Today is another day of rememberance for me. Today would be my older sister's 73rd birthday.
Mary Jean was born two years before me. I was her "Baby Brother". She was my protector and friend for a long time. When we were young, she and I would cause a lot of trouble for our older brother (by 8 years over me). Whenever there was any "conflict" (and there was plenty of that), it was me and Mary Jean against him. We didn't always prevail, but we were always in it together.
After I joined the Navy, we didn't see much of each other except each time I would come home on leave, I made sure to visit with her. She had married and had 5 children by then.....I would visit and roughhouse with the kids. Great memories.
Mary Jean was also there for my wife when I first brought her to Syracuse to meet my family. She was helpful in getting her "Americanized" and used to our ways. She was also present when our son was born. On our son's first birthday, she hosted a Happy Birthday party that is remembered clearly.
Mary Jean died tragically in 1972 at the age of 34. I got home on emergency leave and got to see her before she passed away. She left behind a husband and 5 young children, the oldest being 12-13 years old.
Those children had a hard, hard time growing up without a Mom.
I saw those children last year when I returned to Syracuse to bury our older brother. They are mature adults now, with their own families. Mary Jean would be very proud of them. I know I am.
So, Mary Jean, on this your birthday, just know that you are remembered fondly and missed terribley. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEANNIE.
No comments:
Post a Comment