Bill and Kathleen Holdaway Swain on their wedding day, June 29, 1946
http://pegoleg.com/2015/01/05/why-i-would-rather-try-to-find-the-funny-than-the-meaning-of-life/
http://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/01/10/having-the-last-laugh/
http://lindaghill.com/2015/01/01/just-jot-it-january-pingback-post-and-rules/
I have continued to think of Pegoleg’s post and Yadadarcyyaday posts yesterday. Laughter has saved me in some of the most stressful situations of my life. It is cathartic. On the way to my father’s funeral, my mother was sitting between me and my husband. Of course, it was a somber time. I was anxious to be of support to her, mindful of her grief and all the problems loss of a husband meant for her. All the family had gathered at Mother’s house to prepare for the funeral, since we all lived at a considerable distance. We were in the last automobile in a long line. Her home was remote enough that her neighbor’s old dog felt obligated to bark, sounding an alarm at each car that passed, as was his lifelong responsibility. He showed considerable enthusiasm at the first car or two, slowing down some by cars four or five. By the time we passed in car number ten, he was exhausted. He’d had to sit down but persisting to the last, he managed a hoarse bark. I remarked, “It’s a good thing there weren’t any more of us! He’d have never made it!” Mother burst into laughter, laughing till tears ran down her face.
“Now that’s just not right! Making a person laugh on the way to their husband’s funeral.” she complained. “I was determined not to make a scene and now I look like I’ve been bawling my eyes out!” It took her a few minutes to regain her composure, but once she quit laughing, she mopped her eyes, heading in to face the saddest day of her life. She did look like she’d been bawling her eyes out, but it got her through a rough day.
I love that photo of your Mother and Father, Linda. Happy Holidays to you and your family. 🙂
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They were a beautiful couple. It was always clear they loved each other, even when they were at odds.
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I can see it. Your Mom is loving lady with a sharp tongue. They’re the best kind of people. 🙂
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What a lovely story. Thank you for sharing, and for linking to my post.
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Thanks so much for your kind comment and the opportunity
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Thank you for your kindness.
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Reblogged this on Human Relationships.
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Thanks
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Moments in life bring about the best no matter what the circumstance or situation. Poor dog.
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He was faithful!
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Your mother most be very grateful for you. It was hard enough and a good laughter never hurts. We experienced the same 2 1/2 years ago. I can imagine your concerns about your mom and your feeling of being in charge. That’s another pressure at that time.
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You are so right. She had never worked outside the home, just managed his business. That was gone when he was. They owned a ranch, stock, equipment, he did most of the work himself. She had to liquidate all that. It was an immense undertaking.
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I see! Along with the loss there was the burden of managing to deal with ending the business. My father also left a company…
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That can be as overwhelming as the grief. I hope it worked out ok.
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Thank god we had some good people at hands. But we were so glad (and sad) when we signed the contract.
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I think you have a wonderful Family. Your history is very good.
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I think we are like most families.
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That’s a wonderful story, just funny, and poignant, and perfect.
And thank you for including the link to my post, Having the Last Laugh http://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/01/10/having-the-last-laugh/ in your post, I’m honoured to be in such delightful company. 🙂
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You are so welcome. I love your writing.
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That’s a lovely story.
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Thanks
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This is great! Your mother is priceless!
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Thanks.
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