Today I received the news that Jean Hamilton passed away early this morning. She had been having some health issues for quite some time but it was this past week that the ambulance was called a few times for her breathing, or lack thereof.
Most people don't know this but she was like a second mother to me. When our family moved from Hamilton to Windsor, Sharon and I were just days old. We moved to Windsor because my dad was going to be the new minister there. Since there were 3 of us (my older sister, my twin and I) under the age of 13months along with my older brother (10yrs), my mother needed help with all of us, moving and getting situated in our new environment. Some families from the congregation wanted to help out and offered to take me and my other sister's in for nights at a time. I was told that when my dad would walk up to the front of the building to begin speaking he would be holding one or two of us and pass us off to families like the Hamilton's so my mom could manage.
I don't have too many memories of those days especially because I was so young but I've been told stories. I do remember sitting at a little kid table and doodling in the kitchen of the Hamilton home while she would be making dinner for her family. I also remember sitting with them on many Sunday's in between Jean and Sheila (their youngest daughter). Sheila always (and still does) had such a wonderful singing voice and I loved sitting next to her just to listen. Jean is also the one who shared with me her secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies which she was famous for.
One story she did tell me about that she loved to share was when I was probably 2 or just learning how to walk anyway. She said that I would be standing on her linoleum floor and wanted to step into the living room which was carpeted. There was no step, just a transition piece from one flooring type to the next. But for me, the one just learning to take a few steps would raise my leg up sooooo high thinking that there was a canyon between the two. The family would be hanging around just watching me and laughing because I made it into something so huge.
But my ultimate, my most favorite memories of her is the smell of the Hamilton home. It was sort of like a mixture between baking and just a clean home. I think the secret ingredient though was love. I will forever have that imprinted in my memory.
Jean, you are such a special part of my life and I'm glad you are able to finally rest and be with the Lord. You have been such a faithful, steadfast woman my entire life. You may have been a frail woman physically but were strong in your faith and beliefs. You raised your children under a loving, Christian roof that is reflected in how they now live their lives. I am honored to have not only known you but shared memories with you and I appreciate you taking me into your home as if I were one of your own. I've been blessed to have known you and I look forward to seeing you again.
Say hi to my dad for me!
Love
Becky xo
Most people don't know this but she was like a second mother to me. When our family moved from Hamilton to Windsor, Sharon and I were just days old. We moved to Windsor because my dad was going to be the new minister there. Since there were 3 of us (my older sister, my twin and I) under the age of 13months along with my older brother (10yrs), my mother needed help with all of us, moving and getting situated in our new environment. Some families from the congregation wanted to help out and offered to take me and my other sister's in for nights at a time. I was told that when my dad would walk up to the front of the building to begin speaking he would be holding one or two of us and pass us off to families like the Hamilton's so my mom could manage.
I don't have too many memories of those days especially because I was so young but I've been told stories. I do remember sitting at a little kid table and doodling in the kitchen of the Hamilton home while she would be making dinner for her family. I also remember sitting with them on many Sunday's in between Jean and Sheila (their youngest daughter). Sheila always (and still does) had such a wonderful singing voice and I loved sitting next to her just to listen. Jean is also the one who shared with me her secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies which she was famous for.
One story she did tell me about that she loved to share was when I was probably 2 or just learning how to walk anyway. She said that I would be standing on her linoleum floor and wanted to step into the living room which was carpeted. There was no step, just a transition piece from one flooring type to the next. But for me, the one just learning to take a few steps would raise my leg up sooooo high thinking that there was a canyon between the two. The family would be hanging around just watching me and laughing because I made it into something so huge.
But my ultimate, my most favorite memories of her is the smell of the Hamilton home. It was sort of like a mixture between baking and just a clean home. I think the secret ingredient though was love. I will forever have that imprinted in my memory.
Jean, you are such a special part of my life and I'm glad you are able to finally rest and be with the Lord. You have been such a faithful, steadfast woman my entire life. You may have been a frail woman physically but were strong in your faith and beliefs. You raised your children under a loving, Christian roof that is reflected in how they now live their lives. I am honored to have not only known you but shared memories with you and I appreciate you taking me into your home as if I were one of your own. I've been blessed to have known you and I look forward to seeing you again.
Say hi to my dad for me!
Love
Becky xo
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That is so awesome to have people like that in your life. You're a lucky girl, Becky! Thanks for writing it out.
ReplyDeleteHope
I am sorry for your loss Becky. And I am glad you have such great memories!
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss. I know this was hard for you. It is wonderful, you have precious memories. Rachelle
ReplyDelete