picture of family, I don't know what is, and I sure am grateful I got to experience it.