Category Archives: Family

Thank You Card to my Parents for Their Help with My Wedding

Events, Family, Memories, ,

Our wedding reception was a bit unusual. We opted for a picnic in my parent’s back yard instead of renting a space somewhere. The day was beautiful. The food, cooked by my parent’s friends, delicious. Definitely a reception to remember.

Dear Mom and Dad,

The wedding was perfect. You put so much time and effort (not to mention $$) into it. I/we hope you know that we thank you for everything. I had my doubts that it would work out — but I am now ashamed of myself. You are the best parents a girl ever had.

Thanks also for the croquet set. We had fun with it in Chetek. Someday we may take it to the green space between the Capitol building and the Washington Monument. Marie says I have to improve first!

All our friends loved you. I am so lucky to have you for my parents. Dean loves you too. It’s hard to smoothly say what ones heart aches to say — I tried.

Love, Dona & Dean

Clinton’s Inaugural Ball

Death, Events, Family, Memories, , , , ,

In 1997 I (middle of the photo) was teaching the 6th grade with my friend Joan (third from the right in the photo). Her mother (farthest to the left in the photo) was an elementary school principal and through an organization she belonged to procured tickets to a minor inaugural ball for whomever wanted them. I immediately said yes and asked both my mother (second from the left) and aunt (third from the left) if they were interested. Joan brought her mother and another teacher, Caroline (second from right) brought her daughter (farthest to the right).

We had fun (I had too much fun) and we had our photo taken.

Today the only two people from that photo still living are Joan and me. When each person died I remembered this photo and thought of that photo in Back to the Future where the family members disappeared. In our case though, any disappearance was not due to not ever having been, but because they no longer were. I’ve misplaced my photo and just came across Mom’s copy.

Joan’s mom, my mom, my aunt Ginny, Me, Joan, Carolyn, Carolyn’s daughter

Clare’s Most Famous Autograph

Events, Family, Memories, Music, Things, ,

Remember autograph books? I still have mine — it’s got the “Love Is…” characters on it. Clare got one at one point — maybe she was in middle school. She had friends and teachers sign it. I just found it during our Great Knee Wall Purge of 2023.

One night I was planning on taking her to go see my favorite singer/songwriter, Dan Bern. Clare was unable to go with me — maybe she was sick. Anyway, I went on my own. We decided that maybe I could have Dan write his autograph her new autograph book.

I got to the venue (Iota Club & Cafe in Arlington, VA) early, saved a seat for myself and grabbed dinner from next door. After eating I sat and listened to the sound check and chatted with my friend Marc (may he rest in peace). I mentioned to Marc that I was going to bring my daughter, but she couldn’t make it but she wanted Dan’s autograph. He immediately beckoned me to approach the stage and ask Dan now instead of later. Dan said he was happy to sign her book and asked what her name was.

I expected him to sign his name, and maybe write a quick note. I sat back down while he was writing — it seemed to take a while and I wondered if he didn’t know what to say and started getting embarrassed. Minutes later he handed me the book and said he hoped it was okay with Clare that he used more than one page. I was dumfounded when I looked at what he wrote. And drew.

What he did was so kind and selfless. I remember thinking that he’d be a great dad someday. And he is! His daughter Lulu is probably about the age Clare was when Dan wrote this for Clare.