In memoriam

I haven’t had much time to post the last few days but I have had time to think about those who have passed before. This is probably a little late but probably better late than never. When I was growing up Memorial day was the day we remembered all those who passed before us, not just the military. There been so many that are passed I cannot write about all but would like to mention those who passed before their time. These people stood out to be over the weekend.

The first would be my cousin Julie. When I was in elementary school my dad got off the phone and was crying. We asked him what was wrong and he said our cousin Julie was hit by a drunk driver and was killed. Julie was the same age as my sister. He said imagine what it would be like losing your sister and this hit me hard enough that I remember from when I was young. I couldn’t imagine losing my sister. How much stronger must the grief be for my uncle Tom and aunt JoAnn, her parents. I have no words other than rest in peace dear Julie and God bless you uncle Tom and aunt JoAnn.

When we were young we often went to Fairmont Minnesota to visit my dad parents. In the same town were two sets of my dad’s brother’s families. Uncle Pat and aunt Beverly and their kids. There was also uncle Jim and aunt Betty as well as their children. Uncle Jim and aunt Betty stand out my mind. Going to the Jim and Betty’s house all some of my fondest memories Fairmont. Aunt Betty is the most loving and caring person I’ve ever met growing up. She always made us feel special. When we went there by cousins also treated us as siblings.  

Mike was much older and more mature but Greg and Steve used to tease me mercilessly. I also got to tease my cousin Nancy and Cindy. Sue was a little older than me so she is my sister formed a bond. Amy was just a little kid so I don’t remember much of her. My cousin Timothy was a special soul. He grew up with awful health problems. He was very serious and when we were around Timothy Greg and Steve did not tease me. I think Timothy let them know that he didn’t have time for that stuff. Timothy was a loving and bighearted person and I wish I’d gotten to spend more time with him. He passed on way too early from his health problems.

Later on we found out that my cousin Steve had Hodgkins lymphoma. We were told he would be lucky to live to be 17 or 18. He exceeded this by at least three decades. I’m afraid we lost touch with my grandmother, grandfather and aunt and uncles when my mom passed. That was when I was 10. I hope to continue this series starting with her. It was without a doubt the most significant event in my life. Everything changed after that.