Beloved Aunts and Uncles...

In my childhood, my aunts and uncles were important to me and fun to be around. They have given me sound advice, and have often been a listening ear. Since my own mother and father have passed away, they have become a parent-like figure to me. I am so grateful for their influence in my life. All them have qualities that I admire, and that I have tried to emulate. I’m sad today because some of them are experiencing the effects of aging. Some of them have very serious health concerns and need our prayers. Aunt Mildred is not doing well. She is in ICU because she is not eating or drinking anything. Her blood pressure is low. She is on oxygen 24/7. She has a chronic rare lung disease and coughs all the time. I wish I could see her one last time, Arkansas seems so far away.

 Mom and Aunt Mildred

Mom, Grandma Federer, Grandma Ames, Aunt Jeanne, and Aunt Mildred

They are standing by Grandma and Grandpa Ames's home in Cheyenne.

Every summer Aunt Mildred and Uncle Pete, and my cousins would come to Cheyenne. They stayed with Grandma Ames and we had so much fun playing and laughing together. Aunt Mildred is a positive person, and never said anything unkind about anyone. Dad and Mom both had seven brothers and sisters, and I love them all. There are only five left.

Playing card at Grandma Ames's home with my brother Ernie, my brother Les is by him, my cousin Patty, me and my cousin Suzie.

Uncle Dale and Uncle Ken have both recently fell. Aunt Bernice has neuropathy, so her feet hurt all the time.

The five that are still with us:

 Uncle Dale and me

Aunt Bernice and me

Uncle Ken, Kenny, me and Lloyd

Aunt Kay and me

Aunt Mildred, Mom and Me

A more current picture of Mom with her brother and sister. When I asked Uncle Ken and Aunt Mildred to come to Mom's 80th birthday party a few years ago, they didn't hesitate to say yes. Mom was so surprised, it was a moment I will never forget!

And so it goes... I am grateful to know that I will see them again.