By Linda Elissalde
There are not a lot of Schmuckers anymore, but those of us who are left can still enjoy great times together. It took first cousin Dr. Susan Deese-Roberts and husband Chuck a long time, thanks to Covid, to get us all together for a wonderful Albuquerque, NM October, 2023 reunion. With first cousins, second cousins once removed, and significant partners, that occasion was a great success. Thanks go to Susan and Chuck for their planning and generosity.

Susan and Chuck have never been to Crystal Beach, Texas. We decided that it was about time they left their grand mountains and saw a bit of life by our gulf. So in October, 2024, they flew into Hobby Airport for a short visit. I picked them up, brought them over on our ferry, and the fun never ended. We had a grand time introducing them to Tex-Mex. They enjoyed it, but still claim New Mexico-Mex is better. (Cousins do not agree on everything.) The Roberts also had a taste of our native seafood. The couple happily tried everything we could get into such a short time. Visiting was number one, but a golf cart ride on the beach certainly highlighted one afternoon.

Darlene, first cousin once removed, accompanied by fine husband Phil Schmitt met up with us for lunch in Winnie. Darlene, Susan and I with Phil following drove to the spot off of HW124 where our Schmucker grandparents’ house once stood. We took a moment in remembrance of Darlene and Phil’s wonderful son Andy. Then our little caravan headed to Beaumont. We visited my former home on Ashley street where Susan’s mom – my Aunt Ruth – and her dad Dale had married. Charles Schmucker, my daddy, planted oak trees in 1950. They still stood in the front yard. Mrs. Brown graciously let us roam around the back yard. She shared that my dad’s satsuma trees existed until our 2020 freeze. Her family enjoyed eating and sharing them with family and friends. They have now started a new plant. Daddy would have been happy. We said farewell to Darlene and Phil. Susan and I drove around Beaumont and by Lamar University.

Too soon we had to drive them back to Hobby Airport and bid farewell. Such a short visit packed with so much joy and love. We will travel from the gulf next year for a visit to New Mexico mountains. There may not be a lot of Schmuckers left, but it is always warm and wonderful to visit with COUSINS!

[LCE: Nov-12-2024]