rosary time. The TV would be turned off reluctantly and everyone would kneel. As Gary said, “It was quite a job to suppress all our giggles”, Gram meant well anyway.
If there was entertainment in the community or a church service, Gram managed to join us. She was one of the nine people that filed out of our “Dodge Dart” car. As luck would have it, there were no seat belts at that time. When there was a shopping trip, and the weather permitted, Gram came along as well. One of the children stayed near her as she walked through the store. They suggested that she check out the cereal and cookie shelves. Sure enough her cart would be sporting an extra large package of Honey Comb cereal and rich chocolate, marshmallow cookies. Before bedtime both packages would be consumed. Even Gram enjoyed her share of the delicacies. '
Gram taught the children to be punctual. If we were going to church, Gram would be ready a half an hour early, sitting with her coat on, and announcing to the children that time was running out. Our meals were never late. They might be cold though, for they were prepared long before the appointed time.
When the children grew older and left for university, this wonderful lady would write them letters, and before she sealed the letter she would add some money for treats. Some received more than others, for she did have her favorites. When the university students arrived home for the weekend, they would immediately look for Gram. If she was away, the first question would be, “Where is Gram?” She was always a predominant member of our family. They were just as excited to see her as they were to see us. She was a permanent fixture in our home.
In 1984, we built a new home when Kevin and Nancy assumed a partnership in the farm, and they moved into the house situated on the farm. Gram joined us in our new home and was very contented with the move.
Gram was the mainstay of our family for twenty-eight years before her death on July 5, 1985. She was ninety-two years, old. She has left us with
many fond memories.
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