FAMILY TIME FISH FRY by Susan Shockey
- 13shockey
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 29
HOW IMPORTANT IS FAMILY TIME?
My son is Clint Shockey, President and owner of East Texas Smoker Company. This weekend, Clint and his big brother, Heath, hosted a family gathering at The Boulders at Lake Tyler in Texas, to celebrate their Dad's birthday. This year has presented their Dad, Papaw, with health challenges and cancer treatment that continues to remind us just how precious FAMILY TIME can be. The weekend with family and friends was EPIC and will be forever treasured! We had cookouts, a big fish fry, homemade ice cream, continuous table games, boat rides, fishing, kayaking, bike and scooter rides, golf cart runs, and long walks. So many traditions were shared and hopefully the stories will be passed down to new generations. It was beautiful Spring weather and great moments just to sit and lavish in God‘s blessings.
In preparation for the fish fry, my brother and I made my grandmother's hush puppies--a family favorite. While we hand-rolled the hot hush puppies, we shared the story about our grandmother learning to make these delicacies from a sweet German lady that lived next-door to her when she and Grandpa worked and lived in the East Texas oil field camps during the 1930's oil-rush days.
Just as my Dad and Grandpa had done so many times, the boys skillfully fried the fish, potatoes and hush puppies while sharing the cooking tips that had been passed on to them. Traditions and the memories they hold are priceless.
"There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues...are created, strengthened and maintained." - Winston Churchill
FAMILY TIME and family gatherings provide opportunities for strengthened bonds and emotional connections among family members, creating a sense of belonging and support. Families boost our confidence and make us feel loved. FAMILY TIME provides a safe place where children can experience God's love (through their parents) and learn how to love other people. Families are the first teachers who instill in us social skills, values, and beliefs, shaping personal identity and worldview. Families preserve cultural traditions and family history, connect ing us to our roots while passing on a legacy to future generations. FAMILY TIME is important!
I hope when my children and grandchildren think about FAMILY TIME, they reminisce about the BBQs, the cookouts, the fish frys, the beach trips, the family cruises, the game nights, and the Sunday dinners.
I hope when they hear the sound of an old-fashioned ice cream churn, they will talk about Mimi‘s recipe for the best ice cream they have ever had.
I hope they will teach their children all the little techniques to fry the fish just perfect and while they’re doing that, they tell stories of Grandpa, Papaw and Uncle Johnny.
I hope when they play games with their children, they will remember all the laughs, the competitive times, the alliances and partnerships formed, and the victory celebrations we have enjoyed during FAMILY TIME.
I hope my children and grandchildren will always treasure the beauty God brings us during FAMILY TIME--the blue skies, the green grass, the blooming trees, the cool breeze, the beautiful sunrises, and the peaceful sunsets.
Yes, FAMILY TIME is very important! This weekend was EPIC and will be forever treasured! Take the time to plan for family time. Take the time to build your traditions. Take the time to pass on your heritage and your legacy.
Do you think FAMILY TIME is important? I would love for you to share some of your pictures and stories about your FAMILY TIME.
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