Thursday, April 18, 2013
Dad
I love you, I love you, I love you… We’ve had a wonderful life together; not many get to see their children, their grandchildren and even their great-grandchildren as we have. I need you, I’ve always needed you… but I’ll be alright. You can go now, and I’ll be along soon, very soon. Good-bye. I love you. After this farewell, Grandma went home to be with the Lord within the hour.
Steve
There is not even a remote possibility that anyone has ever had a better Grandma than we were blessed and lucky to have. I will miss Grandma terribly for so many reasons I do not know where or how to begin. What I always admired about Grandma and really grew to treasure as I grew up was how refreshingly honest she was; for lack of a better term she was always so real.Grandma possessed everything a sports-crazy boy with four older brothers could ever want in a Grandma; her love of sports, her delicious meals, her persistence in attending our games, her sense-of-humor, and her generous heart.
I couldn’t wait for Bonnie to meet Grandma when we started seriously dating. Grandma was also always popular amongst my friends for her sense-of-humor. How many teenage boys get to BRAG about their Grandma? I will never forget the time in a sixth grade AAU game when another parent apparently questioned my age (due to my height) with some of the other parents. Oops. Grandmas reply? “That’s my grandson and he is in the sixth grade!” Amazing! I feel like I could write all day about Grandma. She was truly the best. My eyes water every time I think about how much she will be missed. Love you Grandma!
I couldn’t wait for Bonnie to meet Grandma when we started seriously dating. Grandma was also always popular amongst my friends for her sense-of-humor. How many teenage boys get to BRAG about their Grandma? I will never forget the time in a sixth grade AAU game when another parent apparently questioned my age (due to my height) with some of the other parents. Oops. Grandmas reply? “That’s my grandson and he is in the sixth grade!” Amazing! I feel like I could write all day about Grandma. She was truly the best. My eyes water every time I think about how much she will be missed. Love you Grandma!
Jeff
The older I get, the more I value the trait of loyalty, especially loyalty toward family. This is the trait I will always associate most closely with Grandma. I always felt sorry for the person who criticized, called a foul on, or chose not to play one of her grand children. There was guaranteed to be a quick and unfiltered remark from Grandma, as she was determined to support her own through thick and thin. The support I have felt from Grandma my whole life is something that I know is uncommon, and I have no doubt that her and Grandpa's involvement in my life is a big part of why I value family above anything else.
Nate
I know Grandma's applesauce will be mentioned several times through this tribute, but there is a reason for that. This is at its very essence how I will remember Grandma. It was dependable just like Grandma. You knew at every gathering that it'd be there. Grandma was one you could always rely on for anything. I loved watching how this reliability played out in her enviable relationship with Grandpa. The applesauce was consistent and always exactly the same. You never had to worry about a change with it. Grandma was consistent in all that she did. You always knew she would be honest and never beat around the bush. I absolutely loved how you never had to read between the lines with Grandma. Often, she didn't even acknowledge (or care) that these lines exist! Grandma always made more than enough applesauce so she could give some away. Although there are many wonderful stories of Grandma's careful conservation, I will always remember her more for how much she gave. I'll never forget how she would once in a while send a massive care package to me at college. She would spend so much time, effort, and money on this but would save a few cents by wrapping the cookies individually in old newspaper. Grandma and Grandpa's legacy will be one of generosity. Finally, Grandma always made the applesauce with love. She didn't always have to say it, but just by being around her you could always feel her love. I will miss you tremendously Grandma! I look forward to our reunion in heaven where hopefully you have a jar waiting for me!
Adam
This is a tribute to my Grandma Clark, who will be long remembered. Grandma played many roles in this life and wore many hats well. I remember her as an affectionate sister, a dedicated mother, a lovingly biased grandmother, a bleacher fixture, and an adoring wife.
Grandma was a big part of my childhood. She showed up to so many of my ball games (hundreds, easily) that friends would ask about her if she missed one. I fondly recall being banished to the basement in Garrett with my brothers until we had completed the assignment of watching Bedknobs and Broomsticks followed by The Grinch followed by at least 3 episodes of Lil Rascals (or 4 Laurel and Hardy episodes). Then, and only then, could we climb up the steep shag-carpeted stairs to check whether our dinner of corn casserole, beanie weenies, jello with suspended fruit, baked beans with bacon on top, and of course applesauce was ready. And most of all I remember the exhilarating trips to the lake cottage for high speed boating, Grandma’s story-telling, cookouts, sparklers, and general horseplay. The cottage was always the highlight of the summer.
Even when she wasn’t around, Grandma was thinking about her grandchildren. To help equip us for our long car rides, Grandma would send along such travel gifts as paper grocery bags full of pre-read comic strips, cookies individually wrapped in plastic, and audio recordings on cassette tape of her own voice reading children’s stories aloud, complete with her various character voices, numerous throat clearings, and giggles. (Uncle Wiggly’s Adventures is the one that sticks with me).
Grandma could be as stubborn as a mule - she changed her opinion about as often as her hairstyle - and she was absolutely convinced that she had the most gifted, best behaved, uniquely talented grandchildren in the world. She could literally not understand why any of her grandchildren would ever spend time on the bench during a ballgame or why they weren’t cast as the lead in the school play. And it was anyone’s guess as to the politics behind Jeff not being offered a full ride scholarship to play basketball for Duke and why Corey isn’t a famous recording star.
Grandma especially loved babies. I often wondered what thoughts were running through her head as she held a new life in her arms; silently bonding with them. The many pictures that show a tear in her eye suggest she was likely reminiscing about her own 6 babies she rocked so many years ago.
But as good a mother and grandmother as she was, she was an even better wife. I’ll never forget the first time I saw my Grandma and Grandpa Clark kiss on the lips. The image is forever burned into my head. At first I thought it struck me as unusual because they were both so old. But over time I came to realize what made it unusual was the uncommon love they share. An undying love cultivated over time; crafted by pain and loss; bent by times of plenty and times of want; shaped by the sharing of countless memories, inside jokes, car trips, and giggles. And did Grandma ever adore Grandpa. Grandma told me on several occasions, “The truth is there are a lot of good mothers in this world, but a good father is very rare. Earl is as good a father as I’ve ever seen.” In the last few years, Grandma’s body began to fail, but her cross-stitching never did. Though it took her a little longer to climb down the bleachers, she kept showing up to the gym. And though music was her passion, Grandma lost her ability to sing years ago. It takes all my strength to hold back tears as I picture her now, in Heaven, rocking her babies, singing to Jesus, waiting on Grandpa.
Grandma was a big part of my childhood. She showed up to so many of my ball games (hundreds, easily) that friends would ask about her if she missed one. I fondly recall being banished to the basement in Garrett with my brothers until we had completed the assignment of watching Bedknobs and Broomsticks followed by The Grinch followed by at least 3 episodes of Lil Rascals (or 4 Laurel and Hardy episodes). Then, and only then, could we climb up the steep shag-carpeted stairs to check whether our dinner of corn casserole, beanie weenies, jello with suspended fruit, baked beans with bacon on top, and of course applesauce was ready. And most of all I remember the exhilarating trips to the lake cottage for high speed boating, Grandma’s story-telling, cookouts, sparklers, and general horseplay. The cottage was always the highlight of the summer.
Even when she wasn’t around, Grandma was thinking about her grandchildren. To help equip us for our long car rides, Grandma would send along such travel gifts as paper grocery bags full of pre-read comic strips, cookies individually wrapped in plastic, and audio recordings on cassette tape of her own voice reading children’s stories aloud, complete with her various character voices, numerous throat clearings, and giggles. (Uncle Wiggly’s Adventures is the one that sticks with me).
Grandma could be as stubborn as a mule - she changed her opinion about as often as her hairstyle - and she was absolutely convinced that she had the most gifted, best behaved, uniquely talented grandchildren in the world. She could literally not understand why any of her grandchildren would ever spend time on the bench during a ballgame or why they weren’t cast as the lead in the school play. And it was anyone’s guess as to the politics behind Jeff not being offered a full ride scholarship to play basketball for Duke and why Corey isn’t a famous recording star.
Grandma especially loved babies. I often wondered what thoughts were running through her head as she held a new life in her arms; silently bonding with them. The many pictures that show a tear in her eye suggest she was likely reminiscing about her own 6 babies she rocked so many years ago.
But as good a mother and grandmother as she was, she was an even better wife. I’ll never forget the first time I saw my Grandma and Grandpa Clark kiss on the lips. The image is forever burned into my head. At first I thought it struck me as unusual because they were both so old. But over time I came to realize what made it unusual was the uncommon love they share. An undying love cultivated over time; crafted by pain and loss; bent by times of plenty and times of want; shaped by the sharing of countless memories, inside jokes, car trips, and giggles. And did Grandma ever adore Grandpa. Grandma told me on several occasions, “The truth is there are a lot of good mothers in this world, but a good father is very rare. Earl is as good a father as I’ve ever seen.” In the last few years, Grandma’s body began to fail, but her cross-stitching never did. Though it took her a little longer to climb down the bleachers, she kept showing up to the gym. And though music was her passion, Grandma lost her ability to sing years ago. It takes all my strength to hold back tears as I picture her now, in Heaven, rocking her babies, singing to Jesus, waiting on Grandpa.
Ryan
Love has many different facets and expressions. If each facet of love was personified, faithfulness would be Grandma Clark. I have never met a more loyal, devoted person in my life. If Grandma was in your corner, you had an ally and a supporter no matter what. It didn’t matter if I missed ten shots in a row, Grandma would yell from the stands to pass me the ball so I could shoot again. And it wasn’t just for show. I remember watching Grandpa’s videos of basketball and baseball games and hearing Grandma talking in the background, unaware that her comments were being captured by the eternity of a camcorder, muttering that Coach Butt should get me in the game. Her loyalty will live on for eternity, not just in those sound bites, but in all of us she loved.
Paul
My grandma was caring, warm, concerned about me and my life, and devoted to all things about our family. She was a role model for all of us in how to raise and sustain a family. She loved the Lord and her faith in Christ was so evident as she prayed and talked about Him, most often through tears of joy. I know she prayed for me and all of the grandkids and the rest of her family. Her concern above all else was that we would love each other and God.
But I am most thankful for my grandma that in her death, full of faith and loving Jesus Christ, drug my mother along with her on her way to the presence of Jesus. My grandma's death birthed my mom into the kingdom of Christ! Thank you, Grandma. What a gift!
But I am most thankful for my grandma that in her death, full of faith and loving Jesus Christ, drug my mother along with her on her way to the presence of Jesus. My grandma's death birthed my mom into the kingdom of Christ! Thank you, Grandma. What a gift!
Corey
Mary Ruth Van Fliet, Mary Ruth Clark, Chub. Girl, Daughter, Sister, Woman, Wife, Mother, Grandmother: so many different facets. I stand amazed and in awe when I ponder how one small woman took on all these roles so effortlessly; refined. This woman we all honor today was my Grandma!
When I was little, I just expected Grandma to do it. She was somehow Super Human and able to do almost anything…well, maybe not dunk a Basketball like Grandpa. But man, she sure moved at lightning speed! She would “fly” up to Michigan with Grandpa on the speedy exhaust fumes of their Ford Taurus, take in a grade school performance or game and be back down to Garrett, crafting her magical applesauce, all within a few hours span. Who did things like this? GRANDMA.
She would tuck her 12 grandkids in at night but instead of going to sleep, they would be transported off to a far away mystical land of adventure, suspense and a bit of mystery. Who could do something so amazing? GRANDMA.
This woman could do it all! She birthed six children, was grandmother to 12, she was a master chef, could cross-stitch anything, “sing-up” a good old-fashioned lullaby, was basically a novice builder, electrician, plumber, etc. You name it, she could do it! Wait! She really was Super Human, IS Super Human. I just realized. If you’re Super Human then you live forever, right?! You’re indestructible; impenetrable. Here I thought my analogy to Wonder Woman was going to end. But it doesn’t, because Grandma was a lover of CHRIST and so she lives on right now. She transformed; morphed into something new. She’s GOD’s new creation, dancing on a cloud in Heaven. I can only imagine how awesome she is now! WOW!
Thank you, Grandma. Thank you for leaving this GODLY legacy behind. Look at the fruit’s of all your labors! I will miss you and anxiously await our meeting again on the other side. Until then… Corey
When I was little, I just expected Grandma to do it. She was somehow Super Human and able to do almost anything…well, maybe not dunk a Basketball like Grandpa. But man, she sure moved at lightning speed! She would “fly” up to Michigan with Grandpa on the speedy exhaust fumes of their Ford Taurus, take in a grade school performance or game and be back down to Garrett, crafting her magical applesauce, all within a few hours span. Who did things like this? GRANDMA.
She would tuck her 12 grandkids in at night but instead of going to sleep, they would be transported off to a far away mystical land of adventure, suspense and a bit of mystery. Who could do something so amazing? GRANDMA.
This woman could do it all! She birthed six children, was grandmother to 12, she was a master chef, could cross-stitch anything, “sing-up” a good old-fashioned lullaby, was basically a novice builder, electrician, plumber, etc. You name it, she could do it! Wait! She really was Super Human, IS Super Human. I just realized. If you’re Super Human then you live forever, right?! You’re indestructible; impenetrable. Here I thought my analogy to Wonder Woman was going to end. But it doesn’t, because Grandma was a lover of CHRIST and so she lives on right now. She transformed; morphed into something new. She’s GOD’s new creation, dancing on a cloud in Heaven. I can only imagine how awesome she is now! WOW!
Thank you, Grandma. Thank you for leaving this GODLY legacy behind. Look at the fruit’s of all your labors! I will miss you and anxiously await our meeting again on the other side. Until then… Corey
Becky
There are so many memories of you, Grandma, I don’t know where to begin. Of course all of the grandchildren loved bedtime at the lake and your stories. I don’t know I ever heard an entire one through, but they were a highlight of the weekend. And then there were mornings at the lake: the wonderful scrambled eggs which could only be topped by a Tom’s donut. I also remember running back to the fridge in the store room and being the first to grab a coveted Faygo Red Pop. There were never enough of those and to be stuck with a lemon-lime was shame and disgrace, but the holder of the Red Pop was envied.
Probably my favorite memory of you involved the green boat. I don’t know why Lori and I were there when you and Grandpa put it in, but we were. Grandpa lowered the boat in from the ramp as Lori, you and I climbed in. Much to our dismay, the rope securing the boat to the ramp broke as he launched it, leaving him on shore. He waved to us as we floated into the channel. You looked at us and said, “Well, girls, I guess you’ll have to help me drive this.” I think I was six. Wow! I don’t know if you were humoring us or you really didn’t know, but we proceeded to give you instructions like, “First he pushes that thing down and we go forward and then he pushes it back and we go back…” all the way across the lake. I think he beat us back to the cottage, but we made it without a scratch…on us or the green boat.
No member of any crowd could mistake you as anything other than proud. Your cheers and coaching could be heard at performances, competitions, and contests. If we all had a #1 Fan award to give, Grandma, you would win it every time. You believed we could make foul shots and hit high notes when no one else did and you could coach better than any of the “experts” our schools could find. You weren’t afraid to say so either.
Your support didn’t end when the competitions ended, though. We all received care packages with individually wrapped cookies and brownies while at college and you babied us again when we came for visits, offering chili or egg salad, whatever you had just “whipped up.” Of course, none of us can mistake your pride in hearing about our latest accomplishment, promotion, raise, position, or project. And we’ve all seen the joy in your eyes at watching our children enjoy your applesauce just as we did when we were their age.
When I think of you, Grandma, that’s what strikes me most of all: your unconditional love and support for all things yours. It has shown in how you have tirelessly served all of us our entire lives. Consider the words of Proverbs 31 and think of your own life:
Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
No doubt your fingers were sore from all of the cross-stitching late into the night, but you have left us all with physical reminders of your love and devotion, selecting the right verse for each life, each adventure, each chapter we enter. There’s nothing I thought you couldn’t or wouldn’t do for me and you always spoke honestly and from your heart. You have used your life to bless and serve your family and we thank you.
Probably my favorite memory of you involved the green boat. I don’t know why Lori and I were there when you and Grandpa put it in, but we were. Grandpa lowered the boat in from the ramp as Lori, you and I climbed in. Much to our dismay, the rope securing the boat to the ramp broke as he launched it, leaving him on shore. He waved to us as we floated into the channel. You looked at us and said, “Well, girls, I guess you’ll have to help me drive this.” I think I was six. Wow! I don’t know if you were humoring us or you really didn’t know, but we proceeded to give you instructions like, “First he pushes that thing down and we go forward and then he pushes it back and we go back…” all the way across the lake. I think he beat us back to the cottage, but we made it without a scratch…on us or the green boat.
No member of any crowd could mistake you as anything other than proud. Your cheers and coaching could be heard at performances, competitions, and contests. If we all had a #1 Fan award to give, Grandma, you would win it every time. You believed we could make foul shots and hit high notes when no one else did and you could coach better than any of the “experts” our schools could find. You weren’t afraid to say so either.
Your support didn’t end when the competitions ended, though. We all received care packages with individually wrapped cookies and brownies while at college and you babied us again when we came for visits, offering chili or egg salad, whatever you had just “whipped up.” Of course, none of us can mistake your pride in hearing about our latest accomplishment, promotion, raise, position, or project. And we’ve all seen the joy in your eyes at watching our children enjoy your applesauce just as we did when we were their age.
When I think of you, Grandma, that’s what strikes me most of all: your unconditional love and support for all things yours. It has shown in how you have tirelessly served all of us our entire lives. Consider the words of Proverbs 31 and think of your own life:
Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
No doubt your fingers were sore from all of the cross-stitching late into the night, but you have left us all with physical reminders of your love and devotion, selecting the right verse for each life, each adventure, each chapter we enter. There’s nothing I thought you couldn’t or wouldn’t do for me and you always spoke honestly and from your heart. You have used your life to bless and serve your family and we thank you.
Lori
Dear Grandma,
Proverbs 31:28 - "Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her..."
You have done well. You have raised children who rise up and call you blessed, and you have twelve grandchildren, and at least 16 great-grandchildren who adore you. That is truly an amazing thing. Thank you for giving of yourself so readily over the years, for continually pouring out yourself into the lives of your children and grandchildren, for your unceasing prayers for us before the throne of our God. What a legacy.
When I think of Grandma, I think of the numerous stories you told all of the cousins who were snuggled in their sleeping bags. You took us to far away places and captivated our imaginations. I think of sitting at the counter in your kitchen and talking. We'd cut up fruit and cheese or we'd sit and watch you make a big pot of chili. I remember dipping pretzels in white chocolate and letting them dry on wax paper. I remember your gigantic meatballs and tons of spaghetti. I remember your laugh when we'd tell you a story, and I remember listening as you would talk about your mom and days when you were small. I remember stories of Grandmother Harsh and how thankful I was to be able to call you, "Grandma" and not worry about being proper. I remember walking around the neighborhood chatting.
As a child, I hated vegetables, but you understood and worked on ways of getting me to eat vegetables...and it actually worked sometimes. I remember days at the lake when we'd be waiting to eat Tom's donuts, and you would make perfect little eggs topped with cheese. We could either have an egg or eat a bowl of cereal...to be sure we had something healthy before consuming our sugar.
As I grew up, my friends were welcomed at your house. I remember picking apples with you and bringing along a buddy. We had a ball with you in the orchard that day. And how many performances of mine did you attend, not including the ones in the basement of the old house and the screened in porch at the lake? When I turned 21, my friends and I came up to the lake. You fixed us a big pot of chili. Grandpa took us out in the boat and let us all try to ski. How many 21 year olds want to hang out with their grandparents? That says a lot about who my Grandma and Grandpa are.
When Ryan's parents got divorced, you wanted to be sure Mandy had a fun/good place to come and celebrate Christmas, and so we brought her up to celebrate Christmas with all the cousins. She still talks about that.
Then, I had kids, and you and Grandpa managed to make it down to meet each one. You always had a cross stitch in hand specifically made for each grandbaby. They still hang in their rooms...gifts of love from Grandma...cross stitches and applesauce. One of Noah's favorite things about visiting is getting to taste Grandma's applesauce. He knows when we see Grandma Clark we'll come home with a jar of applesauce.
Grandma, thank you for creating an environment to foster memories, family and relationships. Thank you for your unconditional love and prayers. Thank you for being a wonderful Grandma to me.
I love you,
Lori
Proverbs 31:28 - "Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her..."
You have done well. You have raised children who rise up and call you blessed, and you have twelve grandchildren, and at least 16 great-grandchildren who adore you. That is truly an amazing thing. Thank you for giving of yourself so readily over the years, for continually pouring out yourself into the lives of your children and grandchildren, for your unceasing prayers for us before the throne of our God. What a legacy.
When I think of Grandma, I think of the numerous stories you told all of the cousins who were snuggled in their sleeping bags. You took us to far away places and captivated our imaginations. I think of sitting at the counter in your kitchen and talking. We'd cut up fruit and cheese or we'd sit and watch you make a big pot of chili. I remember dipping pretzels in white chocolate and letting them dry on wax paper. I remember your gigantic meatballs and tons of spaghetti. I remember your laugh when we'd tell you a story, and I remember listening as you would talk about your mom and days when you were small. I remember stories of Grandmother Harsh and how thankful I was to be able to call you, "Grandma" and not worry about being proper. I remember walking around the neighborhood chatting.
As a child, I hated vegetables, but you understood and worked on ways of getting me to eat vegetables...and it actually worked sometimes. I remember days at the lake when we'd be waiting to eat Tom's donuts, and you would make perfect little eggs topped with cheese. We could either have an egg or eat a bowl of cereal...to be sure we had something healthy before consuming our sugar.
As I grew up, my friends were welcomed at your house. I remember picking apples with you and bringing along a buddy. We had a ball with you in the orchard that day. And how many performances of mine did you attend, not including the ones in the basement of the old house and the screened in porch at the lake? When I turned 21, my friends and I came up to the lake. You fixed us a big pot of chili. Grandpa took us out in the boat and let us all try to ski. How many 21 year olds want to hang out with their grandparents? That says a lot about who my Grandma and Grandpa are.
When Ryan's parents got divorced, you wanted to be sure Mandy had a fun/good place to come and celebrate Christmas, and so we brought her up to celebrate Christmas with all the cousins. She still talks about that.
Then, I had kids, and you and Grandpa managed to make it down to meet each one. You always had a cross stitch in hand specifically made for each grandbaby. They still hang in their rooms...gifts of love from Grandma...cross stitches and applesauce. One of Noah's favorite things about visiting is getting to taste Grandma's applesauce. He knows when we see Grandma Clark we'll come home with a jar of applesauce.
Grandma, thank you for creating an environment to foster memories, family and relationships. Thank you for your unconditional love and prayers. Thank you for being a wonderful Grandma to me.
I love you,
Lori
Beth
One thing that I love about Grandma is her creativity and story telling. I have such fond memories of all the cousins laying in their sleeping bags all cozy together and Grandma telling us a story. Each story was so unique and creative. She was able to capture each of our hearts by her expression of love to us. I love and appreciate how she loved us by wanting the best for us. One example of that was when she would tell us that we had to eat some cereal before we dug into a Tom's donut. Of course, we didn't really want to eat the cereal first, but she knew what was best for us and I'm sure our parents appreciated that too. Finally, I love the quality time that she gave me. I remember sitting in the front seat of the cadillac between her and Grandpa. She would talk with me and give me mints. She made me feel like I was the most special little girl in the world. I have so many more fond memories of Grandma, but what I am most proud of is how she walks out her faith. She is an inspiration by being devoted to us and praying daily for each one of us by name. I love you, Grandma, you are a wonderful blessing to me!
A letter written to Grandma from Beth- Last night I had a dream that Grandma was just fine and talking with Grandpa and me. It was so real. It was like she was never in the hospital or sick. It just makes me realize that someday we will see her again in heaven. Healthy, talking, and just the way God made her. I am also reminded that she will be reunited with her little boys that she lost so early in their lives. I can't even fathom the great tragedy of losing two toddlers. It makes me so happy to know that she will get to see little Jimmy and little Bruce again. She will be able to start the relationships that she has missed all these years. Then I think of her mom and dad that she hasn't seen for a long time and all her other relatives that she will get to be with. I also think of the most important relationship that we are all waiting to be with--in the arms of our Maker. It will be a glorious time for her to be connected face to face with the Lord of Lords and our Heavenly Father. Even though this is a sad time because we have to wait to see her again, I will have to remember that it won't be long when we will meet up with her. The eternity that is written on all of our hearts will make this earth experience seem like a blink of an eye.
Love Beth
A letter written to Grandma from Beth- Last night I had a dream that Grandma was just fine and talking with Grandpa and me. It was so real. It was like she was never in the hospital or sick. It just makes me realize that someday we will see her again in heaven. Healthy, talking, and just the way God made her. I am also reminded that she will be reunited with her little boys that she lost so early in their lives. I can't even fathom the great tragedy of losing two toddlers. It makes me so happy to know that she will get to see little Jimmy and little Bruce again. She will be able to start the relationships that she has missed all these years. Then I think of her mom and dad that she hasn't seen for a long time and all her other relatives that she will get to be with. I also think of the most important relationship that we are all waiting to be with--in the arms of our Maker. It will be a glorious time for her to be connected face to face with the Lord of Lords and our Heavenly Father. Even though this is a sad time because we have to wait to see her again, I will have to remember that it won't be long when we will meet up with her. The eternity that is written on all of our hearts will make this earth experience seem like a blink of an eye.
Love Beth
Brian
I don’t believe that any particular memory of Grandma Clark stands out for myself, rather it’s a series of smaller recollections that really defined what an amazing woman she was to me. I remember her companionship of Grandpa, the way they always did most anything together, especially when they were a bit younger and would work together on some project. She always seemed to be by his side, ready to go fetch a particular tool that Grandpa needed, folding up extension cords (she taught me the proper way to wrap up them up – elbow to wrist – and I still do it that way without fail), or just helping pack everything up when the job was finished.
Some of my fondest memories growing up were without question the visits to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, and nothing was better than the love and care with which she made breakfast. I think it’s fair to say that I’ve never ever had anything close to the kinds she used to make, with shredded cheddar eggs, that thin wheat bread perfectly toasted, and of course, the Brown Sugar Pop Tarts. Grandma seemed to spend so much time in the kitchen, working on something or other, and it was so apparent the amount of love and care that went into it all.
However, I think the thing I will remember the most was just talking with Grandma, those times when we shared with each other the moments of our lives. Whether it was catching up on family history with her after a family meal, filling the empty spaces while watching a ballgame together, or sharing the latest news of the happenings in my life, Grandma was always interested, ready to gently give advice and abundantly dispense her approval. I don’t know that a grandchild could ask, or receive, anything better.
Some of my fondest memories growing up were without question the visits to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, and nothing was better than the love and care with which she made breakfast. I think it’s fair to say that I’ve never ever had anything close to the kinds she used to make, with shredded cheddar eggs, that thin wheat bread perfectly toasted, and of course, the Brown Sugar Pop Tarts. Grandma seemed to spend so much time in the kitchen, working on something or other, and it was so apparent the amount of love and care that went into it all.
However, I think the thing I will remember the most was just talking with Grandma, those times when we shared with each other the moments of our lives. Whether it was catching up on family history with her after a family meal, filling the empty spaces while watching a ballgame together, or sharing the latest news of the happenings in my life, Grandma was always interested, ready to gently give advice and abundantly dispense her approval. I don’t know that a grandchild could ask, or receive, anything better.
Patti Clark Zeis
I first met Mom in 1967 when I was 17 years old. A year later she welcomed me into the Clark family as her first daughter-in-law. Although I was a clumsy insecure bride, Mom took me under her wing making me feel accepted and loved. Over the years, I learned many things from mom: cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, her silly sense of humor and even how to wrap garbage in a neat paper package tied with a string. Whatever Mom did she did with commitment and she did it well. I knew I could never do anything as well as Mom did (especially wrapping garbage). As Mom and I grew closer over the years, I realized the best things Mom did was not just keeping a top notch house, but she really excelled at “giving and loving”. For many years Mom and Dad provided clothing for my family; care packages came regularly for birthdays and holidays, and we were always sent home with egg salad, chili and applesauce. Nobody could cook like Mom! Mom gave fully of herself and didn’t expect anything in return. I can’t remember hearing her complain or criticize. She showed me what “self-less giving” truly was as a wife, mother and grandmother. Our relationship began to change over the years and Mom became a true friend to me. I found her to be a woman of great faithfulness. Like Christ, she could love unconditionally. In my heart I rejoice knowing we will meet again. I thank you, Mom…my mother in law, friend, and sister in Christ, for the many ways you touched my life.
Bonnie (Steve)
To Grandma,
It has been a pleasure to know you and to call you Grandma for the past 6 years. I have loved your sense of humor, your honesty, and your complete and unashamed bias for your family. Being far away from you and the family has been tough for me but especially Steve over the past few weeks. We’ve been comforted by an excerpt from the book Crazy Love written by Francis Chan, he writes: “….God doesn’t need us but still wants us….He treasures us and anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him…” We have complete confidence that Christ is confessing you to His father today. We love you!
It has been a pleasure to know you and to call you Grandma for the past 6 years. I have loved your sense of humor, your honesty, and your complete and unashamed bias for your family. Being far away from you and the family has been tough for me but especially Steve over the past few weeks. We’ve been comforted by an excerpt from the book Crazy Love written by Francis Chan, he writes: “….God doesn’t need us but still wants us….He treasures us and anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him…” We have complete confidence that Christ is confessing you to His father today. We love you!
Erica (Nate)
I feel honored to have had Grandma Clark in my life. She was a wonderful woman and such a great Grandma. I am so thankful Nate and I's children, Hannah and Seth, were able to meet Grandma. I look forward to telling them more about her as they grow older. I will never forget Grandma's thoughtfulness, unselfishness, and the way she showed she cared for her family. I saw these characteristics in her in many ways, including her and Grandpa always being willing to help out their grandchildren, saving all her coupons for me out of the Sunday paper, making her specialty dishes even when she may not feel up to it, spending countless hours on the needle-points for the new marriages and babies, or letting her husband golf for hours with his sons and grandsons. I can learn a lot from her life. You will be missed Grandma! We love you!
Love, Erica
Love, Erica
Allison (Paul)
When Paul and I got married, I immediately felt she was not only Paul's Grandma, but also my grandma. Her warmth and unconditional love and acceptance was felt right away. One of my favorite and most special memories of Grandma Clark was from when Paul and I were first married. Paul and I drove to Garrett because Paul was going to golf with Grandpa and the guys (of course!). For some reason that I can't remember, I was the only girl there. So, Paul dropped me off at Grandma and Grandpa's house to spend the afternoon with Grandma - just her and I. What a special time. I am so thankful for that day and right away knew that I was lucky to have that one-on-one time with her. We drove around Garrett in their Trailblazer and she proudly showed me her childhood memories, her father's telephone company building, she and grandpa's storage building, and more. She shared stories with me that I'd heard from other family members - but it was extra special hearing them from her. We then went back to their house...and of course she fed me! I knew she loved giving to others through her food! I had her vegetable beef soup and it was delicious! Wow, what a precious memory. What an amazing legacy Grandma left to my husband Paul, and now on to our son, Josiah. I love you, Grandma.
Casie (Adam)
Grandma Clark is my Grandma. Although our paths intersected only 8 years ago, her family has become my family, and she has become my Grandma. I’m amazed by her life and her legacy. I’m in awe how she is revered and adored. I’m astounded by her strength, humbled by her generosity, grateful for her kindness. I appreciate her attention to detail and inclusion of all. I love how she loves her husband, her children, her family. I’m tickled by her humor, her laugh, and her wit. I am blessed to know her.
I think about Grandma, where she now, as she transitions from her life here to her life in heaven. I’m reminded of words from a beloved song, “When life had begun, [Grandma] was woven and spun, You let the angels dance around the throne. Who can say when, but they’ll dance again, when [she is] free and finally headed home. [She] will be weak, unable to speak…Still [she] will call You by name: Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer, Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer, Lord and King, Beginning and the End. I Am, yes, I Am.”
The angels are dancing, Grandma…Dancing for joy that you are home in the presence of our sovereign Lord. We are comforted to know that you lived a full and complete life here on earth. You have left quite a legacy, one that many of us, including myself can hope to live up to. So dance away, sweet Grandma. Dance with the angels, dance with your loved ones. Dance with your two precious babies. Dance with Jesus. We love you.
I think about Grandma, where she now, as she transitions from her life here to her life in heaven. I’m reminded of words from a beloved song, “When life had begun, [Grandma] was woven and spun, You let the angels dance around the throne. Who can say when, but they’ll dance again, when [she is] free and finally headed home. [She] will be weak, unable to speak…Still [she] will call You by name: Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer, Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer, Lord and King, Beginning and the End. I Am, yes, I Am.”
The angels are dancing, Grandma…Dancing for joy that you are home in the presence of our sovereign Lord. We are comforted to know that you lived a full and complete life here on earth. You have left quite a legacy, one that many of us, including myself can hope to live up to. So dance away, sweet Grandma. Dance with the angels, dance with your loved ones. Dance with your two precious babies. Dance with Jesus. We love you.
Tiffany (Jeff)
When I was first introduced to Grandma, people told me she went by Chub. I couldn't believe it. How could this sweet woman who made such wonderful homemade applesauce be called Chub. I couldn't bring myself to say that. So I started calling her Grandma. It fit. This woman truly became one of my grandmas. She took me into the family just like one of her own grandchildren. Many of the memories I will keep with me for the rest of my life are dinners at the lake out on the porch, her homemade applesauce, her sweet spirit, her generosity, and the way she loved Grandpa. One of my favorite memories is when we visited Grandma and Grandpa at their house when Josh was about 3 months old. She was holding Josh and he looked up at her and smiled. He could tell that she was someone special. She is truly very special and I will miss her greatly. She left a legacy that honors Christ. Tiffany
Kristin (Ryan)
Generosity and loyalty—these are two words that immediately come to mind as I think of Grandma Clark. She was a woman who loved her family fiercely and was dedicated to blessing us in such practical ways. My freezer contains jars of her applesauce. My walls have her cross-stitch. A dog-eared page in my recipe book has the best corn-casserole you have ever put in your mouth. What a gift for me to gain a grandmother like this and be the recipient of her love for six years. What a beautiful picture of self-lessness and dedication. Her actions and attitudes have helped shaped mine.
Laurie (Dan)
Dear Mom Clark,
You have been such a wonderful, caring mother-in-law! I truly appreciate you! You have given so much of yourself --and I carry some of it home with me in jars (chili soup, applesauce, peaches, beets, etc.). I also appreciate the needle point gifts you've given to Dan and I -- and to Brianna. What wonderful labor of love! I can't imagine the number of hours you poured into your needlepoint. It is amazing how you kept up with your needlepoint in relation to all the new births in the family!
I also want to tell you that I've especially enjoyed sitting in church with you and worshipping our Lord together. It is wonderful to know that you are my sister-in-Christ and that we have that bond together. Thank you for what you've done for us and for just being who you are!
With love and appreciation, Laurie
You have been such a wonderful, caring mother-in-law! I truly appreciate you! You have given so much of yourself --and I carry some of it home with me in jars (chili soup, applesauce, peaches, beets, etc.). I also appreciate the needle point gifts you've given to Dan and I -- and to Brianna. What wonderful labor of love! I can't imagine the number of hours you poured into your needlepoint. It is amazing how you kept up with your needlepoint in relation to all the new births in the family!
I also want to tell you that I've especially enjoyed sitting in church with you and worshipping our Lord together. It is wonderful to know that you are my sister-in-Christ and that we have that bond together. Thank you for what you've done for us and for just being who you are!
With love and appreciation, Laurie
Rob (Dave)
Mom – the absolute #1 mother-in-law, friend, and example. Mom taught me how to make yummy cheese taties, delicious baked beans, and yucky tuna fish and peas. Her crock-pot story will go down in culinary history. Day 1 of the roast- Mom forgot to plug in the crock-pot. Day 2 of the roast- She plugged it in- plugged it in – plugged it in! Except she forgot to turn it on. Day 3 of the roast- She plugged it in- plugged it in- plugged it in- turned it on- turned it on- turned it on- except she forgot to put in the roast! I think that’s the only cooking mistake she ever made. Mom’s love for her family was never failing. She believed all were super. Of course she had the best grandkids and great grandkids in the world! Mom, we all love you. Thank you for your love, your kindness, and your example.
Love, Rob
Love, Rob
Leslie (Jack)
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks”- Matthew 5-33 and 34.
“From out of the Heart, the Mouth Speaks”-
DEVOTION
When I think of you in every way these thirty five years since I married into your family, it is this that best sums you up. DEVOTION. To Dad, to your whole family, to your teams, to the United States of America, to God and His Commandments- this is plain and simple- how you lived. But this is more than just “out of duty” - rather devotion must come out of the heart.
Your devotion was displayed in action- the constant work of your hands- from the dozens of personally created cross stitched masterpiece- even with carpal tunnel syndrome and eyes that failed- to the annual putting up of applesauce and blueberries, to the dependable baked beans at every lake gathering, the corn casseroles at countless family meals. You always showed up. When we were first married, each time we moved into yet another fixer upper, there you and Dad were, toolbox and paintbrush in hand, eager to approach what to me might be overwhelming-as a “project”. “Oh, isn’t this fun?” you would smile, as you systematically scraped six layers of paint off pathetically closed, old window frames, disregarding the August heat. But then, you would still somehow get to the (truly) thousands of basketball games, baseball games, football games that the boys would play in. Whether it was Little League or AAU or high school varsity, or college- you sat by my side on the bleachers not missing a play. You knew the players, their performance, their parents, and you remembered all of it! MANY know you as that devoted fan. And the boys knew you were there.Memories of how you stood beside me through all sorts of projects and meal fixings, and you sat beside me on a thousand bleachers, and the porch on the lake, and on our church pew, where your devoted heart would weekly flood, then brim with tears as music resonated deep in your beautiful soul. I will deeply miss sharing these Sunday mornings with you.
How blessed we all have been by your devotion, Mom. But, every single time I tried to thank you for the countless ways you showed this by your efforts, you would always say “The only way you can thank ME is to do just do this for your family”.
You stood by us and you sat by us these decades. Then, just two and a half long –but somehow very short weeks ago, we had the precious privilege of sitting and standing by your side as you slipped from this shore to Heaven’s, willing to exchange Dad’s devoted hand to the welcoming arms of our Christ.
Thank you, Mom. We will try to pass it forward. And will always remember to use the backboard!
Love, Leslie
“From out of the Heart, the Mouth Speaks”-
DEVOTION
When I think of you in every way these thirty five years since I married into your family, it is this that best sums you up. DEVOTION. To Dad, to your whole family, to your teams, to the United States of America, to God and His Commandments- this is plain and simple- how you lived. But this is more than just “out of duty” - rather devotion must come out of the heart.
Your devotion was displayed in action- the constant work of your hands- from the dozens of personally created cross stitched masterpiece- even with carpal tunnel syndrome and eyes that failed- to the annual putting up of applesauce and blueberries, to the dependable baked beans at every lake gathering, the corn casseroles at countless family meals. You always showed up. When we were first married, each time we moved into yet another fixer upper, there you and Dad were, toolbox and paintbrush in hand, eager to approach what to me might be overwhelming-as a “project”. “Oh, isn’t this fun?” you would smile, as you systematically scraped six layers of paint off pathetically closed, old window frames, disregarding the August heat. But then, you would still somehow get to the (truly) thousands of basketball games, baseball games, football games that the boys would play in. Whether it was Little League or AAU or high school varsity, or college- you sat by my side on the bleachers not missing a play. You knew the players, their performance, their parents, and you remembered all of it! MANY know you as that devoted fan. And the boys knew you were there.Memories of how you stood beside me through all sorts of projects and meal fixings, and you sat beside me on a thousand bleachers, and the porch on the lake, and on our church pew, where your devoted heart would weekly flood, then brim with tears as music resonated deep in your beautiful soul. I will deeply miss sharing these Sunday mornings with you.
How blessed we all have been by your devotion, Mom. But, every single time I tried to thank you for the countless ways you showed this by your efforts, you would always say “The only way you can thank ME is to do just do this for your family”.
You stood by us and you sat by us these decades. Then, just two and a half long –but somehow very short weeks ago, we had the precious privilege of sitting and standing by your side as you slipped from this shore to Heaven’s, willing to exchange Dad’s devoted hand to the welcoming arms of our Christ.
Thank you, Mom. We will try to pass it forward. And will always remember to use the backboard!
Love, Leslie
Mary Kay (Merk)
Mom was about family – Dinners – tablecloths, china, silverware, ham, corn casserole, Sechler’s orange sweet pickles, baked beans, graham cracker pie; Sleeping bags in the basement, original stories; Parlor games till the wee hours of the morning; The cottage – mattresses on the porch, boat rides to Snoopy, scrambled eggs and Tom’s donuts, cookouts; Attending endless sporting games, recitals, concerts, plays – and driving hours to be present for her kids and grandkids.
Mom loved her family; and Mom loved God. Her devotion and unconditional giving to the family is reflective of her faith; the music during worship opened her heart to the love of Jesus. Her eyes were on the Lord. Her unselfish love was undeniable. Mom was my inspiration, my cheerleader, my support; my encourager, my fan, my listener and I will miss her. How does a daughter honor her mother? I honor my mom by living more like her. So how does a daughter say good-bye to her mother? “Good-bye for now my sweet, beautiful Mother. I look forward to seeing you again when we share the glory of God.” Amen.
Love, Your daughter, Mary Kay (Merk)
Mom loved her family; and Mom loved God. Her devotion and unconditional giving to the family is reflective of her faith; the music during worship opened her heart to the love of Jesus. Her eyes were on the Lord. Her unselfish love was undeniable. Mom was my inspiration, my cheerleader, my support; my encourager, my fan, my listener and I will miss her. How does a daughter honor her mother? I honor my mom by living more like her. So how does a daughter say good-bye to her mother? “Good-bye for now my sweet, beautiful Mother. I look forward to seeing you again when we share the glory of God.” Amen.
Love, Your daughter, Mary Kay (Merk)
Jack
These three remain, faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love.
Mom’s life was driven by love. First I think of her unfailing love for her husband. It began as a crush when in Garrett High School. This chubby yet pretty family girl fell in love with a handsome athletic boy from across the tracks. For 62 years this grew into a love that would never fail. They went through many trials, trials that destroy some relationships. But in Mom, love only grew.
As a child I lived with a mom and dad who loved each other and loved their children unconditionally. I never, ever doubted this love. It was only later in life that I learned this was not true of every family. I was sheltered by Mom’s love- just as we all are sheltered by God’s love if we allow ourselves to rest in His loving arms. I am who I am because of the foundation I was given of unconditional love from my mother. Thank you Mom.
As mom grew older, her love for God also grew and matured. It seemed to me that the loss of her two infant boys shook her faith in the loving God she knew as a child growing up. But time brought her back to the foot of the cross with an even deeper faith in the love of God for her. Our music director at church has expressed how she will miss mom sitting in the front, every week being moved to tears by the worship of our loving God.
Family- that was of utmost importance to Mom. From the beginning of her life to her last breath, she never wavered from her love and commitment to family. And now we see the legacy of Mom’s love for her husband and her family. 3 sons and a daughter, 12 grandchildren, and 12? Great grandchildren… Thank you mom, we strive to keep your legacy of love alive into the next generation and beyond.
Love, Jack
Mom’s life was driven by love. First I think of her unfailing love for her husband. It began as a crush when in Garrett High School. This chubby yet pretty family girl fell in love with a handsome athletic boy from across the tracks. For 62 years this grew into a love that would never fail. They went through many trials, trials that destroy some relationships. But in Mom, love only grew.
As a child I lived with a mom and dad who loved each other and loved their children unconditionally. I never, ever doubted this love. It was only later in life that I learned this was not true of every family. I was sheltered by Mom’s love- just as we all are sheltered by God’s love if we allow ourselves to rest in His loving arms. I am who I am because of the foundation I was given of unconditional love from my mother. Thank you Mom.
As mom grew older, her love for God also grew and matured. It seemed to me that the loss of her two infant boys shook her faith in the loving God she knew as a child growing up. But time brought her back to the foot of the cross with an even deeper faith in the love of God for her. Our music director at church has expressed how she will miss mom sitting in the front, every week being moved to tears by the worship of our loving God.
Family- that was of utmost importance to Mom. From the beginning of her life to her last breath, she never wavered from her love and commitment to family. And now we see the legacy of Mom’s love for her husband and her family. 3 sons and a daughter, 12 grandchildren, and 12? Great grandchildren… Thank you mom, we strive to keep your legacy of love alive into the next generation and beyond.
Love, Jack
Dan
Tribute to Mom
It’s hard to say in a few sentences all that Mom meant to me, but I’ll try. My tribute would include the months on needlepoint for weddings and births, the hours of travel to see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren compete in sports. A tribute would include the ‘care packages’ methodically wrapped to withstand the distance traveled home. A tribute would include applesauce, jelly, chili, vegetable soup, egg salad, pickled beets, pickled eggs and other goodies that made the trip home a little less wearisome. A tribute should include the times of just sitting in the kitchen ‘catching up’ on our lives. A tribute would include the hours of service to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
However, one story illustrates Mom from my junior high years. Bruce Brown was my best friend in the 7th and 8th grades. Playing on the 8th grade basketball team we had many occasions when the schedule for the games left an hour or two gap between school and game time or team bus departure. If Bruce rode the school bus home, he couldn’t get back in time since his mom worked and didn’t get home in time. That wasn’t a problem for Mom. “Bring him home with you Dan, I’ll have something ready for you guys.” There was always a meal for Bruce and I after school. Usually it was something like macaroni and cheese with a vegetable and a couple of cookies, or maybe cheesy potatoes with cut-up hot dogs, but she always had something ready for us. I don’t know how she did it, cause she worked a job, she had a meal to get ready for the rest of the family and then they would travel to the game. But, she would be there, at the game, in the stands, keeping score her way.
How’d she do it? I don’t know. I never even asked her. She was Mom.
It’s hard to say in a few sentences all that Mom meant to me, but I’ll try. My tribute would include the months on needlepoint for weddings and births, the hours of travel to see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren compete in sports. A tribute would include the ‘care packages’ methodically wrapped to withstand the distance traveled home. A tribute would include applesauce, jelly, chili, vegetable soup, egg salad, pickled beets, pickled eggs and other goodies that made the trip home a little less wearisome. A tribute should include the times of just sitting in the kitchen ‘catching up’ on our lives. A tribute would include the hours of service to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
However, one story illustrates Mom from my junior high years. Bruce Brown was my best friend in the 7th and 8th grades. Playing on the 8th grade basketball team we had many occasions when the schedule for the games left an hour or two gap between school and game time or team bus departure. If Bruce rode the school bus home, he couldn’t get back in time since his mom worked and didn’t get home in time. That wasn’t a problem for Mom. “Bring him home with you Dan, I’ll have something ready for you guys.” There was always a meal for Bruce and I after school. Usually it was something like macaroni and cheese with a vegetable and a couple of cookies, or maybe cheesy potatoes with cut-up hot dogs, but she always had something ready for us. I don’t know how she did it, cause she worked a job, she had a meal to get ready for the rest of the family and then they would travel to the game. But, she would be there, at the game, in the stands, keeping score her way.
How’d she do it? I don’t know. I never even asked her. She was Mom.
Dave
Memories / A Tribute to Mom/Grandma
Many , if not most, of my memories about Mom include Dad. They were partners for over 60 years and it is impossible to talk about Mom without Dad.
EARLY MEMORIES
Earliest memory was of sitting on a linoleum floor with a very bright light from above. I believe that the apartment that we first stayed in had a skylight.All of Mom’s kids’ first names ended in ‘ie’ - Davie, Dannie, Jackie, Merkie, Jimmie and Brucie. OK, maybe some of the kids’ names ended in ‘y’. But the second syllable of each name all sounded the same…’ee’.Our first house was on Lee street. Back then, everything looked big. Dan and I wanted to go sledding when we were probably only about 2 or 3 years old. Mom let us use her baking pans to slide down the hill in the front yard. If you drive down Lee street and look at the front of the old house, you will notice that the hill is only about 2 feet high.When I was about 6 years old, we were all going to play outside in the snow. We had a closet under the stairs where we kids threw all our winter stuff. Dan and Jack had plunged into the closet and with Mom’s help, already were dressed in winter gear and ran outside. I got my stuff on but couldn’t find gloves. Mom found 2 right handed gloves on the floor in the back of the closet but could not find a left handed glove for me. I took one of the right handed gloves, turned it inside out, and put it on my left hand (I don’t know how I figured that out but it worked). From that moment on, Mom thought that I was a genius destined for greatness. I have heard about this story every couple of months for 50 years. Unfortunately, the height of my intellectual flight hit its apex at the age of 5. Since that time, I have only been able to use the ‘Clark Inside Out Glove Technique’ 4 other times. The patent for this technique expired years ago.Just to prove that I peaked at 5, I was the third grade spelling champ at Garrett (my teacher taught me the word ‘aisle’ and then used it to knock out all the other spellers; I did not understand what she had done at the time). Mom practiced spelling words with me for weeks so I would be ready for the County championship. I felt like I was being punished for being the champion because now I had to practice. I went out on the first word of the tournament…whith…the correct spelling of the word…with. To this day, I have been trying to get Webster to correct the dictionary. Mom was there for me all the way.
FOOD
One of our favorite meals was fried chicken on Sunday. We all fought over the drumsticks because they were…drumsticks. I don’t even know that we thought that they were good. I kind of think that Mom and Dad tricked us into eating the drumsticks so that they could have the breasts.
This leads me into the first weapon that mom would use in order to get us to eat something. It was called gravy. I would eat anything with gravy on it: meat, potatoes, bread, muffins, hockey pucks. Still do; though now, at my age, it’s hard to chew up a hockey puck.
Mom’s second offensive culinary weapon was cheese. She put cheese on everything. Obviously, she put cheese on everything that she would put gravy on. She added vegetables to the mix and we ‘bit’. Sure enough, we even ate a green vegetable as long as it had cheese on it. To this day, my favorite meal is cheese potatoes with hot dogs. I am convinced that Kentucky Fried Chicken should pay mom a royalty for their gravy, cheese and mashed potato dish. That was mom’s idea 50 years ago!
One year, Mom and Dad had a great idea and bought a side of beef. Some company had a promotion that if you bought their freezer, they would throw in the side of beef for free. We all sat down for our first steak dinner but the meat was so tough that even gravy would not help. It was actually tougher than a hockey puck. Mom and Dad did not fret. They decided to grind up the whole side of beef into ground beef. We had every conceivable ground beef meal that you can think of: hamburgers, hunky stew, stroganoff, ground beef with noodles, rice, tomatoes, beans, you name it, chili, and, of course, you have already probably guessed it, hamburger ‘gravy’.Hamburger gravy was a staple unto itself. It was great. You could eat it on anything or use it as the entre by itself. You could freeze it. Then, if you had some dish that you didn’t know how to save, you simply thawed the hamburger gravy and poured it all over the entre. Again, gravy comes to the rescue.
Mom was really a great cook, but everyone knows that her specialty was her world famous applesauce. She would peel apples for hours. One of the secrets to her applesauce was the apples that she selected: northern spy. People would lie, cheat and steal for her applesauce. The applesauce was better than pie filling; a sweet, cinnamon flavored fruity textured sauce that could be eaten with anything. This made the applesauce Mom’s third weapon in the fight to get her children to eat. Just like gravy and cheese, the applesauce could be used to make almost anything taste good. Or it would be used as leverage: if you don’t eat the broccoli, you don’t get the applesauce.
MUSIC
Mom instilled the love of music in all of us. She and Dad would often sing songs while we rode in the car. She would harmonize with Dad as he attempted to sing the tune. I guess that Mom’s sweet melodious alto voice more than made up for, let’s just say for diplomacy’s sake, Dad’s raw talent.
I came to realize that our family does not remember the words to one single song. We hum along a lot and some of us make up words or sing different stanzas at the same time. We also change keys about 6 times during one song. Thus, we end every song on at least 3 different notes.
Mom encouraged all of us to sing. Because of her, I sang solos and in duets, quartets, choirs, and musicals. She and Dad attended all my performances in high school and college, and, later, they attended some of my church performances.I really enjoyed listening to the choir and the harmony in their hymns. Mom and I were in the Methodist choir together for 2 years. Mom had a really pretty voice and seemed to pick up her alto parts with ease.
Mom played the piano and encouraged all of us to play. I played for about a year and a half. The only thing that kept me from being a piano virtuoso was practice. I really practiced a lot; but it was jump shots. I liked to hear Mom play the piano. Her favorite song was ‘Claire de Lune’. It was a song that she was beginning to learn when she quit playing the piano. Consequently, she only learned about the first 16 bars of the song. She would often play these bars but have to stop. She always meant to learn the entire song but just never did. To this day, those first 16 bars of ‘Claire de Lune’ are my favorite. I have no idea what the rest of the song sounds like.
SUCCESS
Mom and Dad did not measure success by wins and losses. They wanted you to always do your very best. If you did your best, then you were successful. That is always what they ever asked of us. If you think about it, that really is a very high standard, but it is an attainable standard.
PATIENCE
When I was about 15 years old, we owned a white Chevrolet station wagon with a 3 speed stick shift on the steering column. It was not a car to die for. One day all of our family was in the car when my dad turned around and said, “Dave, do you want to drive?” I was dumbfounded but said, “Sure.” I got behind the steering wheel and Dad proceeded to explain the art of using the clutch and shifting in a one minute lesson. I had no idea what he said. I did not understand the necessity for a clutch nor the need for gears.
Fortunately, I understood the concept of steering and braking or we all would have crashed and burned that day. I started the car. For the next 15 minutes, we chugged and lurched and shimmied and stopped and lunged. About every 2 to 3 minutes, I would finally get the car in third gear and we would drive smoothly until we hit a stop sign or curve on the road. Then, the violent shaking would start all over as I tried vainly to get the car into a gear that would work. Remember that we had Dad, Mom, Dan, Jack and Merk in the car. Instead of screams of agony and shrieks of dread for their lives, everyone, except me, was laughing hysterically. Every shake brought a roar, a shimmy brought glee, they could not control their amusement over my agony.
The next time Dad asked if I would like to drive, I politely said, “No.” Later that week, Mom drove me out to a back road in the country. She had me get behind the wheel and then she carefully (and without an audience) taught me all about first gear. We drove around in first gear, stopping and starting, for about 10 minutes. Then we practiced on first and second gears. Finally, we put them all together. I never had problems with a stick shift again. Mom taught me patience.
DISCIPLINE
Mom used to employ a fly swatter to spank us. It really didn’t hurt, but we all cried anyway. It was better to get spanked with a fly swatter than by the ‘hand of Dad’. When Dad spanked, he would follow through. That little extra lift off you got from his spank really convinced you that you really did not want to be a repeat offender of your current crime.Looking back, it really amazes me that Mom and Dad did not punish us very much passed the age of about 10 to 12 years old. Somehow they had convinced us that we wanted to please them. So we really just kind of stayed out of trouble on our own. Also, they seemed to let up on the rules at the right time. I always felt that I had all the freedom that I wanted.
Many , if not most, of my memories about Mom include Dad. They were partners for over 60 years and it is impossible to talk about Mom without Dad.
EARLY MEMORIES
Earliest memory was of sitting on a linoleum floor with a very bright light from above. I believe that the apartment that we first stayed in had a skylight.All of Mom’s kids’ first names ended in ‘ie’ - Davie, Dannie, Jackie, Merkie, Jimmie and Brucie. OK, maybe some of the kids’ names ended in ‘y’. But the second syllable of each name all sounded the same…’ee’.Our first house was on Lee street. Back then, everything looked big. Dan and I wanted to go sledding when we were probably only about 2 or 3 years old. Mom let us use her baking pans to slide down the hill in the front yard. If you drive down Lee street and look at the front of the old house, you will notice that the hill is only about 2 feet high.When I was about 6 years old, we were all going to play outside in the snow. We had a closet under the stairs where we kids threw all our winter stuff. Dan and Jack had plunged into the closet and with Mom’s help, already were dressed in winter gear and ran outside. I got my stuff on but couldn’t find gloves. Mom found 2 right handed gloves on the floor in the back of the closet but could not find a left handed glove for me. I took one of the right handed gloves, turned it inside out, and put it on my left hand (I don’t know how I figured that out but it worked). From that moment on, Mom thought that I was a genius destined for greatness. I have heard about this story every couple of months for 50 years. Unfortunately, the height of my intellectual flight hit its apex at the age of 5. Since that time, I have only been able to use the ‘Clark Inside Out Glove Technique’ 4 other times. The patent for this technique expired years ago.Just to prove that I peaked at 5, I was the third grade spelling champ at Garrett (my teacher taught me the word ‘aisle’ and then used it to knock out all the other spellers; I did not understand what she had done at the time). Mom practiced spelling words with me for weeks so I would be ready for the County championship. I felt like I was being punished for being the champion because now I had to practice. I went out on the first word of the tournament…whith…the correct spelling of the word…with. To this day, I have been trying to get Webster to correct the dictionary. Mom was there for me all the way.
FOOD
One of our favorite meals was fried chicken on Sunday. We all fought over the drumsticks because they were…drumsticks. I don’t even know that we thought that they were good. I kind of think that Mom and Dad tricked us into eating the drumsticks so that they could have the breasts.
This leads me into the first weapon that mom would use in order to get us to eat something. It was called gravy. I would eat anything with gravy on it: meat, potatoes, bread, muffins, hockey pucks. Still do; though now, at my age, it’s hard to chew up a hockey puck.
Mom’s second offensive culinary weapon was cheese. She put cheese on everything. Obviously, she put cheese on everything that she would put gravy on. She added vegetables to the mix and we ‘bit’. Sure enough, we even ate a green vegetable as long as it had cheese on it. To this day, my favorite meal is cheese potatoes with hot dogs. I am convinced that Kentucky Fried Chicken should pay mom a royalty for their gravy, cheese and mashed potato dish. That was mom’s idea 50 years ago!
One year, Mom and Dad had a great idea and bought a side of beef. Some company had a promotion that if you bought their freezer, they would throw in the side of beef for free. We all sat down for our first steak dinner but the meat was so tough that even gravy would not help. It was actually tougher than a hockey puck. Mom and Dad did not fret. They decided to grind up the whole side of beef into ground beef. We had every conceivable ground beef meal that you can think of: hamburgers, hunky stew, stroganoff, ground beef with noodles, rice, tomatoes, beans, you name it, chili, and, of course, you have already probably guessed it, hamburger ‘gravy’.Hamburger gravy was a staple unto itself. It was great. You could eat it on anything or use it as the entre by itself. You could freeze it. Then, if you had some dish that you didn’t know how to save, you simply thawed the hamburger gravy and poured it all over the entre. Again, gravy comes to the rescue.
Mom was really a great cook, but everyone knows that her specialty was her world famous applesauce. She would peel apples for hours. One of the secrets to her applesauce was the apples that she selected: northern spy. People would lie, cheat and steal for her applesauce. The applesauce was better than pie filling; a sweet, cinnamon flavored fruity textured sauce that could be eaten with anything. This made the applesauce Mom’s third weapon in the fight to get her children to eat. Just like gravy and cheese, the applesauce could be used to make almost anything taste good. Or it would be used as leverage: if you don’t eat the broccoli, you don’t get the applesauce.
MUSIC
Mom instilled the love of music in all of us. She and Dad would often sing songs while we rode in the car. She would harmonize with Dad as he attempted to sing the tune. I guess that Mom’s sweet melodious alto voice more than made up for, let’s just say for diplomacy’s sake, Dad’s raw talent.
I came to realize that our family does not remember the words to one single song. We hum along a lot and some of us make up words or sing different stanzas at the same time. We also change keys about 6 times during one song. Thus, we end every song on at least 3 different notes.
Mom encouraged all of us to sing. Because of her, I sang solos and in duets, quartets, choirs, and musicals. She and Dad attended all my performances in high school and college, and, later, they attended some of my church performances.I really enjoyed listening to the choir and the harmony in their hymns. Mom and I were in the Methodist choir together for 2 years. Mom had a really pretty voice and seemed to pick up her alto parts with ease.
Mom played the piano and encouraged all of us to play. I played for about a year and a half. The only thing that kept me from being a piano virtuoso was practice. I really practiced a lot; but it was jump shots. I liked to hear Mom play the piano. Her favorite song was ‘Claire de Lune’. It was a song that she was beginning to learn when she quit playing the piano. Consequently, she only learned about the first 16 bars of the song. She would often play these bars but have to stop. She always meant to learn the entire song but just never did. To this day, those first 16 bars of ‘Claire de Lune’ are my favorite. I have no idea what the rest of the song sounds like.
SUCCESS
Mom and Dad did not measure success by wins and losses. They wanted you to always do your very best. If you did your best, then you were successful. That is always what they ever asked of us. If you think about it, that really is a very high standard, but it is an attainable standard.
PATIENCE
When I was about 15 years old, we owned a white Chevrolet station wagon with a 3 speed stick shift on the steering column. It was not a car to die for. One day all of our family was in the car when my dad turned around and said, “Dave, do you want to drive?” I was dumbfounded but said, “Sure.” I got behind the steering wheel and Dad proceeded to explain the art of using the clutch and shifting in a one minute lesson. I had no idea what he said. I did not understand the necessity for a clutch nor the need for gears.
Fortunately, I understood the concept of steering and braking or we all would have crashed and burned that day. I started the car. For the next 15 minutes, we chugged and lurched and shimmied and stopped and lunged. About every 2 to 3 minutes, I would finally get the car in third gear and we would drive smoothly until we hit a stop sign or curve on the road. Then, the violent shaking would start all over as I tried vainly to get the car into a gear that would work. Remember that we had Dad, Mom, Dan, Jack and Merk in the car. Instead of screams of agony and shrieks of dread for their lives, everyone, except me, was laughing hysterically. Every shake brought a roar, a shimmy brought glee, they could not control their amusement over my agony.
The next time Dad asked if I would like to drive, I politely said, “No.” Later that week, Mom drove me out to a back road in the country. She had me get behind the wheel and then she carefully (and without an audience) taught me all about first gear. We drove around in first gear, stopping and starting, for about 10 minutes. Then we practiced on first and second gears. Finally, we put them all together. I never had problems with a stick shift again. Mom taught me patience.
DISCIPLINE
Mom used to employ a fly swatter to spank us. It really didn’t hurt, but we all cried anyway. It was better to get spanked with a fly swatter than by the ‘hand of Dad’. When Dad spanked, he would follow through. That little extra lift off you got from his spank really convinced you that you really did not want to be a repeat offender of your current crime.Looking back, it really amazes me that Mom and Dad did not punish us very much passed the age of about 10 to 12 years old. Somehow they had convinced us that we wanted to please them. So we really just kind of stayed out of trouble on our own. Also, they seemed to let up on the rules at the right time. I always felt that I had all the freedom that I wanted.
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