When my girls were younger their main pasttime was making life unbearable for each other – kind of like my sister Susie and I did for years. Of course Susie and I later became friends (after my nephew was born and she needed a babysitter!) and I had high hopes that someday Tammy and Ralph would realize that they have more in common than just growing up in the same dysfuntional family. Fortunately I was right (as always! After all, I’m a mom and mom’s always right!)
Tammy’s blog entry for August 21st tells about their latest adventure – a trip to K.C. to attend the Crowded House concert and apparently from the photo, to enjoy some adult beverages! It’s wonderful that they are so close but even more important is the fact that Blair and Steve are friends too and the 4 of them get along so well. While it’s great now, I can only hope they don’t team up at some point in their lives to determine living conditions for me that are not to my liking. That’s why I’m thankful for my granddaughters who I know will take care of me!!!
Yesterday was my sister’s birthday and for the last several years, her friend Karla and I have emailed each other in the evening and then at 10:00 we have a toast in her honor. Karla and Susie worked together for my dad for many years and were so close and we agree that in our minds, Susie will always be healthy – sitting on her deck at their lake home in a bathing suit with a drink in one hand, a book in the other and a cigarette nearby in an ashtray.
We both thought that we’d be around long after our parents left this earth so it never occurred to me until shortly before her death that she would leave us first. She still lives on with us in the clothing bank that bears her name, Susie’s Closet, in the stories we tell and in the nickname we gave my nephew’s wife – she’s a SIT which stands for Susie in Training!
May I live my life that the memories I leave behind are as sweet.
I am glad that Ralph and I are close despite the hell we gave each other as kids. I think Blair and Steve are like brothers which is good for both of them.
I’ll always remember Susie at the lake and at home on Christmas. She was always ready for a cocktail, a laugh and her cigarette. I’m sure she’d be proud of her grandkids and her sister. Happy Birthday, Susie! May Happy Hour in Heaven never end.
By: Tammy on August 23, 2007
at 8:04 am
And yes, we were enjoying adult beverages. Thank goodness for cab drivers as we were in no shape to drive!
By: Tammy on August 23, 2007
at 8:05 am
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the Christmas when we had opened all the presents and Susie looked sad and said she didn’t get what she really wanted which was a dog – that was after Max had died. I’m sure if Riley had known how much it meant to her she would have gotten a dog instead of diamond earrings – she she would have been happier.
Glad to hear your are responsible drinkers!
By: keckeley on August 23, 2007
at 3:33 pm