What is love? Webster defines it as, "a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend." Today, at the funeral of my Aunt Eunice, we definitely felt love. Aunt Eunice, my moms sister, died last Saturday. She had been in the hospital in Wichita for almost two weeks.
When I think of Aunt Eunice I think of several things. I remember her love of dancing. She was quick to laugh at a joke (and tell one), drink a beer with family, play cards, and be with her family. And, today at her funeral she was with family. Not only the family members in attendance: children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews but also those family members that went before. This included her mom and dad, sisters, granddaughter and others.
While we grieve her loss, we should also be thankful for her faith in God. The minister mentioned her confirmation verse several times. I believe it was Revelation 2:10, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Not only faithful to her God, she was also faithful in marriage. Her and Uncle Lawrence were married 66 years. No, that is not a typo. 66 years.
I believe her granddaughter Joclyn said it best in a Facebook post the day she died:
The past week has been filled with many tears, fear, hope, memories and laughter....4 generations, 4 different pastors, and many friends gathered around Grandma Winter. It's a testament to her life and to her being such a wonderful person. She left this world with more faith and love than most can only dream to have. After 67 years of marriage, Grandpa never left her side. She will be terribly missed but she is whole again and I will always remember her smile, strength and her love of God & family. We will all treasure her memory. Bella said it best..."I will miss my white haired grandma."
Yes, Bella, we will all miss your white haired grandma.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Sunday, July 26, 2015
A Lasting Legacy
Last Thursday, July 23, would have been Dad's 95th birthday. I had lots of memories that day. I remembered some of his other birthdays we celebrated. One that really stood out was his 80th. We had an open house for him in Medicine Lodge and had a good turnout. Lots of family and friends attended. Dad always told us kids that when he was growing up birthdays were not that big of deal. He said his parents would tell them Happy Birthday in the morning ant that was about all the celebrating that would be done. They had a special 'birthday' plate that they got to use for the day. After him and mom were married, and especially after us kids came along, his birthday was always celebrated. We made up for missed birthdays!
All of us have special memories of our dad. A few weeks ago I was together with my siblings. My question for them was what was the best advice you ever got from dad? Nola replied, " When dad was trying to teach me to drive we went to the park. The car we were in had a standard transmission. I never did get the hang of starting out smooth and kept jerking when we would go. We got back to the house and dad looked at me and said 'Always buy a car with an automatic transmission.' " Ann and Cathy both responded by saying, "Dad and mom always told us to treat others the way we would want to be treated." Larry said when he was getting ready to leave for college at Pittsburg Dad told him, "There are good girls and bad girls. Make sure you find the good ones." And myself, when I was dating Susan, Dad found out she was working three jobs at the time. He told me, "Son, you got a good one. Don't let her get away." I didn't Dad. When will celebrate 25 years in a little over a month.
I think we all learned the Golden Rule from mom and dad. And, I think we have a done a pretty good job in the way we have treated others. We had good teachers. I have tried to pass along those ideals to my own kids. Sometimes it is hard, but it is well worth it in the end. Happy Birthday, Dad! Love ya and miss ya.
Ivan
All of us have special memories of our dad. A few weeks ago I was together with my siblings. My question for them was what was the best advice you ever got from dad? Nola replied, " When dad was trying to teach me to drive we went to the park. The car we were in had a standard transmission. I never did get the hang of starting out smooth and kept jerking when we would go. We got back to the house and dad looked at me and said 'Always buy a car with an automatic transmission.' " Ann and Cathy both responded by saying, "Dad and mom always told us to treat others the way we would want to be treated." Larry said when he was getting ready to leave for college at Pittsburg Dad told him, "There are good girls and bad girls. Make sure you find the good ones." And myself, when I was dating Susan, Dad found out she was working three jobs at the time. He told me, "Son, you got a good one. Don't let her get away." I didn't Dad. When will celebrate 25 years in a little over a month.
I think we all learned the Golden Rule from mom and dad. And, I think we have a done a pretty good job in the way we have treated others. We had good teachers. I have tried to pass along those ideals to my own kids. Sometimes it is hard, but it is well worth it in the end. Happy Birthday, Dad! Love ya and miss ya.
Ivan
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Happy Birthday, Mom!! Hope you are enjoying your 87th in Heaven. Can't believe it has been seven years since we celebrated with you last. So much has happened since I could last talk to you face to face. It is still a struggle at times with both you and dad being gone, but I know you are in a better place.
Susan and I are both doing good. I am still with Hammel Scale, almost 25 years now! Susan works at the school as a custodian and does concessions for the sports seasons. We have done some work in the yard already and I think we are both more than ready for all of our flowers to be up and blooming. I am sure we will add to the gardens as we always try to find a new perennial to plant.
Madison is almost finished with her second year of college. She is attending Fort Hays and I think she likes it there. She still plans to be a teacher and eventually a counselor. She will be great. She still dates the same boy she has for almost 6 years. She must like him a little. She works in the financial aid department at Hays. She enjoys her work. She is also starting to get a green thumb! She has worked up a flower bed in front of her house. We sent some lilies and naked ladies back with her and she worked until after dark to get them in the ground. I am happy she likes plants, it can be very enjoyable and stress relieving. She is really growing into a beautiful woman.
Hannah is finishing up her Freshman year of high school! She has experienced so much this year. She was involved in volleyball and basketball. She did a great job. She ended up Second Team All-League in basketball. Quite the honor! She takes great pride in getting her school work done and keeping her grades up to stay eligible to play sports. She also went to prom last week. Her date was James Stout. I am sure you remember him. You were around some when Susan was babysitting. She is really growing up, becoming a beautiful young lady. You would be very proud of both of the girls.
Have a wonderful day. Give Dad a squeeze and kiss from all of us. Love you and miss you like crazy!
Ivan
Susan and I are both doing good. I am still with Hammel Scale, almost 25 years now! Susan works at the school as a custodian and does concessions for the sports seasons. We have done some work in the yard already and I think we are both more than ready for all of our flowers to be up and blooming. I am sure we will add to the gardens as we always try to find a new perennial to plant.
Madison is almost finished with her second year of college. She is attending Fort Hays and I think she likes it there. She still plans to be a teacher and eventually a counselor. She will be great. She still dates the same boy she has for almost 6 years. She must like him a little. She works in the financial aid department at Hays. She enjoys her work. She is also starting to get a green thumb! She has worked up a flower bed in front of her house. We sent some lilies and naked ladies back with her and she worked until after dark to get them in the ground. I am happy she likes plants, it can be very enjoyable and stress relieving. She is really growing into a beautiful woman.
Hannah is finishing up her Freshman year of high school! She has experienced so much this year. She was involved in volleyball and basketball. She did a great job. She ended up Second Team All-League in basketball. Quite the honor! She takes great pride in getting her school work done and keeping her grades up to stay eligible to play sports. She also went to prom last week. Her date was James Stout. I am sure you remember him. You were around some when Susan was babysitting. She is really growing up, becoming a beautiful young lady. You would be very proud of both of the girls.
Have a wonderful day. Give Dad a squeeze and kiss from all of us. Love you and miss you like crazy!
Ivan
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