In august of 1991 we huddled around a fire at a campground outside of Milwaukee Wisconsin. The eldest of the four offspring of Robert Mckee Long and Mattie Alice Rhoads spoke to the majority of his descendants on a cool summer night. We were attending the Long Family Reunion. Uncle Robert told us how happy it made him to see all of us get together in this way. He said we could keep it up if we wanted to.

That was a special moment for me. It sparked a curiosity in my own family tree.

Today is Saturday, August 10th 1996. My family and I have just returned from the most recent LONG Family Reunion near Colorado Springs. Sixty of seventy-five were able to attend. Those who did were treated to a special time to enjoy each others company and embrace our kinship and understanding of one another.

I am an Eshbach. My wife is of the Long Family. But, I was treated as a member of the family as if I was born a Long. I was deeply touched by the caring and consideration given to me by all our cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws. I was personally honored to witness this beautiful tree, and to enjoy the company of these sweet and tender people.

I am not a LONG .... I am an ESHBACH. But, I am a LONG at heart.

A personal thanks to all of the LONGS, from my family, for this enriching experience. We will see you all again by 2000!!!

  - and August 2000 came  and when in an instant!

Write to me or Patty for pictures of the Year 2000 Long Family Reunion!!!