I am so thankful for my parents. I am 47 years old and still, my Daddy is my Daddy and my Mama is my Mama. Always there for me, always consistent in the way they treat others, always giving their best and being true to themselves and their values. Family first, Patriotic, American through and through, lover of a good laugh, sarcastic, tough, smart, voracious reader and so strong are just a few words to describe my Daddy. Gentle, funny, strong, good cook, reader, sewer, faithful to God and family, silly, funny, capable and joyful are only a few of Mama's qualities. Daddy is 85 and Mama 82 and thankfully they are in pretty good health. In July they celebrated their 62 years anniversary!
Here is a poem that my niece Kelly St Cyr wrote describing a Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa's Barn
Cars pile up
Outside the old converted barn in Franklin, Vermont
For Sunday dinner at Gramma's
The gas stove ticks, and we know it won't be long.
Gramma is reheating dinner for probably the third time today.
There are three generations here, so we eat in shifts
The littlest ones play on the linoleum with yard sale specials,
plastic ponies and cars, The Little People collection, and a barbie if they're lucky.
Banter is thick with Boston accents among adult siblings
Perched on mismatched stools and benches around the old pine table
covered with holiday placemats and
enough sets of salt and pepper shakers for each of us to have our own.
Salivating carnivores with shiny chins and forkless fingers
grab roast beef, ham and all the fixings.
We're parched until our plates are clean
and glasses of milk and homemade pies (5 to choose from) are granted.
Clean up lasts for hours
I've never seen my gramma sit
or eat a whole meal - she says she'll heave.
She sends us home with leftovers
stored in styrofoam meat trays and cakes
with frosting smeared to the saran wrap.
Not before reminding us to zip our jackets and cover our ears
or we'll get the flu, and to be there at 11 am
next Sunday.
For dinner
I have always loved this poem that Kelly wrote because every word brings to mind the feelings and emotions of HOME. Mom and Dad continue to live and love family in all ways. They teach us values and the true meaning of family. In honor of them and for all they do, I love you Mama. I love you Daddy!
Janet :)
My Daddy
