Thursday, September 23, 2010
Some of my favorite childhood memories are from the times I visited Aunt Marylou. She was a precious, sweet woman who came into my life when my mom married her brother and he adopted my sister and I when I was six years old. As a child I could hardly wait to go to the barn and see how many kittens were there. I took her dog, Jenks, for many walks and just loved to pick the strawberries by her garage, knowing we'd have them in shortcake later. My sister and I slept on the floor in front of her fireplace many times.
My children enjoyed going there probably as much as I did. One of Aunt Marylou's and Uncle Herb's favorite memories of us visiting was the time our boys, Tim (probabaly 10 at the time) and Dan (probably 7 or 8) took lawn chairs and sat by the calves and watched them..a novelty to "city kids". At mealtime they reported to us as to how many times they pooped and peed! They recounted that story many times on later visits!
I don't think I ever visited her without feeding the birds. I now have birdfeeders and think of her every time I fill them. I try to make memories doing that with my grandchildren too since it was such a special thing to me as a child.
Aunt Marylou always remembered my birthdaiy, Don's and our children's...with a card and $2.00 in it until we turned 21 and then the money was left out. :) She was so faithful in doing that for sooooo many years. I also take comfort in the fact that she prayed for me everyday. She was a wonderful example to me and she, Don and I had many conversations about spiritual things. I am at peace knowing she is in the presence of the Lord right now.
I was especially delighted when she and Uncle Herb came and visited and spent the night with us at the end of their honeymoon. That was very special.
I'm thankful that I was able to share many memories with her and let her know how much she meant to me when I stayed with her a few days after Uncle Herb died and before I had to move so far away. i'll never forget her and I look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Jackie and Don Rackley
