Joy June 6

Yesterday we had a great time with loved ones who i have known (literally) all my life. The ties to family, history and love go very deep. I am so grateful for these connections and to the family members who consider us part of their clan. There is laughter and tears, much discussion of current events, both serious and funny along with many hugs and eye contact with love. We had Dandy with us; he is such a sweetie. In fact while i have a surgery day Wens. Dandy is going to Jon & Amy's home to hang out with Jon and son Jack and lovely Dodger (their dog). I worry about "dogie day care" or having Dandy in the car in a parking lot. It is a relief to know he will be in a loving home and life is good.

Jon's sister Karen was with her son and Husband. I got to know her husband Brian a bit better - he told me about a conversation with my Dad years ago about the CCC. My father came to CA during the depression and Brian was able to tell me word by word about that talk.
The two family connections started before i was born (oh so long ago) in Toledo. My parents and the other couple, Gert and Joe Bort became great friends in the 30's. They lived in an apt. across the hall from each other and all would play cards in the hall with the two doors open to hear both babies (so the story goes). There is a story about Linda (Gert's sister, who babysat me when she was age 7 i was about 1, she remembers it.

I shared a play pen with Steve Bort who is 6 months younger than i am. There were shared vacations in a cabin at a MI lake till Steve and I got to puberty. We still shared vacation time but not the same cabin. I loved riding in their car to the lake 'cause Uncle Joe would get us all singing --.
Over the years there was much laughter and teasing between the two families. Steve had a train set that went from one room to another and i loved watching it. We climbed trees, played games and shared experiences.
Steve's younger sister Ellen was there yesterday with husband Alex. Ellen and my sister Elaine were great friends. Ellen came to Denver to be with Elaine just before Elaine passed over. I was privileged to watch the dynamics between them.
I talked with Steve yesterday when he called his Aunt Linda who is the Mom of Jon. it was Jon's home yesterday where all gathered.
Confused ?
Pay attn: there is a quiz in the morning.

joy