Here she is, about 1961, I think (from l to r, Judy, Maggie, Theresa, me and Stephen). She would have been about 3 years old here. This was taken in the back yard of the big old house on Quarry Road in Manassas.
A few years later, and Maggie looks a lot more grown up. I remember the dress she's wearing very well--it had been my favorite until I finally outgrew it and reluctantly passed it on. This is also at the Quarry Road house, when it was still 514 East Quarry Street.From left, back row: me, Mary, Cathy, Judy, John. Front row: Lizzie, Julie, Theresa, Maggie
Life passed quickly during our adult years, and I find that I have very few pictures of my sisters during our 20's, 30's and 40's. We were so busy raising kids and being on the other end of the camera, I think. This photo was taken at the Mother's Day Tea my sister Mary hosted after Mom passed away. Dad was the guest of honor. I wasn't able to be there, so this photo is very dear to me. What surprises me about Maggie is how little she shows her age--lucky sister! Even here, after a year of great stress due to Roger's burns, she still looks about 30 years old.
Last summer Maggie and Roger met us on vacation, and we celebrated his recovery from burns with a lovely weekend at Pipestem State Park. This was one special occasion--to see Maggie so happy and relaxed after a tough year was a gift. Her sense of humor never failed her during some dark days, and her strength and strong will probably contributed to Roger's survival. The love between them is a lovely thing to see.
At this year's family reunion, we tried hard to get a good group photo of all of us. Of course, it proved impossible to get everyone in one place at one time, and when we did manage to gather 9 of us, we could not all be still and get one good photo! Someone was always moving or cracking up. But that's what this family is like--loving to talk, to laugh and to share good times together. Maggie is on the far right, obviously still laughing at some comment. When I think of her, I think of her smiling.
So Happy Birthday, Sister! I hope this year brings you many, many good things, and many, many reasons to laugh.
Happy Birthday to a wonderful sister! We climbed to Cranny Crow lookout at the family reunion, she had me laughing so hard I almost fell down a couple of times. I am praying for a peaceful, relaxed year for her.
ReplyDeleteLove, tm