Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Reluctant Patriarch

I am the youngest of my family of 7 siblings. I had three brothers and three sisters (one died before I was born).

Today I sadly became the patriarch of my family as I lost my last remaining sibling yesterday. Vivian was 17 years old when I was born and had the same number of children as my mom (7 with one passing ).

Viv was a lot of help to mom and I after dad passed away and even though she lived 90 miles away, she came to see us on a regular basis and would often take us to her house for a week at a time. She would come pick us up and would pay for our bus trip home if she could not take us back.

Her children are just a little younger than I and we were more like brothers and sisters than uncle and nieces and nephew.

After my mom died and we didn't spend Christmas together, we drifted apart raising our own families but were always there for each other when needed .













This picture of her and family was taken after the funeral (in 1994) of her husband.

R.I.P., I love you sis.

3 comments:

Linda said...

A thoughtful and touching tribute. May you be comforted by your memories.

Kerri said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Reading your tribute it's clear that Vivian was a very kind and caring person.
That's a beautiful family portrait.
Happy Easter and spring to you Squire. It sure doesn't feel like spring with our snow and cold up here this morning.

Annie said...

Hi Squire,

It's sad, isn't it, when we are thrust up, by death, into new positions in the family order. You have a big responsibility now; somehow I'm sure you can handle being the patriarch with grace and earnestness.

 

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