I wasn't sure I wanted to do this, I am for sure not a writer, but when Lori from http://www.familytreesmaycontainnuts.com/2009/10/writers-challenge-1.html mentioned this, one thing really stood out for me. This by far is not the only thing anyone has ever done nice for me, there have been many things, but this one still matters a lot.
The summer after my Dad died, my Aunt ( his sister) asked me to come back to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. That is where my Mom and Dad had been raised, my brother and me were also born there. I was very leery about going back, too many memories and I was afraid it would just hurt too much. But after much thinking and pondering, Wayne, me and Bryan, my two year old son went back to Eau Claire in late June of 1983.
Reconnecting with my cousins and Aunt's and Uncles was so special! I felt like I belonged. That Fourth of July we had a wonderful time at my cousin's house with food and sparklers and fireworks! This small town goes all out for the Fourth and there was a wonderful parade, and all kinds of special events going on. Bryan had such fun with his new cousins!
Every night after everyone was in bed, Rosemary and I would sit down at the kitchen table in the house that she and my Dad grew up in and talk about him, all kinds of things....she shared wonderful thoughts and memories with me about my Dad and my Mom, and my grandparents. She would take me to places that had meant something to them, where they had gone to high school, the church they got married in, and so many others.
We cried, and laughed and spent many precious hours together....it helped the healing begin. I felt close to them back in Eau Claire. I could almost envision them with me. I saw the first house they bought together and brought their family to. I can only imagine how hard it had to be for them to leave "home" but my Dad did what he needed to do for his family. And that was provide a good living, and that meant going to Ohio, when I was just two years old.
Every time I see my Aunt Rosemary, I thank her for that time, for that healing and for the love I felt that trip, and every trip since ! This is not a sad memory but a loving, kind one that always brings a smile to my face when I think of that summer of 1983.
Every night after everyone was in bed, Rosemary and I would sit down at the kitchen table in the house that she and my Dad grew up in and talk about him, all kinds of things....she shared wonderful thoughts and memories with me about my Dad and my Mom, and my grandparents. She would take me to places that had meant something to them, where they had gone to high school, the church they got married in, and so many others.
We cried, and laughed and spent many precious hours together....it helped the healing begin. I felt close to them back in Eau Claire. I could almost envision them with me. I saw the first house they bought together and brought their family to. I can only imagine how hard it had to be for them to leave "home" but my Dad did what he needed to do for his family. And that was provide a good living, and that meant going to Ohio, when I was just two years old.
Every time I see my Aunt Rosemary, I thank her for that time, for that healing and for the love I felt that trip, and every trip since ! This is not a sad memory but a loving, kind one that always brings a smile to my face when I think of that summer of 1983.
11 comments:
Sandy,
This was a sweet story that pulled at my heartstrings. Not only did your Aunt Rosemary provide a place for you to stay, but she seemed intuitively to know how to make your stay a special one and give you ties to your past so that you would never forget your parents. That is such a wonderful thing!! You are lucky to have a smart and special lady like Rosemary in your life!
xoxox
Jane
That is a great story. Rosemary stepped up and did a very kind and loving thing even though it was bittersweet for her too.
Women are often intuitive and can read what others may need in a rough patch. The fact that she could share so much about your dad with you is really lucky. Siblings have such a different view of our parents and knowing them when they were little is a view we wouldn't normally get to hear about.
Thank you for joining in the Writer's Challenge. You did a great job.
What a wonderful story, Sandy! Aunt Rosemary sounds like an incredible woman. She seemed to know how to get you through the grieving process, yet pass along special memories at the same time. Wish I had an Aunt Rosemary!
What a nice story!! It must have been such a blessing to hear all of the stories and to see the places where they lived!
Great story! Some of the best times can often rise from unfortunate surrounding circumstances
This is my first visit to your blog! What a lovely story! I love taking those Sentimental Journeys.
They make you know a person so much better.
Love your 40's kitchen idea!
What a beautiful story. There is something so special about connecting with family members. Your Aunt Rosemary sounds like a very special lady. What a wonderful gift she gave you with the knowledge of your parents life. Thank you for sharing this. Kathy
Hi Sandy! Thanks so much for finding me so I could find you! You have the sweetest blog! I am going to add you to my blogroll. :) What a wonderful trip that must have been for you. Memories are all we have of the past and times we cannot get back. I know I will cherish mine forever and ever!!
xoxo
What a nice story. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy thank your for sharing that wonderful life story. And thank you for dropping by my blog and commenting on my nicest thing ever post. Adding you to my list looking forward to getting to know you better.
God bless Rosemary for sharing her home and stories with you. Cherish your memories.
Joyce
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