Comments for Another empty chair at the table.

Another empty chair at the table.

2008-01-24T15:50:46Z

My Dad, as is his wont, sent a very brief note.

Elaine died about 6 PM last night. Dad

This has been a tough twelve months, especially for my father. Last night, his sister Elaine died. She was 90, and had, like my mother, a good life, well lived. For some reason, this post came to mind, something I did for Easter two years ago.

She was a school teacher by trade, a professional mother, if you will. And while with me, her teaching didn't always take, she never stopped the lessons! She was trying to teach me to be polite until just about her dying breath. It took more than she realized - you have no idea of what a ill-mannered buffoon I would be were it not for my Donovan relatives of that generation. My impishness comes from the Meriwether side. The steel is all Donovan, tempered by Meriwether.

I have many fond memories of Elaine and her husband Harold, better known as "Uncle Skeet." Heh. There's a good chance that my interest in ordnance stems from Skeet and Elaine. Of course, it's Dad's fault. At least I think so. When going to visit Aunt Elaine and Uncle Skeet I would home like a Maverick on the training hand grenade (that I assume Dad gave them) they had on their bookshelf, and would play with it (safely, of course). I'd also grab the history books on their shelves (they had more pictures than Dad's books) and flip through and read them - especially the American Heritage Civil War books. Skeet taught me to fish and appreciate the Colorado Rockies, clear mountain tarns and swift-running streams.

Skeet's been gone for many years now, and I'm guessing Elaine was ready to go join him, sure that her two daughters and their families were going to make it, and that her little brother was okay after the passing of his wife, my mother. I'm going to miss her, though not like Dad, methinks.

The music may be a little different, but now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam, for Elaine Donovan Langford, Aunt Elaine.

Comment from Ledger on 2008-01-26

2008-01-26T06:21:09Z

My condolences to you and your family.

Comment from og on 2008-01-25

2008-01-26T03:47:44Z

Sorry for your loss. A good life well remembered, thanks for sharing.

Comment from ry on 2008-01-25

2008-01-25T14:12:59Z

Sorry, Boss.

Comment from Justthisguy on 2008-01-24

2008-01-25T04:07:27Z

I hereby send you my most sincere and heartfelt condolences, Sir, and also my wish that you'll be sorta OK, after a while.

Comment from jim b on 2008-01-24

2008-01-25T04:07:04Z

I know she was a real gentlewoman.

Comment from AFSister on 2008-01-24

2008-01-25T03:26:52Z

*heavy sigh* There's been a lot of death this month. I'm so sorry, John.

Comment from HomefrontSix on 2008-01-24

2008-01-25T01:29:47Z

I am so sorry for you, your dad, and your family. Losing a woman like that is never easy. However I am thrilled for her that she gets to go be with her husband, safe in the knowledge that the family she leaves behind are well.

Comment from pam on 2008-01-24

2008-01-25T00:20:14Z

My condolences on your loss, John.

Comment from JimC on 2008-01-24

2008-01-24T19:26:37Z

Sorry to hear about your aunt. Your short essay is a very eloquent memorial to her. May she rest in peace.

Comment from Damian on 2008-01-24

2008-01-24T18:49:24Z

My condolences, John.

Comment from BillT on 2008-01-24

2008-01-24T18:12:47Z

Fanfare for another Uncommon Lady. Attention, 162d FG Contingent -- a Lady is inbound, best behavior UFN...