Because many of the relatives attending the reunion that Santo was planning were from the Mainland, she tried to keep the dinner costs way down. At all three reunions, the focus was on talking story, catching up on old times and meeting the long-lost relatives. He was so touched that everyone came. He used to tell us stories about growing up around the family, and he wanted us to see that. To see him walk around like a little kid was the best part.
Photos are a big part of reunions.
Haverly asked each family to put together a photo collage to display at the reunion. Both the Isas and Santo hired a professional photographer to take individual family photos and one big reunion photo. Most families planning reunions want to commemorate the event. Santo's family put together gift baskets. The stroll down memory lane for these families becomes a memory in itself, one that touches all generations and lasts lifetimes.