I had the pleasure of meeting Deane's mother Mary. While sharing conversation about what a great luncheon Kathy and Deane, hosted, Mary asked me where I lived. When I told her I lived in Bradley, she informed me she was born in Bradley. I told her my husband's father was also born in Bradley and I asked what her maiden name was (I was curious if I might know some of her family). To my surprise she said her maiden name was S. I couldn't believe it. I said to her, "So was mine." and asked her if she was from the S family in town. She advised yes, and I told her although to my knowledge we were not related it was nice we shared the same lastname. She told me she went to school in Bangor with a boy named John S., one day he was absent, the teacher asked her where he was and she said she didn't know they weren't related. It seemed at the time the teacher thought they were siblings. That took me by surprise so I asked her when she graduated from High School, when she told me the year I exclaimed, "That's my father!" She then said there was a nice young girl in her crowd named Trudy W. I almost hit the floor! I once again exclaimed, "That was my mom! She passed away a year ago." Mary had tears in her eyes as she told me she always wondered what happened to Trudy, they had been friends for a long time but over the years they had lost touch. She wondered many times what happened to Trudy, she was sorry to hear she passed on but it was nice to meet her daughter. It sure is a small world and it was so enjoyable to meet Mary. I hope I get to see her again sometime.
I had such a great time at Kathy's party which inspired me. For quite a while, actually since just before my mom's passing away, I have been a little disinterested in the doll collecting hobby. Then when Mom passed, a big part of the doll collecting went with her. It no longer was fun to collect and make things, especially since she was no longer here to participate with me. At Kathy's I realized there were a lot of women who collect dolls who I can have fun with and the reason I was disinterested was that I was trying to collect the same dolls and do the same things that I shared with my mother. Hitty and small dolls are still my favorites but I now know it's OK to find a new avenue in doll collecting and share with my doll club friends. I'll be sorting my doll collection, selling some of them as they just don't appeal to me any longer and packing some away. Mom's dolls that I kept have found a home on the shelf in the spare room, the smallest have been put into a display box to keep them safe and of course the Hittys have their own space on the book case in what was once Mom's bed room. Today, on the first anniversary of my mom's passing, I'm able to say good bye, let go of the past and begin a new venture with the doll collecting hobby. I will always treasure the years I enjoyed collecting with Mom but it's time to move on and enjoy collecting with friends.
I want to thank Kathy for a wonderful program on Robert Tonner, Deane for the delicious assortment of party food and Mary who brought back some fond memories of my parents. And thanks to my family and friends who stuck by me through this difficult time. To those who didn't ask questions, who supported me through my many moods and accepted me for who I am. And to my Mom, who on her dying bed told me to have no regrets and to be happy.
Kathy's Ellowyne and friends.
Peggie's Ellowyne in summer dress made by Peggie.
Joyce's Ellowyne in a dress purchased by Joyce.And my Ellowyne that I purchased after the Luncheon. She may not have a wardrobe but she has a great chair!
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