MCO XXI

What is MCO?? Mazur Campout!! I am the youngest of a family of six. Although we grew up in Buffalo, I am the only one who remains here. Each of my siblings have relocated elsewhere. Needless to say, we don't have an opportunity to see each other very often. When my parents were alive, I was lucky enough (due to living in the same city as my parents) to benefit from my siblings' visits to my parents. Yet, it was quite rare for all of us to be together at the same time. Since my parents have passed, my siblings' trips to Buffalo are less frequent.

In an effort to get together, the Mazur campout started (by accident) 21 years ago. We didn't realize then what we were starting. It wasn't until the following year, when we did a second or even third campout, that thoughts of making this an annual event stirred. We started, 21 years ago, in tents, moved up to rustic cabins and now we still "camp" but it is hard to call it that when our cabins come equipped with kitchens and bathrooms. On the big milestone campouts (10th and 15th) our mom treated us to renting huge beach houses that fit all of us. This tradition was so important to my mom that she actually reserved money in her will for us to have another beach house rental on her....so, our 20th MCO (see pictures) was also a treat from mom (and dad too!)

The campouts have seen the growing of families, marriages, divorces, deaths. The campouts offer a time to reconnect to our roots - ponder, reminisce and debate. The campouts allow us to drink, eat and be merry. MCOs have seen the siblings slowly age and watched an entire generation of nieces and nephews grow to adulthood. Despite the many changes that have occurred during the past 21 years, there have been many constants. Much laughter, good times and late nights by the campfire have been a part of this tradition. And most importantly, the bond of family remains strong.

We are leaving today for Eastern Pennsylvania. I am not sure what type of Internet (if any) I will have for the next week....although my techie brother, Paul, is promising to hook us up with WiFi. If I do have access, I will try to post. But now.....I have to finish packing!!