Little Egypt Heritage Articles Stories of Southern Illinois (c) Bill Oliver 9 November 2003 Vol 2 Issue: #40 ISBN: pending Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen of Little Egypt, Will minimal apologies, I admit to lollygagging about this week and not doing an article for distribution. As it happens in life, death sort of takes over, and I have had my share of friends and family passing on these past few weeks. But, however, I am of the age where this happens. We spend a lifetime observing the growth of families and gaining new friends. Then we observe the decrease of these two circles. At any rate, I spent the week lollygagging about celebrating and taking care of the necessary business of supporting my wife in the death of her Mother. And, as family gathered there was a lot of celebrating. Now, one just cannot be expected to concentrate on heritage articles under those circumstances ... so, I didn't. I took the time to celebrate with family. In the final years of her life, my Grandmother Oliver would say that she had no friends left to mourn her passing because they had all passed on before her. Well, that is not unexpected if you life to be one hundred two and a half years old when you die. On Thursday we hosted the visitation of friends and family at the funeral home. We spent much time nodding our heads up and down [in the affirmative] listening to the tributes from representatives of the various organizations Mom-in-Law had contributed time and energy to which to lead and accomplish many "good works". The family told favorite stories of "Mom", "Grandma" and "Great-Grandma". The laughter and "knee-slapping" was wonderful to hear and see. As always during funeral services, many folks are too emotional to speak, however, there were a few brave souls who ventured forth with their remembrances and tributes. Following the services at Thelma's Church, the "family reunion" continued with more stories and picture taking. >From three extreme corners of this country the family gathered. Besides the three children and spouses, ALL ten grandchildren were in attendance and all but two great grandchildren were there to participate in the remembrances. When we, the family, returned to Thelma's apartment to choose remembrances, a fantastic thing took place. Heirlooms and pictures were chosen on the basis of what was best remembered about our matriarch. The real miracle was observing the tremendous diversity of this woman who affected our lives, for each had different remembrances. She must have treated us all in such a way as to count us all as individuals — family, DRAKEs All — but, also distinct individuals. The Minister in his opening remarks said words to the effect that there were words such as shy, un-opinionated, and non-assertive, but those would not be used "today". And, "... that it only took 30 seconds to identify Thelma's children." Therefore, Rest in Peace: Thelma Pauline Lindsey Drake 8 November 1911 - 3 November 2003 e-la-di-e-das-di ha-wi nv-wa-do-hi-ya nv-wa-to-hi-ya-da. (May you walk in peace and harmony) Wado, Bill -=- Other sites worth visiting: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/SOIL http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/ILMASSAC http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ne/state/BillsArticles/LittleEgypt/intro.html