The Great Grandparents

This photo took me back. I must say I was probably 7 or 8 when this photo was taken. My clearest memory of my Great Grandparents is actually just of my Great Grandma. She was in a nursing home in Mt. Angel and I remember hating the drive to get there - the roads were windy and I had a weak stomach (still do). The nursing home was sterile and white and not welcoming; and because my Great Grandma had Alzheimer's I questioned why we were even visiting. But I also remember running around in the large acreage surrounding the nursing home, the green grass and fresh air.

I am the one in the colorful striped dress, right next to my Great Grandma. I do not think I look too happy, but in this photo I do know that both my Great Grandparents were living together in their home. My Great Grandpa took care of things, but when he passed my Great Grandma was not able to safely care for herself and her home.

At this point I would like to  introduce my only sister - she is in the pink dress and is 4 years younger than me. She looks just like her 4 year old daughter in this picture. My quick observation would be to say she looks just as uncomfortable as I do - look at how we are holding our hands. Clearly this is a large family celebration how come we are the only kids up front? Were we told to stand there? I will probably never know - and there in lies why we need to make sure our photos get saved and our stories shared.