Monthly Archives: June 2015

The Myers Girls

Home, ,

“Well, look! There’s the Myers Girls.”

I heard it over and over again, when I took my mom to her hometown for her 60th high school reunion this year. Every place we went, someone would excitedly call out,

“Well, look! There’s the Myers girls.”

And with each joyous call came a myriad of smiles, hugs, and hellos.

The Myers girls, as they are so fondly called, are my mother and her four sisters. They all are 2 years apart, except for the youngest who allowed a little red-headed boy to sneak into the family before she came along.

the Myers girls hs reunion_cropped

Although the little red-headed boy (who now stands over 6 ft. tall) was, and still is, adored by his sisters, it’s the sisters themselves who have formed a life-long bond that has withstood the test of time throughout the last 80 years.

Living in a small town in rural Missouri, Pa Dee and Grandma Lorene raised their 6 children, along with half the town, in a 2 story craftsman, that had a wrap around front porch and a humongous front yard.

Everyone in town knew the family; in fact, if you weren’t related to them, then you were for sure a close neighbor, classmate, or well-known acquaintance.

As with other families, they’ve rejoiced together through marriage ceremonies, child rearing, holiday celebrations, and personal accomplishments. They have comforted each other during life’s hardest moments: the death of their “Daddy” (as he was lovingly referred to), the passing of a spouse, and the untimely death of a child.

“Before you were born”, as the saying goes, the Myers girls roamed the streets, played on the volleyball team, drank Coca Cola at the drugstore, worked in the cap factory, and danced to “the oldies” on the jukebox. At one time or another, they have all been involved in activities that have formed their hometown.

To hear them talk, they knew everybody and everybody’s cousin. They are the gatekeepers and historians of their little rural town, connecting the dots between one generation and the next. They remember the history of their town, and the lifestyle that seems to have sadly disappeared, and share it with us youngsters who are lucky enough to enjoy time with these precious ladies.Gramm nursing home

Although three of them have made other towns their home, their hometown will always be Winona, MO. They return yearly to attend the family reunion and the alumni reunion, and occasionally they meet together on sadder occasions, such as a funeral. But regularly, they get together and visit their 96 year-old Mother and occasionally go on day trips just…to talk to laugh to share

 

So if you’re ever in southern Missouri and you see 5 lil’ ol’ gray-headed ladies with matching shirts traipsing around town, combing through the cemeteries, or wandering around WalMart, give ’em a shout out, because it’s probably going to be

The Myers Girls.

the Myers girls_cropped2

 

 

 

If you have enjoyed this article, or other articles on Life With A Farmer, please consider following me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or sign up at the top of the page to receive updates by email.

And I would love for you to leave a comment below to let me know that you were here 🙂

(LEAVE A COMMENT)

The Graduation

Home, , ,

A couple of weeks ago I was privileged to attend the graduation of Daughter #2 as she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. This is something she has been working hard on for years, and I’m tremendously proud of what she has accomplished. Although, she says she is interested in the research side of human studies, I’m a little suspicious that her true reason may be to diagnose her upbringing, which no doubt will turn out to be her mother’s fault. I’m just kidding, she has done a great job and is on her way to a rewarding career.

So, at the graduation ceremony, each candidate was announced, presented, then led through the acceptance line of professors who were selected to represent the university. Some of the candidates received shout outs from their friends and families, others did victorious air pumps, and two of them even did a dance routine! 🙂

From where I was seated, I was able to witness the candidates coming down the steps, leaving all the pomp and circumstance behind them. And as each newly hooded doctor, graduate, or specialist came down the steps with their diplomas, they were all wearing the same thing—a mile-wide smile across their face!

Miranda grad from S_T cropped labeled

As I witnessed the scene over and over again, I began imagining what each of them might have been feeling; the excitement of completing a long, successful accomplishment; the mixed emotions of leaving old familiar friends behind and reaching towards new beginnings; and the sense of pride as their family and friends cheered them on to the finish line.

I was touched by each person, and the new life I imagined each of them beginning. Their smiles were contagious, and I found myself feeling excited as each person was taken to the photographer to capture one of the most memorable moments of their lives. What a tremendous time for these graduates!

During May and June there will be graduation ceremonies going on all over the country. From little ones who will be rewarded for making it through their first year of school, all the way up to a limitless age of grownups who will be reaching their highest pinnacle of education after years of schooling.

But to each individual, no matter how young or how old, they all attain the same goal—

success

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.” Proverbs 3:13

If you have enjoyed this article, or other articles on Life With A Farmer, please consider following me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or sign up at the top of the page to receive updates by email.