My Memories of My Mother

15 November 2022 My mother is a great blessing in my life and the lives of our family. Her family moved to Oregon in September of 1941 and she has lived here ever since. In that time she lived in Portland, St. John's Woods, St. Johns, Linton, Portland and Clackamas. Overall, for the majority of her life Portland was her home. At the age of twenty she married my father and together they raised two daughters and two sons. My siblings and I all married and settled in the Portland area. We are a close family and that is mostly due to my mother and the way she raised us. She is a great example of what a mother should be and do. In my youth she did some limited child care for others, but in our small home in the Cully neighborhood there was not much room for us much less other children. That is not to say that we did not have friends over, as the door was always open for us to bring friends home. Mom is a great cook and we all enjoyed delicious home cooked meals. One of her favorite changes to the house was when they remodeled the kitchen, turned the garage into a dining room, with a utility room off the back. The day the toaster decided to catch a towel hanging above it on fire was not so good, but it was repaired quickly. Another time the dryer decided to catch fire and the fire department came to rescue us. It was caught quickly, a new dryer was bought and things went back to normal. The only other fire that I remember is when we were very young and my brother and I decided to use an oatmeal box for a stove. We were standing at the top of the stairs, where our bedrooms were, and my brother threw the box down the stairs when it became too hot to hold. My parents' bedroom was at the bottom of the stairs and they were awakened by our screams. Our father quickly dowsed the flames and then gave us a stern talking to. Mom just looked on shaking her head. Our Mom always made birthdays and holidays special for us. For birthdays she would bring in special things like carousels and pony rides, and everyone in the neighborhood was invited. For holidays she would decorate the house and sometimes leave the decorations up until the next holiday. One year she had a flocked Christmas tree and just kept changing the decorations for each holiday. For Halloween we always had creative costumes and she would take us through the neighborhood trick or treating. In 1961 she felt we needed religious training and joined the Mormon Church. We attended the 6th and later the 14th ward. She was raised a Catholic, but felt that teaching children in Latin was not very helpful for us. In our childhood she worked in the Primary for many years, serving as the President, Secretary and taught various classes. Mom also was involved in the PTA and served as President. She worked in our Camp Fire, Girl Scout and Boy Scout activities. Baseball was a family event and she often worked in the snack shack. Mom loves to iron and did so for many other people. I can still picture her standing in the spare bedroom downstairs, which was used for a mini family room, ironing for hours. Then when she was finished she would often take us with her to drop off her work to the homes of these people. As I recovered from surgeries she would take my ironing home with her and bring it back all nicely pressed. At one time she had a mangle for doing sheets and other large items. It was a unique contraption not found in many homes. When we were young our parents bought property in Lincoln City, close to the beach. Together we built a small cabin and spent many weekends there. Later when our parents moved to Clackamas and their new home, they sold the cabin. Mom and Dad transformed a hilly, forested hillside into a beautifully landscaped retreat. We all love to wander through the yard to enjoy the flowers and wildlife that come to visit. They planted a garden, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, etc. For years we have worked as a family to harvest the grapes and produce quarts of the best grape juice. My mother's interests over the years included bowling, painting, hiking, golfing, square dancing, traveling, etc. Needless to say, she does not sit still for long. Sewing was the only thing that she did not seem to enjoy as much. She did make clothes for her children when we were young, but she turned the sewing machine over to me. Later when I upgraded to a newer machine, I returned the old Ward's machine to her for doing small repairs. I think it still sits in her closet. She probably bought it when she worked for Montgomery Ward's before her marriage. She also worked for the Hershey Chocolate Company. For a few years she worked doing payroll and billing for the family Pallet Repair Business. Later in life she worked briefly for Meier and Frank, and later for a square dance shop to help pay for her outfits. When our father was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor in 1986, she faced the worst horror of her life. It was a difficult time for all of us and she somehow held us all together. Dad died in 1988, leaving her with a lot of responsibility. Mom's father died in 1956, just after I was born and her mother later married a wonderful man who helped to strengthen our family. Now both he and her mother have passed on, but they played significant roles in her life. In 1990 Mom married her current husband. We enjoy spending time with them, usually eating and playing cards. One of Mom's closest friends was our neighbor. The two of them had a craft shop and worked on many projects together. They would go shopping at garage sales on Fridays. She encouraged Mom to raise birds, and we had finches for several years. Over the years she allowed us to have many animals, birds, cats, dogs, fish, guinea pigs and a rabbit. You might guess who did most of the work for the upkeep of the animals. Mom is a collector of things and her home is filled with many beautiful keepsakes. But, her favorite keepsakes seem to be her grandchildren (ten of them) and her great grandchildren (nine of them). She attends our family birthday parties and other celebrations. Mom was there to watch their graduations, athletic events, marriages, church events, etc. She always has a beautiful smile and warm hug for all of us. We enjoy our precious family time with her. She truly gave us a wonderful childhood, and helps us to appreciate our adulthood. So for this Mother's Day I want to pay tribute to her and thank her for being such a significant part of my life. Thank you Mom!

Gratitude Grows

2 November 2022 There is so much in my life that is good. I am grateful for opportunities that help me to grow and learn new things. Our parents were amazing. They always put our family first. As I learn of new discoveries in their lives my gratitude grows. We grew together in a small four bedroom, one bathroom home. As four siblings we learned to share so many things. We learned patience, respect, and concern for each other. Now that we are all in our sixties we continue to share memories that only the four of us know and understand. Thank you to my siblings for all of your love and support over the years, not only to me, but to each other.

GRATITUDE

November 2022 is here and fall is preparing us for the winter months. Life feels like we are slowing down. I am grateful for the seasons in our world and the seasons in our lives. There are still many challenges in our world. This may prove to be a difficult season for those who do not have secure employment. I have read several books on Christmas in preparing for the advent season. A couple of years ago I bought some books from an acquaintance and the last ten were still sitting on my shelf. I committed myself to finish them and then pass them on. Then came the last one, The St. Nicolas Anthology, with 541 pages. Thinking the book was about Christmas, I was surprised to find that it is a collection of stories from a children's magazine from 1873-1939; 1948-1950; 1983 edition. In 2016 a hand drawn copy of the cover picture of this article was auctioned for $2,340. For me the second article is of most value. "The Soldiering of Beniah Stidham" is a view of a young man's life in the Revolutionary War. According to genealogy information about him on ancestry.com and familysearch.org provide more information about the family and the place where they lived. It was a serendipity moment of gratitude for this book being sent my way! This is what I wanted to find in my research. It helps me to see my ancestors in ways history books seldom do. The anthology is available online. There is no index to guide me on, but it compels me to search for stories about my ancestors so I can know them better.

November 2021 Days of Gratitude 16-30

Day 16 a miracle in our lives occurred about four months ago. We experienced watching our very active daughter being brought to her knees by the Covd19 Virus. The horror of watching her via zoom as she passed through this nightmare was so wrought with emotion. She was alone and isolated in a hospital room. The medical staff were not sure she would survive. Her husband and four children all had mild cases. They could not go see her, but each sent an item for her to cling to as the struggle continued for several days. We all felt the prayers offered by family, friends and associates around the world. This horrendous virus impacted so many families. Those prayers were answered when she returned home a week later. We are so grateful she is with us and as active as ever. Her recovery is still happening a day at a time, but we see each day as another miracle. Day 17 after giving a lot of thought about what to write for yesterday I thought today about the many people who during the past year assisted me in the research for the book that I am writing. This book has been on my mind for a long time and the pandemic gave me the time to pursue that goal. I descend from the Tidd family who came to New England in 1637 and many of the family artifacts, photos, stories, etc. have been passed on to me. Over the years I worked with many fellow descendants to understand this wonderful family. This week I am compiling the list of books and other materials used in the process of discovery. From my own collection there are 50 books, from the Genealogical Forum of Oregon there are 30 books, from the local libraries 10 books and from my friend Janice there are 15 for New England and 24 for Virginia. I am very grateful for everyone who volunteers their time to assist me. My proof reader has been exceptionally helpful. A special thank you to my fellow contributors Bonnie, Maryetta and Holly. Now that I have reviewed the information found in 129 books, it is time to finish the writing! Day 18 and I am enjoying holiday commercials, music and yes, the sappy Hallmark Movies. Last year we spent ten days over the holidays in Wyoming and that certainly is something to be grateful for. This year feels very different. Like part of the spirit of Christmas is affected by the turmoil of having Covid19, the variants and the vaccines still haunting us. Most of my time is spent at home alone and while that is good for getting my work done, it is also very hard. The Internet and telephone help me stay connected. We still live in a wonderful world. So do whatever it takes to bring that spirit of happiness, joy and peace into your life and the lives of those around you. A smile, a hug, a kind comment. Simple things that can bring great rewards. Day 19 today I got out of the house and went to the store. I am grateful that there was an electric shopping cart, charged and ready to go. There is a sense of freedom when I use one. First I had my flu shot, which I made an appointment for the night before. I was the only person there, with no wait at all. Sat right in the chair and did not feel a thing. My friends reported seeing long lines of people waiting other places to get vaccinated. Then I shopped for about an hour, completed my shopping list and browsed through the Christmas things. That certainly lifted my spirits, along with the wonderful holiday music being played. To all the people who assisted me or offered to help, Thank You! Your kindness towards me was very much appreciated. Day 21 - I just noticed that yesterday I posted as Day 30, made a quick correction and we are back on track. Last night I was working hard to finish the list of books used for the major current family history project. Today was for relaxing and celebrating. Some very generous people helped me along this road of discovery. Here are the results. 156 Books viewed for a list of surnames - Tidd, Teed, Death, De Ath, Dodman, Mazry, Mazzy, Appleyard, etc., mostly in Virginia and some in New England. One friend has 112 Virginia books and 15 New England books, and 38 had important information. There were 29 books reviewed by a volunteer at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon and 11 had key information. This took a couple of months to accomplish. I am so grateful for everyone who assisted with this project. Now I am patiently waiting for the box of six books from GFO which should arrive on Monday. Miracles happen daily in our lives and I give thanks for those blessings in my life. Look for the miracles happening in your life. Day 20 and I am grateful for my mother who passed away in 2013. As her oldest child she spoiled me in many ways. When I look around our home there are many things which she gave to me. Her collections (of which I have a part) are impressive. She also would give to my sister and me items that matched what she had. After she died I discovered how smart she was as she worked to preserve the estate she had built with our father who passed away in 1988. As her personal representative I was grateful that she had prepared me for her passing. Our parents started from scratch, as did their parents, in providing a rich heritage for my three siblings and me. Watching her give testimony with regards to the family property three days prior to her passing she amazed me in how well she communicated important facts. She truly had unconditional love for each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Day 21 Tonight I am grateful to live near a Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The temples are calming, soothing, quiet, comforting places to visit. They offer the opportunity to reflect on the challenges we face and put them into perspective. I am grateful to have this blessing in our lives. When a new temple or remodeled one opens there are opportunities for people who are not members to have a tour. Otherwise these buildings are dedicated for the use of the membership. Unlike a church, which can be a place bustling with activity, in the temples they maintain an atmosphere of peace and reverence. Day 22 - Just watched Saints and Strangers part 1. An amazing show. Part 2 is tomorrow. We descend from Stephen Hopkins through Daniel Tidd and Sarah Jane Eldridge. He is nine generations out from Sarah and thirteen generations from me. The show really brings history to life. I am grateful for our ancestors and the sacrifices they made in coming to this country. The book Saints and Strangers is on my bookshelf and I need to read it again. We have ancestors from many countries who came in various time periods. What a blessing to have history to share with our descendants. Doing family history is so much more than names, dates and places. Day 23 a quiet day on the home front. Did some sorting through things and my office is looking better. I am grateful to have seven days in a week, even though sometimes I may struggle to know what day of the week it is. My handy calendars and pill sorter are great for keeping me on track. Then the cell phone tells me the time and what day it is. We are blessed with amazing tools to help us keep our lives in order. Day 24 Today I am thankful for life and the experiences that come from living. The good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. Each one refines us and enables us to develop who we are meant to be. With age comes the joy of watching the young explore the possibilities before them. As we join with others over the next few days may we share all that life offers us. Savor the moments of our lives. Look for the blessings and be grateful for them. Day 25 Thanksgiving, and we are home again full of love and delicious food. Our daughter invited our family to their new home. We dined on turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing with sausage, deviled eggs, broccoli salad, sweet potatoes, yellow squash, asparagus, delicious rolls, cornbread with honey butter, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, a chocolate birthday cake for our newest daughter in-law, and a little spray whipped cream. I use the sampler system to try just a little of everything. The five of our children who live locally and their in-laws joined us. The two granddaughters were very involved in all of the preparations. They can certainly be proud of their efforts. One of the first events of the day was a live video with the four grandchildren in Wyoming. Each of them are so very precious to us. How very blessed we are! Day 26 I am not a black Friday shopper. Crowds are not my thing, especially if I can avoid them. Being at home is the time I enjoy the most. So the Friday after Thanksgiving you will probably find me at home putting away the decorations and starting to process the Christmas decorations. They have been accumulated over 40 years and some are from my parents and grandparents. They are the things that remind me of the special people in my life. I love twinkling lights, the smell of greenery, the sound of music and the laughter of my grandchildren. If they are combined that is the best blessing of all. Day 27 I am grateful to be able to worship at church with fellow members. This freedom of religion is a precious gift. No matter what your beliefs, living in the U.S. avails the choice of how, what, who, when and where to worship. We need to fully appreciate and protect that freedom. Day 28 We have not put up the tree yet. This is from a couple of years ago. Every ornament is significant to our family. My favorites are the metal ornaments with pictures of our family members in them. If you happen to have some extras like these I would love to have a few more as our family continues to expand. After 44 years of collecting it is still fun to add something new each year. The kids have taken a few to their homes. Day 29 This is for our grandchildren who love to build with Legos. I love it when they share pictures of what they build. Day 30 - Yep, this is the grand finale. Back to working on the project that I hope to complete this coming year. It is genealogy at its best. Over 400 years of family history. About thirteen generations of amazing information. This is my only line to come this early to New England. It is why my area of accreditation is in New England. They kept such beautiful records. The key is finding the records, some of which are still coming to life after hundreds of years being kept in archives. A heartfelt gratitude goes out to familysearch.org. They have been mining these records for over a century and making them freely accessible. Then they teamed up with ancestry.com and americanancestors.org to continue to seek out more records. Again familysearch.org does their part of the work with volunteers and missionaries. They are working around the world, around the clock to digitize records to protect them from being lost to future generations. If you want to help they are always looking for people willing to do indexing the records to further move the work forward. It is an amazing work and I am thankful to be a part of it!