Memories

(Standing left to right) Stanley, Ralph, can't recall, Bill, Grandma, Grandpa, Marjorie, Florence, Virginia & Ruth, (kneeling left to right) Byron, Paul and Dad (doesn't he look like Elvis?)

I was looking through a box of pictures and came across an old one of my dad when he was a young man, and a couple of my sister Lois and me. It's funny how looking at pictures can bring back memories of times gone by. And even though these pictures are forty-five and fifty years old, I can look at them and recall so many times spent at family gatherings and picnics. Times visiting aunts and uncles at their homes, bonding with my cousins.

My aunt Virginia and Uncle Bennie lived on a farm over run by cats. Uncle Paul and Aunt Erdine lived in a fairly small house considering they had five children. We spent a lot of time there, as Uncle Paul was the closest brother to my dad's age. And of all my cousins I knew his children the best. To this day cousin Mary and I keep in touch and visit when we can.

Aunt Barbara and Uncle Stanley, he was my favorite uncle, lived in a house on China lake. Aunt Ruth sent my sister and me a big box of clothes for Christmas every year. Uncle Byron lived in a big house on a hill and had ten kids. I recall catching fire flies with them as we played late one after noon.

Aunt Marjorie, believe it or not the very first time I met her was about six years ago. The oldest girl and twenty years older than my dad, she was farmed out to another family when she was a teenager. Something large families did back then. She's the only one still alive at ninety-eight. I don't remember much about Uncle Bill except that he was a drinker. Uncle Ralph and Aunt Lucille? Other than living with them for a while I remember their son turned out gay:) One uncle's name I can't recall.

The pictures of my sister and I when we were around 4 & 5 were taken outside my Aunt Florence's home in China, Maine. She was my favorite

aunt and always remembered our birthdays and Christmas. The earlier picture of Lois and me was taken in Milo, Maine, where we were born.

I miss all of these people, and most of all the simpler times back then when spending time with your families filled your days with adventure and memories. You hope not to lose those with the passing of years, and finding old pictures easily bring them back to the surface.

I just wanted to share a part of myself with you wonderful ladies.

Yes, I'm in a nostalgic mood.