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On Sunday we attended the first  “Beattie Mini-Reunion” in Manhasset, NY at the home of Patricia Celmency, my third cousin.  Myself, my wife Colleen, Philip Jr, Kevin, my brother Jerry and mother Jeanne all headed down to Pat’s house which is just 50 minutes away from mothers house in Katonah, NY.  We arrived at 1 PM and were warmly greeted at the door by Patricia and the rest of her side of the family. In attendance from the John Beattie side of the family were my Moms second cousins Regina Haffey and Angela Dolores Hughes; my third cousins Patricia Clemency, Anne Haffey and Regina O’Connell;  as well as Philip and Kevin’s fourth cousin Kevin Clemency.

It was the most incredible experience.  Although we had never met before, we all started in conversation as if we had known each other since we were born.  It it a very hard experience to describe in writing, but all who were there, agreed that the bloodline must have something to do with it.

We spent more that six hours sharing stories, pictures and other family memorabilia with each other.  I only wish we could have stayed longer.  There was so much more to talk about.

But a very special moment of the serendipity came during a photo sharing opportunity.  Angela Haffey passed around a photo that she she believed was the photo of John Beattie and his father Jonathan J. Beattie (also my great, great grandfather).  I asked her if she ever had taken the photo out of its frame and looked at the back for any notes.  She welcomed me to take a look…  so I did.  Look what I found!

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Yes, this picture is of Jonathan J. Beattie and his son John.  What a treasure for all of us to see!

Before we left, we were able to get a few photo’s in..

Second Cousins Angela Dolores Hughes, Regina Haffey and Jeanne Hayes:

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Third Cousins J. Jerald Hayes, Philip Hayes, Regina O’Connell, Ann Haffey and Patricia Clemency

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Third Cousins Philip Hayes, Kevin Clemency and Kevin Hayes

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And lets not forget the “Outlaws”; Joe Haffey, Colleen Hayes and Bill Clemency.

Thanks to all for an absolutely wonderful afternoon.  I hope w can do it again soon!