"I know a good portion of my family.  My dads side has been mostly cut off, but I know many on my moms side.  We have over 200 living relatives on my moms side.  Lost my Grandma on my moms side back in 2014, she was 92 years old.  She couldn't hardly see or hear but her mind was still sharp as a razor.  170 nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.  She remembered them all.  Last few years she couldn't hear good enough to make the call but she would get my aunt who was her caretaker to call and wish us happy birthdays."

He smiles.

"Her birthday was July 4th.  Most the family would get together and celebrate her birthday and independence day together.  When she passed people were thinking that this would be the last time we got together cuz she wasn't around anymore but she told my aunt keep it going after she was gone.  She wanted the family to stay close with or without her.  So, we still get together every year.  Grill out, drink it up, party down."

He smiles and finishes his burger and Dom.

"Most of the family lives in the area though we have some in Wisconsin and Florida as well.  They still make it out, just once a year we usually get together and it turns into a blowout."