Siblings

In the summer of 1996, just a year after our mother had passed away, my sisters and I had joined  John and Marilyn and their family in North Carolina for a good visit.  We drove down to Washington DC for a few days, and during the course of that trip went to the temple only to find it completely closed.  Our disappointment was palpable, but we made the best of that situation by choosing to watch a movie in the adjacent visitor's center.  As the lights darkened and the movie began, instead of settling in to watch the movie, I was restless.  I looked behind me, and there were the spirits of our parents just standing and smiling.  Then they were gone.  I suppose they would have preferred to make such an appearance in the temple a few hundred yards away.  I also suppose that it would have been completely natural for them to want to see their children together in such a setting.  

One of the most obvious blessings that I have enjoyed every single day of my life has been the presence of two kind sisters and one grand brother.  Our gatherings are sweet, fun and comforting, and our blended extended families always always always enjoy each other immensely.  That is very gratifying.  

One of my first memories is of Nancy combing my short hair and applying Jergen's lotion to make it shine.  My history goes back over many varieties of roads with Norma because we are the closest in age.  And I credit John for several landmarks in my life--especially being set straight about Santa Claus at such a tender age!  They have all three added in-laws to my life which I also love as my own blood kin.  Doug came as a threat to my ownership of Nancy when I was barely ten, so he has been basically a guidepost my entire life.  Theron made me one of the classiest gifts I have ever received--a wooden locker chest which he inscribed with "Survival 1973".  That gift did not survive the Great Tussle of 2000 in New Jersey, but I have full faith that it will  resurrect with me someday!  Marilyn and I have shared way more than a name over the years.  I count her among my true heroines.

I still look to my siblings to guide me down the road to "geezerhood".  At the moment, Nancy is recuperating from a recent open heart surgery, Norma is on the road yet AGAIN in Texas to see a friend and Travis, and John is cranking away at his Grandfather of the Year resume at his home in Raleigh.  All have given lifetimes of dedicated service in their families and to the church.  They've served multiple difficult missions and are concerned involved parents and grandparents.  I need never look any further than the six of them to determine where my next step should be planted.  



(Central Park, NYC)

(Minnetonka Cave)

(Williamsburg, VA)

(G.I. John)

(Hadd wedding, Logan Temple)

(Logan, Utah)

(Immigration Canyon reunion)

(Washington DC temple)

(Bothwell, Utah)

(New York Harbor approaching the Statue of Liberty)


(Montpelier, Idaho)

(Jamestown, Virginia)

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