We attended the Garland family reunion. My grandma iola, daughter iola’s namesake, was born Helen Iola Garland. She lived her entire life in Tingley, Iowa, population: not many. The family potluck food never fails to satisfy, and guarantees car windows will need rolled down later.
I’ve spent hours and hours playing with cousins here throughout my childhood. It’s a lot less lively now.
Grandma Iola lived in this house almost her entire life. I’ve lived in approximately 20 houses in one-third the amount of time she lived. Pondering which lifestyle is better is interesting, but a determination proves to be impossible.
We said our goodbyes and headed south toward Mexico.
We stopped in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, where my other grandparents are buried. Guess where I got my name from.
-Ryan
eachweekunique.com 