|
|
 |
Elle
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! Before I continue - I want to say that I do not write these
columns by myself. They are a collection of thoughts and ideas you
readers have shared with me. And I write them in an effort to make this
column worth your time to read - that you might find a tidbit to help
you gain more perspective. Also - maybe you will find someone else has
made it through a situation that you are now encountering. Lastly -
today's column is not to debate whether drinking/alcoholism is right or
wrong - or to debate whether Catholicism is a "true religion." Mostly -
I do not have express permission to print Elle's (alias) real name. I
chose Elle from the magazine and it's dedication to fashion, beauty,
and health. What could be more fashionable, beautiful, or healthier
than raising seven children and being a stay-at-home Mom?
Elle died on New Year's Day 2015. I spoke with her five days previous -
she still knew who I was. When I was a child, Elle's brother David, was
a regular visitor at our home. He was always happy, always laughing,
and - always drinking. Don't get excited yet. He always had wonderful
stories to tell of his adventures. He had been to California! To a five
year old kid - that was around the world. It helped me see that we are
all people - homes, cars, pets, etc. He was the first piece of the
tapestry.
He brought his nephew with him once. I learned the nephew's brother was
in my graduating class. That added another piece to this tapestry that
is now 50+ years old. David lived with his Mother for a while. I formed
a friendship with her and later took care of her at a local nursing
home. Another piece was added to the tapestry. The nursing home is
where I met Elle. She came to visit her Mother...add another piece to
the ever growing tapestry.
Over this last summer and the one previous - I spoke on the phone with
Elle four or five times a week - less during the winter. I
listened as she sifted backwards through her life. She told me she kept
her husband at home - that's where he died. She was so grateful that
she had done that. It was a "complete bond" of their marriage -
beginning to end. Was it hard? Yes. Would she do it again? Yes.
She told me her husband taught her about money - that because times are
good and you have "extra money" is no reason to spend it.- life is a
circle and rough times will return.
Elle said her home and family were her world. And she treasured every
memory - good and bad. She said she felt blessed to have all her seven
children born happy and healthy.
She shared the memories of attending a Catholic school in her
neighborhood even though she was not Catholic. She told me she had one
of the Nuns befriend her - the Nun took the rosary from around her neck
and placed it around Elle's neck. She still had the rosary - some 70
years later!
Elle shared the memory of growing up as a storekeeper's child. She
still had some of the "ration coins" from the store during WWII. She
remembered the day she walked out of school at the end of the day -
people were dancing and shouting - "The war was over at last!"
Elle shared recipes with me, memories, and confirmed in me: "All we
really have is each other. To pretend our answers to our problems - big
or small - come from some other source - is to do ourselves a great
injustice." Elle knew our talks helped me write columns. She was
honored she could help. And I am honored and blessed to have known her.
Rest in peace, Elle!
Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the
furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next
time. Ever Toodles!! MONA
|
|
|
<
|
