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