May = Memories

As Mother's Day approaches I can't help but think about my own dear Mother who passed on last September. I miss her everyday but most of all I draw from her strength which she consistently displayed.

Mother did not have an easy life. She grew up on a farm in Nebraska. Her older brothers went off to war and she had to go out into the field and work as a man at a very young age. Mother never whined nor complained about hard work and did not tolerate it with her children. No matter how hard life became for me, Mother always had an encouraging word that would urge me to go on. I got my strength from Mother.

I can only imagine the pain of losing a child or a grandchild but Mother experienced both. To this day, I can remember the strength and compassion that Mother showed me when Leo died as she was about my age when Dad died. Sometimes when I am sad, I can still hear Mother's words of encouragement in my ear. Yes Mother, I am still listening.



Me, Rubye Jean, Ellie, Beckie, Mother


Our sister Beckie was born on Mother's Day. This picture was taken on Mother's Day, 1990 in Sheridan, Wyoming. Grandpa Harold had passed and we were all there for his funeral and for Ellie's graduation from college. We all went to the nearby park and just had a good time together. That was the last time I saw Beckie as she and her three boys were murdered that November.



This is the picture of Ellie, Rubye Jean and I after Mother's funeral. Birth made us sisters, life made us friends. I admire both of my sisters for they have been my strength in my hard times and my joy all of the time. Each have had their share of 'life problems' but they keep on going with excellent attitudes.

I only hope that I can be a pillar of strength for those who love me and the others that my life path comes in contact with.