Dearest Isabella, Part 3

Mildred Callaway: When I was growing up, the Callaways lived next door to us on Monroe Street in Amarillo. Mildred’s daughter, Becky, was my best friend as I grew up. I was at their house ALOT. They had three boys and I was always jealous that Becky had brothers. I dreamed one night that we bought their house and wrote the brothers into the contract and got them along with the house. (One time I remember telling Mary Lou, see below, that Mother and Daddy were adopting a child---complete wishful thinking also know as a lie. I also told Mary Lou that they were building an expressway from Amarillo to San Angelo. Mary Lou must have been a GOOD listener with a straight face—back to Mildred) Mildred was so much fun. At night their family would have Bible stories and a devotional. Burl always prayed with great vigor for a LONG time. They had wonderful purple Wisteria hanging off latticework on their backyard porch. They had a huge brick barbeque grill in the backyard and a really big plastic swimming pool that you could stand up in. I remember lots of good times at their house. I ate a lot of meals with the Callaways and I loved all the fun at the table mostly lead by Mildred.

Iris Wherry: Iris was another of my mom and dad’s best friends. She was married to Gerald and Gerald used to date a woman named Violet but he married Iris. I always thought that was the best story. Gerald was the best man at my Mother and Dad’s wedding on Easter Sunday of 1941. My Mother and Daddy and Iris and Gerald played lots of bridge together. She loved pretty dishes and I loved to eat at her house. Her table was set with a one -of –a- kind glass at each plate. I loved how colorful it was at her house. She was way ahead of Baskin & Robbins Ice Cream. She would take vanilla ice cream and mix in coffee, or orange juice or grape juice to make a swirl. I couldn’t wait to see what she had made. She gave me a party when I got married and I remember how pretty everything looked.

Marylou McGregor: Mary Lou was, and still is, one of Grandma Beryldine’s very best friends. Mary Lou and I still talk to this day. She and her husband Joe played a lot of bridge with your great grandparents as well. She sewed beautifully and made your Mom the cutest little yellow print dress when she was born. I’ll show you the picture of your mom in the dress someday. She wrote me a note and told me how having a little girl was wonderful---that she would bring me so much joy and break my heart at the same time. I e-mailed Mary Lou when your Mom had you. Such a wonderfully caring lady! She calls or e-mails me often to check on Grandma Beryldine’s condition and I appreciate it so much. Her daughter, Shirley, lives in Houston and we talk often. I am photographing Mary Lou’s grandson, Ben, next week for his senior picture. I love that I have that connection to Mary Lou!

TO BE CONTINUED