Great-Aunt Shari is from here....

Photo by Burdett

I have been married to Dear Hubby for 35 years. When we married back in 1974 his youngest sister Shari was soon to celebrate her 8th birthday. I have a hard time remembering life before she became a part of mine. I don't know if she can even remember her life before I became a part of hers. She has gone from being the darling little girl with ringlets and huge brown doe eyes, the ear-to-ear grin, into a beautiful and talented woman. I have been blessed to watch it all. Here is Aunt Shari's version:

Where I am from

I am from Barbie camper buses, pink foam curlers, Coppertone tanning oil and Love’s Baby Soft perfume.
I am from uneven walls, opposite-handed faucets and black electrical-taped wiring.From wood-burning heat, cockapoo companions and a home filled with toys and holiday decorations.
I am from playing under the walnut tree, sucking the centers out of sour green grapes, selling pumpkins on the side of the road, and picking cattails, daisies and dandelions for my beautiful, adoring mom.
I am from cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, and fresh green beans, corn on the cob, and cucumbers all summer long. I am from Jim Reeves and Hank Snow, Hee Haw and Lawrence Welk. I am from big brown eyes, olive skin and German stubbornness. I am from Russell Robert and Mathilda Helen. I am from brother D, and from sisters Sandy and Susi.
I am from giving to children and others in need, going to Sunday school, always saying “Please” and “Thank you,” respecting my elders, and loving God with all my heart and soul.
From “Buckle up,” “Drive safely” and “No boyfriends,” to “Call me when you get there” and “Don’t forget to pray.”
I am from Bethel Lutheran Church and Battle Ground, Washington. From sauerkraut with pork, liver sausage for breakfast (yuck!) and ham-bone soup with potato pancakes.
From camping trips to Warm Springs, Shaniko and Lincoln City, hunting trips to Klickitat, and road trips to Aunt Norma’s house. From panning for gold, picking up pop cans, and playing Spoons and Rack-O.
I am from prayers before meals and bedtime, hugs and kisses every morning, every night, every hello, every goodbye. I am from 5 p.m. family dinners, 9 p.m. bedtimes, and Sunday afternoon pot roast with mashed potatoes.
I am from love.