"It's Over"

Those were the words I heard several times on Sunday afternoon. I heard it from cousins and nieces, friends, and a sister-in-law. They are right. All of my parents' possessions are now owned by others; it is a very strange feeling. But, that is skipping to the end, let me tell you about the month.

There was a picnic at my family home. It was a potluck and Jo even made "the birthday cake" - a recipe that was used to celebrate many birthdays for grandchildren (and me) over the years. It is a mess and oh so good!

I played "Grandma Sadie" and had us siblings and spouses pose on the steps... seemed like an appropriate place. Who knows when we will be together again...

The next weekend, we hosted the BIG Fischer/Fisher Reunion at the park in Nerstrand. There was a fabulous turnout; Uncle Cal and Aunt Patti were there from Arizona, Wendy and family were there from Texas, Todd came from Oklahoma, Craig and Gracia from Wisconsin, and Paul drove in from Nebraska. And there were lots of family from Minnesota. Elaine brought a bouquet of flowers "In loving memory of Mabel". It was heartwarming to spend time with this extended family and feel the caring and concern.

Uncle Cal is the family patriarch; I think everyone there made a point to spend time with him.

Cousins shared stories and laughter,

Jim tried to tell two "Fisher women" who was in a picture - they don't seem to be buying it.
This young fellow seemed content doing just what he wanted... new sandals maybe?

It was great to see Marilyn and her daughter at the reunion; first one she has attended and before it was over, she had volunteered (been drafted) to plan the next one in two years.

It was a warm humid summer day but the family hung around till late afternoon. It was a very good day.

And then the next weekend was the Friesen Reunion. And I didn't take any pictures. But, I brought a whole lot of photos to Jerry and Ceil's home that had been part of mom's collection. We spent a couple of hours laughing over the old styles and making up stories when no one knew the facts. It was a small turnout; only 10 of us first cousins and spouses. But again, it was comforting to spend time with this extended family. Each of these people were so important in mom's life and they each had remembrances to share - nice.

In between the reunions, Mike and I spent a great deal of time at the house packing and getting ready for the auction. We did take time out one day to golf at the course in Montgomery - fun to spend time with Lael and Doug.

This past Sunday was the auction. It started out early; I couldn't sleep so why not get up at 5. It was a hazy day at 7:30 when we got to Kenyon. Rich was already up and about.

All of the contents of the house needed to be moved out... and there was alot!

Dan and Travis Turek, the auctioneers, arrived at 8 and it wasn't long before their crew, Rich and Anita, Cheri and Mike and I had the first 40 foot trailer loaded. I didn't know they loaded it and then moved it into place. Once in place, Barb, the auctioneer's wife, took over moving and straightening and putting things in order.

And then the second trailer and all the furniture was out. While Anita sweep and cleaned in the upstairs and Paul and I cleaned up the basement, the people started to arrive.

It was a little surreal to wander through "stuff" that had been a part of my parents' life for so many years. The implements that were used in the garden would be sold last and for very little money. I have to admit that when I saw the first lady "dig through" a box of linens on the big trailer, I had to turn away.

It was nice to have cousins there and I know mom would have been happy that each of them wanted something with which to remember her.

And 3 1/2 hours later, it was over; people left and odds and ends littered the yard. Julie packed the pictures and frames she bought in a suitcase and shows off the bell she bought.

In a rare moment of quiet before we left, a big branch on the apple tree broke... a sign... it was strange. There was no apparent reason for the branch to break...

On Monday, Mike and I drove over and helped Joanie load the Victrola into her van. Anita and Rich will pick up all their furniture purchases today. The bedroom lamps are with Pam. Jo has the china cabinet. Jeanne has glassware and linens. Julie has the clock with the dancer. I have the chair that great grandma Friesen was photographed sitting in all those years ago. Kathy has the silverware, a classmate has the organ stool. We all have a bell or two. Everything is somewhere and the house is ready for the new owner.

It's Over...