A conversation with Dot

[markdohle]

A conversation with Dot

We are having the Woman’s Cursillo here this weekend. We had the men’s group last Thursday through Sunday, both are a joy to have here. Many of those on the teams are pretty much a constant when it comes to those who take care of the kitchen etc. One person is named ‘Dot’. I have to say that Dot is probably one of my favorite names that any woman can have. They all seem to have the same kind of personality, open, warm, loving, caring, and oh yes, funny. I am not saying that all Dot’s are like that, but I have known at least 5 in my life, so I will stick with the above statement.

Dot came by the office and we were talking and she shared with me something about her family. Her Uncle Walter just died and he was the last one from the older generation. I could tell that she loved him very much and she beamed with pride when talking about him. He seemed to be a wonderful man and at his funeral the priest who said the mass and who was also a good friend broke down during the service. As she shared there were of course tears, both of joy and sorrow, love and loss.

I could identify with her sadness as I am sure most people of a certain age can. On my mom’s side of the family, all of them are now gone. On my dad’s side, there is only one Aunt left; Aunt Joan. I grew up away from the United States so for many years we lived apart. However until I was ten we did see family at least once a year. I have fond memories of Aunt Joan. She had a lot of patience if I remember correctly. I have memories from when I was around five years old when at Grandma Dohle’s house, we played hide and seek. I found it fun, not sure she did but she played along. She would count and I would always go to the same place to hide, which was behind the couch in front of the street window, over and over again. I have not forgotten that kindness, though I doubt she would remember. I have no doubt that she did that with many of her nephews and nieces.

There was Uncle John, who was very quiet, but always kind and gentle with all of us. He even stood up for me with Uncle Dick who loved to tease, but at such a young age I did not know how to take it. Uncle Dick was great as well, though I would not say that the word ‘quiet’ described him. He was a lot of fun. Aunt Delores was a delightful human being and I used to stay at her house occasionally when I was just a ‘little thing’. The other uncles I remember but did not have a lot to do with them. However all are remembered fondly and with love.

Family is important and the generation that comes before, the parents, aunts and uncles are the center and the heart of a close knit family. So now there is Aunt Joan. Whom I have not really interacted with since I was a child, but still have deep affection for. I still live apart from my dad’s side of the family, but know a few of them and am close to the ones I know. Now that my Dad is gone, he died in 2003; I have not really been there for a visit. Just once when I went up to help Fr. Malachy attend his brothers funeral. It was a good visit, for I was able to see Aunt Delores and Uncle Dick for the last time. They were both a joy to me.

It is good to have someone remind me of the importance of family, with all of its drama, intrigue, love, joy, fighting, and other types of chaos that go with it. You have to have that; it is just life, and a wondrous journey I believe……we all get through it.

Edited March 15, 2015 by markdohle

[Q-C]

My mom is the oldest one left on both sides of her family and my sister is the oldest one left on our dad's side. Hard to believe when I think about it.

[markdohle]

My mom is the oldest one left on both sides of her family and my sister is the oldest one left on our dad's side. Hard to believe when I think about it.

Yeah time does fly, though to be the oldest is an honor I believe...

Peace

mark