Memory Monday is back!!

Retired Not Tired is back with her Memory Monday Meme!!  Today's topic is "My Parents".

I have written about my parents many times but will post a few photos and rehash some of it all in one blog.  I'll start by saying that I am so aware of the blessing I had in these parents. We were so blessed to have parents who supported us in every way and loved us unconditionally.

 My dad, Orlyn Albert Kelly, at around age 18.

My mom, Helen Louise Cameron, at about age 18.

My folks met through my Uncle Bill (Dad's brother), who worked with my mom.  Mom always talked about wanting to go up in an airplane, and my dad was a pilot so my uncle set them up on a date for a plane ride.  They fell for each other quickly and were married five months later, in October 1949.

Dad went to work for the Air Force as a civilian.  He started his career in Dayton, Ohio, at Wright Patterson AFB.  Mom worked here and there, but was a full-time stay at home mom after I was born in December 1951.  My brother followed in March 1955, then my sister Patti in June 1958, and last but not least (she says they quit when they got perfection), my sister Tammy was born in June 1961.

Mom did have a miscarriage before I came along, and she never forgot the baby she lost. I'm sure they have been reunited in heaven.

When I was 10, Dad was transferred to Newark (Ohio) Air Force Base, so we moved from Washington Court House, Ohio, to Millersport, Ohio.  Tammy was just barely walking when we made that move, so Millersport is really the only home she remembers.  Once we were all in school, Mom started working for the Post Office and later become a substitute Postmaster and she worked at several post offices when the Postmaster was on leave or they were looking for a new Postmaster.

She and Dad both retired and bought a winter home in Florida, while also moving from the big house we all grew up in, to a smaller mobile home in a community in Ohio where other friends had retired. It was great for them and they both enjoyed being snowbirds in Florida.  Dad always had a boat. Always. He loved being out on the water and fishing.  He was also a hunter; he was a Mason; he could build anything, and he could fix small motors.

Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, and the horrid cancer went to his brain.  He fought a good battle but could not win that one.  We lost him in December 1989. He was only 63 (my age now!).  It was just two months after he and Mom celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.  We had a wonderful party for them, and they had this "official" picture taken.  The ravages of the disease can be seen in both, but dad kept his sense of humor through all the bad times.  Mom was tired and worried and sad.  We all knew there wasn't much time left.

Mom handled being a widow with strength pulled from her faith.  My mom was an angel and anyone who knew her will say that about her (including my Joe!).  She had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and goodness flowed from her heart all the time.  She and some girlfriends traveled together. They went out west for a few weeks, taking turns with the driving and seeing Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills, and enjoyed some shows in Branson, MO, back when it was just getting started as a destination.  A year or so later, they flew to Hawaii and had such a good time.  Mom sold the mobile home here in Florida, and she spent a few months each winter with us. We loved having her with us.

My mom was a great cook, she could sew anything, and she could make crafts out of things most of us would just throw away! She was creative, patient, and generous. She loved to sing, and sang alto in the church choir for years and years.  She was an Avon lady; she was active in PTO while we were all in school; she was in a Mothers' Club; she was in a Euchre club and also played Canasta now and then with her old high school friends.

Mom was diagnosed with colon cancer and also fought a good battle.  It eventually spread throughout her body and she had to go to hospice care.  We lost her in December 1995.  She was only 65.

I miss them so much.  They should still be here with us. I should be taking care of them in their old age.  We should still be having fun and sharing memories. But, it was not to be and we have to trust that there is a reason things happen as they do.

Next week's topic is "My Siblings".  It will be fun pulling that one together!  Thanks for stopping by! I wish you a good week ahead!  Peace & love.