A few weeks ago, the mother of three of my very favorite ladies passed away. She died the day before her 94th birthday. Her name was Dorothy McDonald.
Her middle daughter, Mary, and I went through school together. Her youngest daughter, Kathryn (Taubert), found her life as a jazz singer, and I helped her a bit at the beginning of her career. And her oldest daughter, Dorothy, was an airline hostess who flew internationally back in the days when that was a very romantic job for a young woman to have.
I especially loved Mrs. McDonald's husband. I called him Mr. Mac. He drove a Jeep, liked to fish, messed with ham radios, was the father of three knock-outs, and liked kids - all of the things that especially appealed to me. And he was never too busy to do things with us.
Now, there are three of us boys who have been close for a lifetime; more than fifty years. Each of us knows that we can always depend on the other two.
My friend Victor Damiani and I were unable to go to Mrs. McDonald's funeral, but the Third Musketeer, J.E. Tramonte, went to represent all three of us. Our ambassador; and everyone there knew he was. It was almost the same as our being there. It certainly was in that spirit.
At the funeral, Mrs. McDonald's daughter Kathryn read a poem that her mom had written. I have the family's permission to share it with you.
HAPPINESS, REMEMBER?
Summer
Wispy curtains, whispering in the morning breeze-warm butter toast and "cambric" tea - bare feet in cool grass (tickly) school is out!
Shout of friends (can you play?). Racing with flushed faces .
A picnic basket, cane poles .... fishing in the creek .... clear water trickling over the stark white stones ... minnows quivering!
Wading ... ah ecstasy!
........ children - rest now! (Giggle) .. Jack Stones on a cool
smooth porch (bounce, bounce) - pick-ups, sheep in a pen, horses under the bridge, sky-rocket!. .... peanut butter crackers up in a tree .. oo.higher and higher -look down .. oooh! !. .... Sprinkler (softly) on a
parched lawn. Ghostly shadows moving - hide and seek! "You're It!" .... Violet sky - "Big Dipper" - "Little Dipper" - "Seven Sisters" "Jacob's Ladder"! Sno-cone Man - Ding-a-Ling!
Children! Bedtime! Now Ilay me soft cool white sheets .
Fall
New starched clothes on sun-bum ... aching feel- school! Pencil boxes, shiny lunch pail.. oohomework! "Do it first"! Cool breeze gently ...
First norther. .. ah! Softly falling leaves-swish-swish-curls of fragrant blue gray smoke along the block - Happy melodious voices - "How are you"? Sweep, sweep .. 00 "Children-be careful"!!
Jack-o-Lantern with bright orange windows-walnut shell boats drifting softly - crunchy glorious apples-wet shiny cherubic faces with popcorn ball glitter.. ooHooded goblins with red crayola eyes ...
Boo! Boo! Hallowe'en!. .. Snow-flakes?? Black & white paper pilgrims looking through the window=turkey, pumpkin pie, salted nuts ... Ah ... no more please - Drowsy, flushed angel faces .. oonodding .. 00.
Winter
White softness - crystal clear icicles hanging-one falling (plop!) Creak of bare branches - red cheeks - nose (sniff) wet stiff Shoes drying by a hot fire - hot soup -fresh gingerbread - cold apples! Fragrant emerald tree - "Oh Holy Night"!
Red Candles-paper chains-sparklers!
Spring!
Green things .. oospeckled bird eggs, silver notes from a tree, Easter church bells - Anticipation! !
Happiness ahead - Remember?
Copyright 2006 - Dorothy McDonald; Copyright 2007 - William S. Cherry
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