Friday will mark the 7th anniversary of a Straub family tradition celebrated each Leap Year.
My husband's family began this unusual tradition in 1980 when dining out - a very rare occasion for the family in those years - at a local, family-run restaurant. The boys were enjoying this unusual treat quite a lot, and Dad promised that he would bring them back there for dinner every February 29th. They, of course, were too young to realize that it would be four more years before the next time February would have 29 days. But, true to his word, they all returned four years later. Dad reminded them of the promise, and a family tradition was begun.
Over the years, more family members have been added, starting with a younger brother, and later wives and grandchildren. Dad is no longer with us, gone onto glory eight years ago. And others have missed the family dinner over the years due to circumstances that kept them away. The celebration hasn't always been held at the same restaurant because of the restaurant schedule and changes in management - although one year the restaurant opened their doors just for the family's dinner celebration, even on a day they were normally closed. But the tradition continues.
As Leap Year 2008 approaches, we are excited about sharing this celebration with new family members. We will, Lord-willing, all travel to that same restaurant where it all began 28 years ago and remember where we've been over the last four years...and wonder where we'll be in four more.
My husband's family began this unusual tradition in 1980 when dining out - a very rare occasion for the family in those years - at a local, family-run restaurant. The boys were enjoying this unusual treat quite a lot, and Dad promised that he would bring them back there for dinner every February 29th. They, of course, were too young to realize that it would be four more years before the next time February would have 29 days. But, true to his word, they all returned four years later. Dad reminded them of the promise, and a family tradition was begun.
Over the years, more family members have been added, starting with a younger brother, and later wives and grandchildren. Dad is no longer with us, gone onto glory eight years ago. And others have missed the family dinner over the years due to circumstances that kept them away. The celebration hasn't always been held at the same restaurant because of the restaurant schedule and changes in management - although one year the restaurant opened their doors just for the family's dinner celebration, even on a day they were normally closed. But the tradition continues.
As Leap Year 2008 approaches, we are excited about sharing this celebration with new family members. We will, Lord-willing, all travel to that same restaurant where it all began 28 years ago and remember where we've been over the last four years...and wonder where we'll be in four more.
