Sadly, I was unable to attend the funeral for Myrtle Chambers today, but wanted to post a tribute to an awesome and memorable lady.
I first met Myrtle over 30 years ago through friends who have since moved away. Myrtle was an integral member of their household in that she baby sat, cleaned, shopped, and cooked for my friends as well as others. They, like most others lucky enough to employ Myrtle, treated her with the respect and love she was due. Fortunately, one of the major "others" is my next-door neighbor who retained Myrtle's services for even longer than my friends. My across-the-street neighbor recognized Myrtle's gifts and brought her into her family as well.
I doubt the words "work ethic" ever crossed Myrtle's mind. She'd probably consider my mentioning it as nonsense. Myrtle simply considered work joyous, especially if she was in the kitchen and that is where she excelled. And could she cook! Until she fell ill about 6 months ago, Myrtle came every week to cook a Friday night meal for my next door neighbor. I had a standing invitation to enjoy Myrtle's specialties of which there were dozens. Every Friday, Myrtle would call to make sure I remembered. It grieved me to tell her if I had other plans, because she absolutely loved feeding people and I hated to deprive her of one more mouth to feed! She also cooked every Wednesday across the street. My best week's were when I double-dipped...next door and across the street!
Myrtle took great pains in selecting the best materials for her labors and delivered them hot and spicy to our pallet's delight every time. To rest my case about her cooking, here is a quote from her obituary... "She was known by all for her genuine and passionate love of cooking and shopping; family holidays will never be the same. Holidays were her favorite times in the kitchen."
Many in Lake Charles knew and appreciated Myrtle. For me, and I suspect most who knew her, we will miss her quietly entertaining and rich personality that included talking to herself in the kitchen!
When I think Christian, I think Myrtle Chambers. This is a strange statement since we never really discussed religion. When you have the soul and spirit of this wonderful, devoted woman, your actions speak louder than words and hers spoke volumes. So much so that when Michael, the now 30-something son of the friend's that moved came from Oregon to visit in Lake Charles about a month ago, one of the items on his agenda was to visit Myrtle in the nursing home. He did and I know that visit meant so much to her.
Rest in peace, Myrtle.
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