It wasn't fancy; in fact many of the rooms were quite unremarkable. There were lots of pictures in frames, but few paintings hung on the walls. And we had virtually nothing covered in plastic like Gramma and my old Aunties had. Unlike the couches and chairs at their houses, we were allowed to sit on everything and touch stuff at our house. Funny how no one had to remind you not to stomp your feet and throw your toys around while standing in the living room, you simply never did. The television was singular. Just one. And it didn't have a remote. Wasn't that why God invented small children, to change channels?!?!

We were seven altogether. Two parents, and five girls. Looking back, I see how my folks struggled and marvel at how they managed to keep us together, well fed, clothed and happy and healthy! Financially we must have lived at or below poverty level. We were renters, moving frequently but always finding a house with at least two bathrooms! Luckily we remained rich where it counted: our strong sense of family.
I actually remember feeling strange that I was but a small handful of 8th graders whose parents were not divorced. It got to be embarrassing having them at school functions with me. They were no doubt mocked and scorned- look at them:happy and loving and still married! What was WRONG with them?

Mom and Dad had regular full time jobs but on weekends they would go "sailing". Garage Sailing. They had a small antiques business on the side that gave them a couple's hobby, plus it provided a little bit of spending money. Our house was always full of interesting treasures.

My Mom gave the best birthday parties. I can remember almost every single one of them, and I'm over 30! She thought of kids games that no one else did.
Mom was the strength of our family. I still get the urge to call her for her sage advice, and a momentary helpless feeling when I remember that she isn't there anymore.

Every night we ate dinner together. No one ate until we were all home. The second we heard my Father pulling into the driveway, we would run around yelling, "Daddy's home!" I was never so proud to pour anyone a glass of lemonade, and I probably never will be. My sisters and I were close. If we fought, Mom would have us sit on the couch and hug each other until we got over it. We said please and thank you, and you could not get up from the dinner table before asking, "may I be excused?" We each had chores, and we just did them. There was

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