Wednesday, January 6, 2010

REFLECTIONS ON LIFE -

Today is my birthday and I have been thinking about what a wonderful life it has been and I hope it will continue to be. I was born January 6, 1926 (you do the math) in Washington, D.C. My parents were kind and loving and always had time for my brother and me. My mother was a wonderful lady. She taught her children manners, that laughing was important and she read to us each day, instilling in us the love of books. It was her contention that the whole world could be yours thru reading. My father taught us to be responsible, a work ethic that meant that you worked every day. He taught us to fish and play ball and to love animals, and to me he was a very special person. All in all, a wonderful childhood.

And then came World War II. The end of childhood as many of us knew it. Work at the ration board on Saturdays and letters to loved ones. Some came home and some didn't. We were always grateful for their sacrifice and their willingness to keep up safe.

Then came marriage to a wonderful young man that I had met my senior year of high school. The marriage produced two beautiful daughters and lasted 59 years until the death of my husband. The only picture for this blog is a picture of a picture. This is our wedding photo taken when Bob was home on leave - everyone was in the service.Oh how young we were!

When I was in the throes of despair after his death my dear friend Carole came to me and said that I had to start hooking again. I had stopped hooking in order to take care of Bob . This was the best advice anyone could have given me. I am so grateful that she introduced me to a group of hookers that really cared, not only about hooking, but about each other.

And so my second oddesy into the hooking world began. I never dreamed when I started to hook in 1970 that it would become such a large part of my life. I can honestly say that it has saved my sanity on several occasions. In addition, it has allowed me to meet and know so many talented people, and to make many friends.

As I look forward to this new year I have resolved to continue to promote hooking and to help as many hookers as I can. Also, I have resolved to be more active in the community outreach programs, one for the food bank, one for the women's and children shelter and for the animal shelter. All of these programs are thru hooking groups.

I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you in the new year. May your 2010 be a productive and happy experience.

Doris

8 comments:

Kim said...

First - Happy Birthday. Such a lovely post. Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories and a great photo.
I hope you do something very special today!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to you.
My husbands birthday is tomorrow, he was born in 1928.
Thank you continuing to keep rug hooking out there for others to learn about.
Hope your day is lovely

Beth said...

happy birthday doris!! such happy memories!! I loved the picture... and all your resolutions.. good luck and god bless...

Kathy (woolfind) said...

Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday Doris!!! This is the day my Mom was born too, but in 1932.
I hope you did something special for yourself. Sounds like you are really busy these days doing so many nice things. Keep moving, and keep hooking! HOpe to see you sometime soon at the hook in...

Anonymous said...

Doris, Happy Birthday. Hope you have many more. I just love that wedding picture, you looked like Brooke Shields!!!!! Your husband was a real handsom man too. How quickly the years go by, but oh what wonderful memories, and nobody can take that away from you. Miss you at the hook-ins. Rick and my son Aaron are still eating the "cake".lol

Joanne said...

Happy Birthday Doris! Loved the pic and your thoughts! Have a wonderful year!

weaverpat said...

Doris,
Happy Birthday!
Thank you for sharing the lovely wedding picture and your memories.

You are greatly appreciated in our rughooking community for sharing your expertise but especially for being the wonderful person you are!
Bless you!!!

new salem hooker said...

Doris, I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!! I know I failed math because there is no way you are that age.... You are such a loving and kind person and you share so much of yourself with others. I am so glad you are in my life and am grateful for all the things I have learned from you.
You're a wonderful teacher... keep teaching - you have soooooo much to offer.