SANTA ANA : Big Reunion Attracts 5 Generations

Helen Valentine never thought she would live long enough to see her granddaughter have a granddaughter.

But at a five-generation family reunion last weekend, Valentine, 88, folded her arms around her great-great-granddaughter, Chelsea, and gently kissed her cheek.

“I enjoy this. I appreciate it,” she said with a smile.

Family members, including 2-month-old Chelsea and her parents, John and Tonya Walkowiak, traveled from as far as Michigan for the event. On Sunday, at a back-yard picnic at Valentine’s home on Birch Street, about 60 friends and relatives gathered to reminisce and munch on hot dogs, fruit and chocolate cupcakes.

Organized by Valentine’s granddaughter, Pat Walkowiak, the reunion offered everyone a chance to meet the newest member of the family and lavish attention on its eldest member.

Walkowiak, 47, said that her grandmother had been eagerly awaiting the reunion.

“It’s so great just to be able to see her hold the baby. It means everything.”

Relatives marveled at their lively and growing family tree. Christie Teran, 23, who is Valentine’s great-granddaughter, said a reunion of five generations was something special: “There’s not too many people who are lucky enough to do this even once.”

John Walkowiak, 21, said he wouldn’t have missed the chance to introduce his new baby to his great-grandmother for anything.

“The baby makes her laugh and smile. The young make the old young again.”