My Dear Aunt Evelyn;

     There are so many tnings that I admired  about you:

1)   You had such a stong sense of family and managed to raised 7 beautiful children.

2)   You were honest and not a phony. This is especially important to me.

3)    You were an incredibly hard worker and would have given the energizer bunny a run for his money.

4)   You were a woman of stong conviction and not easily swayed.

5)   You knew how to make things fun and make people happy.

6)   You were an incredible hostess and amazing cook.

7)   You were not afraid to try new things. (taking belly dancing lessons at nearly 50 years old).

 8)   You seemed to exude confidence and strength werever you went

But there is one thing that stands out to me that eclipses all of these wonderful things and that was your ability to give and to reach out and that is why I share this story: 

      My father was a pretty bad alcholic and evidently my mother had come to her seeking refuge to get out of the sometimes violent and dangerous situation. She had apparently gone to others but, no one wanted to run the risk of retaliation. But you chose to help regardless of risk.

     I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the tremendous act of kindness and love you showed my mother, brother and myself at that  critical time. You brought us into your home and your family for atleast 6 months , maybe even a year. This time gave my mother the ability to gain strength, save money,and build strong reationships with members of your family that meant so much to her. At that time there were no shelters or help for abused women and children. You could have easliy said that your plate was full; BECAUSE IT WAS.

     I remember so many things about our stay at Court Street. I see the wall in front of the house. That is where suitors would come and flirt with Janey and Cindy. I recall Teddy listening to music. "If I had a hammer comes to mind."  I remember playing cards and games with Gigi and Susan. Mary had that awesome drum set and liked Peter, Paul, and Mary. I also remember Jack M. takig me skiing for the first time at Prospect Hill. I also remember that darn see-saw that seemed to always  want to eject me.

 I would not have those memories if it were not for this selfless act. I truly do not know how our lives would have turned out. I pray that angels bring you to your father in heaven that put so many special gifts in you. I look foward to seeing you again " When the roll is called up Yonder."

                                                                                                                            All my love, your neice Peggy