Robert Ingersol Neu, my Mother's Father, was a real character with a great sense of humor. He was a 'handy man' doing odd jobs. When he worked in the Somerville Mill in Napavine, WA, one night he cut HALF of a fellow workers handlebar moustache off, & then took a hike ... when the fella woke in the morning, furious, he had a LOT of choice words for G'pa. G'pa rode a Harley Davidson 3-wheeler ... I loved those rides around town perched on top of the carrier platform on the back (that is where they put ice & groceries), hair blowing (no seat belts), waving to everyone. He migrated from NE, his parents were from Germany.Loved this man ... jolly G'pa had a twinkle of mischief in his eyes always.
His invitation to join Jesus was Dec. 19, 1949.
On Christmas morning 1981, Jesus came & invited you to join Him for His birthday celebration. How blessed you were.
My Mother, Mary Caroline Neu Middaugh ...
You left us on Christmas Eve 1989 while we were in Mass … how precious of Jesus to pick you for this glorious day to help prepare His celebration of birth & sit beside Him, Mother … know that you are so desperately still missed.
You had such a fun & loving youth, were adventuresome & joyful, worldly travelled. You left your heart in Ireland, oh, so long, long ago. (Her Mother was from Ireland).
Raising 5 children single handed, you molded us all to be where we are today … strong individuals that love life & treasure our relationships in life. You carried us thru such difficult times that were very dire, but you never once gave up … this strength taught us all can be surmounted in the face of uncertainty.
You made sure that we were given every ounce of your love, to make up for living in a one parent home, providing us as best you could … alone. So selfless, you were …
Your quiet, yet strong wisdom was not always welcomed, but as adults we know & can hear those words echoing in our ears … oh, to hear your voice once again. Thank you for bearing with us as we grew into our adulthood.
Our long chats, travelling together, chatty lunches at the diner ... your delicious family swiss steak dinners together … that gentle touch … a soft hug … our sharing family stories of yore … memories in the making, have held me together in moments like this second, as I weep for you now ... tears flow looking at your pictures, remembering the love I feel for you in my heart & soul, that would beg for just one more day … one more word … one more gentle touch ...
Shamrocks & kisses, Mother … a broken hearted daughter that loves you forever… how blessed I am. One day we will be rejoined … get those Pinochle cards out, I’ll be ready. Hugs of love, I miss you. Your loving daughter …
…
On Christmas morning 1981, Jesus came & invited you to join Him for His birthday celebration. How blessed you were.Grandma Hepsie … your life was a very hard life in Oklahoma raising 6 children alone. The era you lived in was tough, the land of the country was not kind, you scraped by with loving family surrounding you to see you all made it thru the ‘tough times’ in Oklahoma.
I remember when we went to your 100th birthday party, by now you were blind, had cancer, nearly deaf, & completely incapacitated. You hadn’t seen Harold in 25 or 30 years. As Harold bent over & said ‘Hi, Grandma’ you immediately said ‘Harold’. You recognized his voice. How overjoyed we both were to have this memory to cherish.
G'ma was just a few weeks short of 104 when she went home.
How blessed you were to have such a wonderful greeting as you entered Heaven … a joyous day.
May your soul rest forever in peace …
(Yes, that is Harold & me, ack!)
*****
Dear Marydon, This was a beautiful post to read. How blessed you have been and how loved. I cannot think of a nicer way for you to celebrate the birth of our Saviour than knowing where your beloved family sits today.
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to bless you this Christmas and all through next year, Maureen....
My Precious Marydon...
ReplyDeleteI write this through tear stained eyes. I feel as though I just met and hugged your Grandpa Robert, your sweet and precious Moma Mary and your beautiful and loving Grandma Hepsie.
They all were called home at the most precious time of year. Christ's birth. I know he had special plans for them for his glorious celebration, and thus the reason to bring them home. They are now angels that surround you every day of your life. Such loving and giving people. I knew it ran in your family.
I will be remembering you in special prayer each and every day through the holiday season, as I know this is a very hard time for you. He only brings the best home early.
You look so much like your Moma. I love her picture. Thank you for sharing your family. I have loved my visit today especially. Your heart is so kind and beautiful Marydon. I love you for being just you. All my love...Sherry/CJ
My tears join yours, Marydon. What wonderful memories, and how blessed you have been. Me too... Christmas brings back a flood of memories of good times with family gone on, waiting me us in the arms of Jesus. Thanks for sharing your family memories and photos.
ReplyDeleteKat
A wonderful tribute, Marydon. They all sound like they were sweet, careing, people. What great memories you have.
ReplyDeleteChristmas Hugs,
Dawn
What a sweet testiment of their lives....enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteI have tears as I write this. What a beautiful tribute to your beloved family.
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed and in awe of how strong people were back then. They are an inspiration.
Hugs, Sue
Oh Marydon... I am at a loss for words... this is such a touching post... you are such a precious lady... I adore you...thank you for sharing these very special, private memories... love to you... xoxo Julie Marie PS I so loved talking with you yesterday!
ReplyDeleteoh...that was very touching....
ReplyDeleteLovely tributes to the loved ones who preceded you, loved you, nurtured you, Marydon.
ReplyDeleteVery precious post. Thank you for sharing. Have a beautiful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHugs and glitter, Patti
Words can't describe how your post made me feel. Remembering loved ones at this time of the year is bittersweet. I hope you and yours enjoy the best the season has to offer.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
ouroldhomestead.blogspot.com
Memories of loved ones gone but not for gotten what a touching Christmas story.
ReplyDeletePatsy
Just a beautiful post Marydon! You write so beautifully here of people you have cherished through your life. I almost feel like I have met them myself. I know that they are pleased at this tribute to them.
ReplyDeletehugs
What precious memories!
ReplyDeleteHi Marydon, You lost some very special loved ones this time of year, didn't you?? I lost my mother and one of my brother's near Thanksgiving--but don't have any deaths during the Christmas season in my family.
ReplyDeleteYour relatives also lived nice, long lives, didn't they??? My Dad was 79 when he died and Mom was 91. George's parents (ages 97 and 89) are both still alive.
Hope you and your family have a very blessed and Merry Christmas.
In God's Love,
Betsy
Rejoicing with you for lives well lived and victories in their home goings...HEAVEN!
ReplyDeleteMy great grandmother died on Christmas Eve 1978 and as I think about it...their are happy memories, b/c her earthly body racked with Alzheimer's was turned in for a new one and she is now dancing with our LORD.
Blessings, andrea
As I read this I think of my family & who has gone-on... The absence of family becomes more glaring this time of year. So-o-o we have to just gather up ourselves & celebrate the day as it was meant... The Birth of Christ!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Marilyn
xxoo
Hello Marydon... OH My,,, what a beautifully sweet tribute to your loved ones how were called home.So very touching... Have a great weekend. H. P. S.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
Hugs;
Alaura
What a precious tribute. We never quit missing them, do we? blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteOh Marydon, what a loving and beautiful tribute to your precious loved ones! Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBlessings~
What a beautiful post and tribute to your loved ones. Hope you have a very joyous Christmas day, Theresa
ReplyDeleteWhat special memories. I've very much enjoyed my time visiting this evening and wish to thank you for visiting me via Aunt Amelia's. Hope that you'll drop by again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the pictures of your wonderful family with us. I can tell how much you miss them.
ReplyDeleteI wish every child in the world could grow up in a family that loved each other as much as yours.
Marydon, Thank you for sharing this intimate look at your family, your roots.
ReplyDeleteSherry is right, He only brings the good ones Home early.
Blessings to you this season and to all you hold dear.
Such beautiful memories you have. I love reading your blog and am going to have to come back when I have more time.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas. Terry
Sweet,sweet memories here..
ReplyDeleteA beautiful memory of those who have gone before. thanks for stopping by my place and going to the market with me. Just go to a shelter and play with the pound puppies once in awhile. All the happiness, none of the worry.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post Marydon. THis time of year is special to us who cherish family and especially to those who have gone before us to heaven. My dad's birthday was Dec 24 and he left us almost 6 years ago- I do so miss this man who gave me huge bear hugs and look forward to receiving them again some day!
ReplyDeleteblessings
mary
Thanks so much for sharing the stories and the pictures. I love hearing them.
ReplyDeleteWillow
You have a wonderful heritage with such a good family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your family with us Marydon. They sound like very special people and it must be so hard to not have your Mother here, especially at Christmas time, even after all these years. Our family has also lost several family members on or around Christmas Day, isn't it strange how that sometimes happens that way.
ReplyDelete