by Karen Earley

Created on: May 23, 2009

MEMORIES

I LOVE HIM SO MUCH

Around 1954: My Granddad Jones is laid to rest in a coffin. First time and only time

I saw my Dad cry. He leaned down and kissed his father goodbye.

Around 1959: We move from Laurel Springs, New Jersey to live in the country in

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania.

Around 1956: Teddy S. and I are going to get married when we grow up. We play

House in his attic and he says he would build a staircase outside so we could

come in to our apartment without going through his parents' house.

Around 1954: My first nephew is born. My Granddad Jones died just two days

before his first great-grandson is born. Ironic that the baby inherits his

chronic asthma.

Around 1960: Dad has our house built for us and we can move in. This is the first

time I have a room of my own. My mother asks me what color I want my room

painted and I choose my favorite color.lavender. Mother paints it pink.

Around 1951: My granddad can never come into our house. He always has to sit on our

porch with that weird breathing pump His hands must get really tired. I

like to sit with him and keep him company. I wish they would make a better

way for him to breathe.

Around 1967: Alan and I get married. He is going off to Viet Nam soon. We will

live in Memphis, Tennessee while he is trained. Then on to Patuxent River,

Maryland where he will fly from.

Around 1964: I am graduating from high school. I am going to work for the

Bainbridge, Maryland Naval Air Station.

Around 1968: My first baby is born. How beautiful he is. He has so much black

hair. His eyes are so blue. I love him so much.

Around 1963: I am a senior in high school; I am sitting in class and the principal

announces over the loud speaker that President John F. Kennedy was shot

and is dead.

Around 1972: My second baby is born. He is so beautiful with his blonde hair and

blue eyes. I love him so much.

Around 1970: My first baby is dying. They finally send us to Bethesda Naval

Hospital in Maryland where they diagnose his problem. He may not survive

the surgery, but he will die if they don't operate. Thank you God, he is

going to live. I love him so much.

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