Letters to Mom

generations of "open door" policy - going back as far as family history tells, there was always an open door, chair to pull up to the table and food at supper if someone was in need.  Even if we didn't have much, it could be shared. for example: Mom, Grandma and I were traveling through Arkansas to meet the kinfolk and for Grandma and Mom to visit old places where they grew up.  We drove up to a cousin's house in Arkansas and Mom told the older woman and man that we were lost and a little hungry.  Grandma, Mom and me in a car loaded with suitcases and with California plates.  "Why, come on up, you're welcome to supper and we've a spare bed and the girl can sleep on the sofa." Grandma started laughing and the woman jumped about a foot in the air. "Maude Ilyar Carr, you get on out here! I'd know that laugh anywhere!" they hadn't seen each other since their early 20s. They were going to take in three lost tourists from Califo...

L-rd, Mama; I don't even know where to begin.  I definitely think Jackie and I take after you, we've offered what we can without hesitation to friends and family. Bertski was stunned when he told us about troubles in his relationship and that he wanted out and we offered the craft room.  Family history has been pretty mucked up, Mom. Your grandfather was abusive to grandma and treated her like hell, like a work horse.  Grandma was controlling and clinging.  Telling Uncle George that he couldn't take the pickup without her on a date, really?  Moving to Kansas when George got married and moved away.  Moving to California after George did.  Uncle George then carried it on with David. I remember you talking him out of moving to Germany to be near David and Serena.  You almost didn't manage that one!  How many times did Grandma threaten to take the car from you because her name was on the title? I remember when you had finally had it and...