Memorial Day 2009

Yesterday's parade in town was short and sweet. After I attended it and before attending the All Wars Memorial Ceremony I double-checked that a new flag had, indeed, been placed at the cemetery, along with a single scarlet carnation on each veteran's grave, kindly done, despite the economy of current times, by Troop 29 of the Bantam Boy Scouts.I also lit a candle for you, having found the church doors unlocked, much to my surpise in these times. Another tradition took place later when there was the usual free 'hot dogs and soda' at the Bantam Borough Hall for parade marchers and all who wished to join them there, and me too. Today there is a red, white and blue floral bouquet in a holder for it too. I put the aforementioned scarlet carnation in the middle of it. Judy came with me today and she had brought the same exact kind of bouquet I was going to get locally today, when I hoped to find a better selection than yesterday's. I hope you and your friends and relatives from Army/military service are at peace, as well as any of mine. I know you all still keep watch for our sakes. xos

Wonderful

I know you should have known it very well, but I find myself wondering if you ever really did know how wonderful our family was and still is and/or how much we all really loved each other and still do. I know we all treasure it and it's sweet memories while we make new ones. I hope you are at peace and that we can come to find our peace with this. It doesn't seem like a year and it doesn't seem to be really possible still. We have tried our best each in our own way to navigate thru this past year and thru this First Anniversary.

Mother's Day 2009

Having had a very nice Mother's Day and having had conversations with all three of my 'kids,' as with my grandaughter today, in celebration of the same, I wanted to note the obvious (who me?) as we are all on the same page in our memories and thoughts. I am thankful for the fulfillment of hopes and dreams of long ago and as such then for our wonderfully kind and caring (as well as) beautiful family . We are blessed indeed. xos tiab :-) Love, Mommy/Sweet Grandma

62

Hi, 62 today officially. Luckily for me, a lot of people have seen to it that it was a very wonderful occasion. :-) xos tiab

Train ride with you

I was sitting on the train and across from me sat a grandfather and his granddaughter, who was about 18 months old. She sat in a simple stroller like the ones we rode in when we were small. He was older than you were, probably in his mid-70s. He had one hand on the stroller and one hand on his knee. The girl kept looking up at him, not like she was worried or distressed, but with the enjoyment our faces make upon looking at something or someone we love. He smiled at her with crystal blue eyes. One of the several times she turned around in her seat, she reached up and put her tiny hand on his seemingly giant hands, hands like yours, working hands, strong hands, big hands. She left her hand on his and their fingers seemed to stitch together in the kind of seam two humans can make when they touch like parts, their differences highlighted, their union a new creation. I saw this happen with you and Natalie and I have photos of it happening with you and me or Michelle or James. I miss seeing your eyes and your hands and your love, Dad. Every day, I miss you. -aimee

April 2009

Thoughts of how much everyone is missing him this month, as they have been and will always. Keep him in your prayers too. xos

Roy E. O'Pelletier

I miss you today, Roy E. O'Pelletier, as we all do. Happy Saint Patrick's Day. Love, Mrs. Jeanne Clarke Russell O'Pelletier and all the other O'Pelletiers xos tiab