111!

Memories of my dear Grandmother to honor her on her 111th birthday! "Grandma Federer Day" at the First Nazarene Church in Cheyenne. I don't know many people who are honored in such a way. Aunt Kay said Grandma's advice to us would be to do what is right, serve God and go to church.

The pastor of the church presented Grandma with a distinguished service award for 43 years of faithful service on December 11, 1983.

August 1983

This was the first time Grandma held Mark. I am glad he got to meet her!

May 1984

I loved visiting Grandma with Christopher and Mark. She would bring out her box of toys which consisted of spools and empty bottles. You can see they loved playing with them!

Grandma's son Marion was killed in World War II. To honor his memory she joined the American Gold Star Mothers and gave many years of service to them. The organization was for mothers who had lost a son or daughter in the service of their country. She attended a number of meetings and conventions. They held bazaars and used the money raised to make improvements at the Veterans Hospital. From donations they received, they were able to buy televisions and a grandfather clock for the center. They also felt is was important that each patient have a clock in their room. In took about two years, but they were able to achieve that goal. It was an ambitious project as there were only 12 active members of the Cheyenne chapter at that time ~ and most of them were senior citizens. Of course Grandma donated one of her beautiful quilts to raffle off. It took her at least 150 hours to finish. Members of the Gold Star Mothers presenting a check to the director of the V.A. hospital.

Gold Star Mothers

One of reasons Gold Star Mother's wore white at their conventions ~ While black was the traditional color of mourning in Western cultures, the decision by AGSM to wear white, rather than black, was a strong statement of how the women wanted to be perceived as they participated in the organization's business. Yes, they mourned the loss of their child, but white made a symbolic statement that went beyond mourning, a statement of peace, sacrifice, innocence and goodness. Those were the things that their children represented and had died for - wearing white celebrated their children's contributions while the gold star acknowledged their sacrifice.

This is beautiful lilac bush in Grandma's yard. She loved flowers and to this day whenever I see lilacs and enjoy their beautiful scent, I always think of her.

Sisters ~ Aunt Mabel and Grandma

Behind them on the shelf, there is a bottle of Oil of Olay. Grandma always kept a bottle on hand, it was her "beauty secret." I put some on occasionally but I always felt guilty using her special lotion.

Grandma with her first born son, Ernest Cecil. He was born September 16, 1916 and died two months later on November 17. Back then they called it a "crib death." Now we call it SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Regardless of its name, it must have been so hard on her. She was so young. What a difficult experience for her.

I am not sure how old Grandma is in this picture. Aunt Kay sent this picture to me. I love it because this is one of the few picture I've seen when she was younger. She is so cute! I hope Grandma spent her birthday relaxing with a good book. But I know she probably went about her regular day feeding the heavenly chickens and making one of her delicious dinners. Her family and serving others was what brought her the most joy. I spent a summer with Grandma after I graduation from high school. It was one of the best summers of my life. She taught me how to quilt. A few times when she couldn't get a appointment to have her hair done, I washed her hair and set it with curlers. We went for walks and had many cherished conversations.

Happy 111th Birthday Grandma!