From Gerry: Today's the Day

Today is Grandpa’s 94^th birthday. I admired how he faced life. My Dad was so fearful of it, of the cost, and the pain. But Grandpa faced it with a “bring it on attitude”. He was a brave soul.

I appreciated, too, that he understood human love and how to express it. That won him many loyal friends. He was a larger-than-life, colorful character!

Love, Mom (Gerry Burgess)

Comments from Thelma 5/30/08

Remembering Grandpa on his Memorial Day birthday. We have all written good memories of Grandpa. But, I would still like to continue remembering the good parts of his life which may have been before some of your time.

As his only daughter, I remember him continuing to remind me that the way I conducted myself--both around the hired men and in the community reflected on THE FAMILY. Since sun dresses were the style for high school girls, (with little jackets to put on when needed), he reminded me that no matter how hot it was, when the hired men came in to the table, I was to wear the little jacket. As I reflect back, yes, i was "the bosses" daughter" and there were men and young boys around all the time--and some could have taken advantage. However, Grandpa emphasized that it was the way I conducted myself that would solve any problems along that line.

I remember driving the "water buggy" behind the horse to take water and lemonade to the men scattered over several fields. Yes, there would have been ample opportunity for misbehavior on either my part or theirs. But--the emphasis was always on acting like a lady, doing your job, and getting back to the house. The young ladies of today could use some of that advice!

He continued to remind both Roger and I that the way we conducted ourselves among our neighbors and in town reflected on our father's name. I know we were always conscious of that fact. Of course, the time that Roger played the Halloween prank with his buddies on a not-too-popular sheriff, certainly emphasized the fact that EVERYBODY knows how it reflected on our father. Though, in this case, Dad privately upheld Roger for being honest and "fessing up" to it, while not implicating his buddies.

I am reminded that how we conduct ourselves also reflects upon our spiritual father--and Dad tried to teach us that lesson too.

Of course,we can remember Grandpa (my father) and all he stood for. However, you wouldn't remember much about our mother and your grandmother (Mary Dotson). She was a true helpmate to Dad, and a courageous woman in her own right. To face the long years of Alzheimer's took a special courage and faith in God that I am not sure I could have faced. But, I remember how she used to love the beauty of the farm and working in the garden, and preserving the fruit and vegetables. How she used to sing as she

worked--both inside and outside the house. One time a city lady asked her "How can you stand it to be out here in the country--it must be so boring!" My quiet, little mother, lifted her chest and her head and her blue Irish eyes snapped and she said "I am NEVER BORED!" She said it with such conviction that the lady said no more. She loved her grandchildren and helped to care for you when you were babies, coming out to Colorado for each of my children's births (also all of Roger and Gerry's babies)-- quietly, firmly, but lovingly, caring for you all when either Gerry or I was too ill (or tired) to do much except breast feed the newest one (whichever of you it might be)!

Since Roger has covered the patriotic part and lessons of hard, honest work, I will say "Amen" to all he has said on this Memorial Day and Dad's official birthday May 30, 2008. With my deep love and respect, Dad and Mom--thanks for our heritage--Thelma

From Roger on Memorial Day 2008

It’s hard to believe you have been gone for 3 years now, Dad. Memorial Day always reminds me of you. I’m attaching a few comments I sent to our family today. I think you would have enjoyed them too.

Your generation is known as the “Greatest Generation” They have lived up to the name. So many sacrificed so much to keep America and the rest of the free world free. They were astute in business, creating the most prosperous nation ever. The most creative moving from the horse & buggy to the Moon and beyond! What changes they saw, what an effect they had on the nation & the world.

We are seeing change too. Some good, some bad and some we don’t know what affect they will have for the future of our grandchildren. One thing seems pretty certain. The Burgess name should continue for another generation or so. Your 4 Burgess grandsons now have 6 Burgess great grandsons. We hope they share some of your character, work ethic and good judgment.

Roger

Today is a day to remember and honor all those, past & present, who have served our country in the Armed Forces. Because of their dedication and sacrifice we live in a free and prosperous country. A country people are still striving hard to get into…not out of! In this country we have more freedom, more wealth, more stability and security than most of the other nations of the world. We have our problems, certainly, and there are problems, of course. But where else would we want to live? Thousands, even hundreds of thousands of our soldiers have died over the years to assure our freedom. Many more were injured and most of the survivors forgotten except for this special day of the year.

In 1915 Lt John McCrae, M. D. wrote the following poem after witnessing the death of a friend at Ypres, Belgium. In 1918 McCrea died in France of pneumonia, a common battlefield ailment in those days. You have undoubtedly heard the poem before. It bears repeating.

“In Flanders Fields”

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Beneath the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.