Tuesday August 16 2016  A PICTURE INTO THE PAST  NAOMI “LOIS”

Naomi Lois, who I always only knew as Aunt Lois is the 7^th daughter born to William and Gracie.  She had two brothers who were older and one born after her.  She too preferred to be called by her middle name just as several of her other sisters were.  Sybil Marie was always called Sybil.  Ora Helen was called Helen.  Mary Hattie Bell was called Hattie.  Vera Estelline was called Estell and sometimes I heard her referred to as Estelline.  Arvil Edward’s name was shortened to Buddy.  Esther Ruth was always called by her first name.  Montgomery Delmar was called several things; Gomery to the young nieces and nephews, Monty as the younger children grew older, and finally referred to in full as Montgomery.  Annie Jane was pretty much called Annie Jane when she was younger but when she was older she preferred to be called Aunt Ann (NO “I” “E” FOR HER)!  I still call her Aunt Annie!  And that brings us to Naomi Lois.  I don’t know if she was called Lois as a child or if it was an adult change for her.  Perhaps she liked the meaning of Lois, one of which is “As unique, creative individuals, they tend to resent authority, and are sometimes stubborn, proud, and impatient.”

If Lois chose “Lois” because of the definition I will be the first to agree that it is a good description of her.  Lois was amazingly creative in her younger years.  Not only was she CREATIVE when she was younger, she was (and probably still is), a PERFECTIONIST.  I never had the opportunity to spend much time with Aunt Lois as our lives took different directions.  When I was a child we at times lived relatively close together but circumstances did not bring us together much.  As an adult I moved away and was rarely in her presence.  And as far as the above meaning of the name goes, Lois is also a UNIQUE person.

The dictionary definition of UNIQUE: “Adjective: BEING THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND; UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE.  Noun:  A UNIQUE PERSON OR THING; existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics. Having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable.” And this definition of UNIQUE is definitely an accurate description of her.

If I remember correctly I did hear tell that she did resent AUTHORITY, at least that of her father (which is probably the one thing she had in common with all her siblings).  As far as being STUBBORN, I could imagine she was that way in the sense she did not give in easily.  I cannot comment on being “proud” (as the definition above quotes) but I can attest that I did see for myself that she was IMPATIENT.  I was around her enough to figure that characteristic out for myself.  In other words, she was definitely unique in many ways when compared with her brothers and sisters. 

Is she still that way?  I don’t know for certain.  I had the opportunity to visit with her last year at the retirement care facility where she resides.  Lois has suffered with health issues all her life and I don’t remember her ever being well.  She is now unable to do much, her husband died a few years ago and her daughter Cynthia died this past year.  Lois lives in an area without many relatives around her.  I am certain it must be sad for her at times to be so far away from her siblings since her daughter is no longer living.  Cynthia was also plagued by many illnesses throughout her life and lived in a care facility at the time of her death.  She was a couple of years younger than I am.  I was planning to stop by last year to see her when I was in California.  However, it was recommended that I not go because she was unable to have visitors due to the seriousness of her condition during the days I was there.

Aunt Lois loved to sing and she had a beautiful, clear soprano voice.  I usually heard her sing at family weddings.  I always remember the song, “I LOVE YOU TRULY” because of her. 

When Lois was a child the abuse from her father sometimes seemed focused on her.  She suffered cruelly with the punishment meted out to her.  I have only heard stories and it always broke my heart knowing what she went through.  I think the extent of pain and injury inflicted upon her through her childhood and adolescence predisposed her to all the suffering she went through later in life, both physically and emotionally.  Even as I write these words I seem to be receiving more insight and understanding to the life Lois lived.  Life never seemed easy or peaceful or satisfying to her.  I hope she has obtained a modicum of inner peace and joy from the Lord.

Words to Aunt Lois:  “Aunt Lois I have always loved and cared for you as my aunt.  I still do.  As my mama’s sister I know how much she loved and cared for you and you always seemed to return her affection and love.  I thank you for that.  I know I have probably disappointed you in many ways, especially when I was a child.  I pray that you can forgive my childhood antics and can accept me for who I am today.  I will always love you and carry special memories of you in my heart.  I send continued condolences for the loss of your daughter”

Aunt Lois was unable to attend the family reunion in 2011 that was held in Arkansas.  Lois lives in California and due to health and immobility she was unable to travel.  Below is the Biography and poem that I wrote in honor of her place as the ninth child born to William and Gracie.

Naomi “Lois”

Born 1933

 

Married:

Charles Odel

 

Children:

Cynthia Louise

Bernie Ellis

Charles“Stanley

“Aunt Lois we are so sorry that you are unable to be with us tonight due to your health.  We miss you and send you our love. 

You have been gifted in so many areas of your life and have been so willing to share your talent and expertise with so many in the family.  I think a trait that stands out above all others is the perfectionism you displayed in all you accomplished.  It was known that if you did it, it would be done to perfection.  You were an expert seamstress and created beautiful one of a kind creations.  You were also excellent in the field of upholstery and always willing to help someone else in the tasks you were so accomplished in.  I think your resourcefulness helped so many save lots of money over the years; especially when I think of all the haircuts you used to do.  Thank you for helping so many stretch their thin dollars.

Over the years you have provided care and love as you helped friends and family.

You have graced many weddings and events with your beautiful solo voice.  Thank you for sharing your talent of singing as well as all your other talents of sewing, upholstering, hair styling and the gift of helps.

Again, we send our love to you and miss your presence tonight.”

 

WE MISS YOU AUNT LOIS

By Kathleen Martens

April 2, 2011

 

Aunt Lois – we miss you tonight.

Wish you were here sitting on my right.

Tonight is about memories of the past,

We’ll send you notes so they will last.

 

Over the years you’ve provided love and care.

And so many talents willing to share.

Such beautiful work, none other could do,

Upholstering couches and hair cuts too.

 

You’ve helped others save, such a generous gift.

Your time given, helped spirits to lift.

Beautiful clothing all made so well,

Perfection a trait you could not quell.

 

And best of all, your willingness to sing,

So to others, joy you’d bring.

“I Love You Truly” still rings in my ears,

I’ve never forgotten through all the years.

 

We love you Aunt Lois, wish you were here.

It would be nice to have you near.

We send our love across the miles,

And will send a portrait with all our smiles.

 

Aunt Lois’ FIRST PLACE AWARD was for:

 

“PERFECTIONISM IN ALL YOU ACCOMPLISHED”

“We will always remember you for your beautiful voice that has graced so many weddings and other events.:

“YOU HAVE PERSEVERED THROUGH THE MANY CHALLENGES OF LIFE.”

My husband and I proofed and edited the above portion of the blog.  I had yet to write my poem for today’s blog.  As he left the room this is what transpired.

 

A PICTURE INTO THE PAST

By Kathleen Martens

August 16, 2016

 

My husband’s parting words,

“Before writing your poem please pray,

That God would speak through you

The words He’d want you to say.”

 

Some words not easy to write

Difficult times are hard to share,

I write with full intent to heal

So those who read realize I care.

 

And as I write my words just come

As a true picture into the past.

Perhaps some memories should be forgotten

Rather than imprisoning them to last.

 

Should I share all the truths

So as to tell the whole story?

Do generations yet to come

Need to know the sad and gory?

 

My words must be truthful

Spoken with heartfelt integrity.

Difficult words as well as sad

Sprinkled liberally with levity.

 

I often ask the question

Are there facts I should not tell?

I believe the truth is best exposed

And never should be quelled.

 

By no means do I desire

To cause anyone grief or pain.

Because when I write, my total reason

Is that it be for another’s gain.

 

Future generation will someday read

The story of past lives.

That is how we live and learn

And understand how best to thrive.

 

I write about the time I lived,

About true stories which will last,

Because I wish to draw for you

A TRUE PICTURE OF THE PAST.

 

God, again thank You for EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY AUNTS AND UNCLES.

Thank You Lord for the stories we have to tell.

Thank You for giving life to each person in the family so that they can have the opportunity to have an eternal relationship with You.

Thank You for creating a way that we, as imperfect beings, can someday begin our eternity with You.

Thank You for the joy and peace I have that comes from knowing You.

Thank You for BLACK ANGUS COW MEAT!  That was a good hamburger I had today!!!

 

GOOD NIGHT FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.  I PRAY GOD’S BLESSINGS ON ALL OF YOU!