A century of a life!

Today would be my mom's 100th birthday. She used to say that she didn't want to live to 100. In fact, after she turned 90, things started to go awry with her health - and she said maybe she should have stopped at 90!

She lived a good long life. She was happy. She was able to live in her own home. Her children visited. So did her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She did a little traveling. She took a long-dreamed of trip across the Canadian Rockies. 

But it got harder. And her health did take a turn - the Big C reared it's ugly head. She said she didn't want treatment. And so she was home - and asking Donna, "When will I get better?" And Donna said, "You aren't going to get better, Mother. Remember we said we didn't want treatment." 

And from that point on, she ate less and less. She seemed to be shutting down. It did not go on long. She was kept comfortable. 6 of her 12 children were with her when she died. She was able to die at home, in her room, although we'd gotten a hospital bed.

And so today we celebrate the good, long life of Mary Clayton. And we are so grateful we got to be her children! And we are grateful too that she lived past 90!

Reunions!

Over 15 years ago, we started - or maybe re-started - a Clayton Family reunion. Somehow it kept going - it really never got everyone on board. Paul's family showed up once or twice but only stayed a few minutes. But before his death, Paul came and stayed and visited. Never got Byron's family there - I called and talked to Byron about it every time - he put me off. I talked to his daughter who said she'd get him there, but it didn't happen. Ted's youngest boy Jim came a couple of times. Jane and Peter Gilbert's families were well-represented. Anne and her family were usually on board.

And everyone of Bob's kids showed up more than once! I think? Not sure about David. Will have to check.

Mom was the center of it all - she didn't intend to be or want to be but everyone gravitated to her - and she's not a Clayton by blood, but she knows everyone in the family. And I think everyone wanted someone to represent the essence of what the Clayton family is - and she did that job well

We are still having them every other year. Not sure who is the Mother Figure - just glad everyone comes! And that we've streamlined it so it isn't a whole lot of work and money!

Families grow exponentially - thus family reunions can get unwieldy - but many have moved away and don't make the trek, so it's still pretty manageable.

Glad we're not scheduled for this year - with the pandemic and all - and sure hope it's gone by 2021!!

"And the beat goes on . . . "

These women are not only former colleagues of mine, they are "The Girls of '45!"

I worked at Clifton for 20 years - and before that I was at Wildrose and was also a sub for 5 years.

I was delighted to work with so many lovely people - people who made my life richer and more enjoyable.

The worst part about retiring is not being able to hang out with the great people you have come to enjoy hanging out with!!

And now that we are hunkering down in stay at home mode, not seeing friends is even harder to bear sometimes. Usually the weeks go by and you see people or something is planned or you have a good reason to go visit. And what you miss is the human contact. You text and you Facetime and you Zoom and you send cards and notes and even briefly visit at 6 feet. But it's just not the same.

That's what I miss. Life goes on - we are going to make it - but it's kinda tough sometimes!

And I do need to get my photos organized better!

Hmm - not much to report I guess!

Have not posted on this blog in quite a while - in fact, the last posting was pre-pandemic! In the ensuing weeks, much has happened - the Bolanders had a wedding - and another one is coming right up!

The Terrills have hunkered down and mastered the art of homeschooling! And gotten in a lot of bike rides.

 

The Fillmores keep making lemonade out of lemons - and amazing us with their creativity!!

 

The Selanders have had to change a lot of travel plans - we miss "seeing" them but love "seeing" virtually!

 

The Hamills are really far away - but their daily updates do bring us joy - they too and making the best of it.

 

The Noah Terrills are smiling and celebrating birthdays it seems like!!

I miss all the gatherings that didn't and won't happen - virtual visits are better than nothing - but really not as good as the real thing. How did people fare when not only were they separated by miles galore - but they only had an occasional letter if they were lucky?

This too shall pass - but probably not soon!