Emma was funny, too! Many times at Pen Women meetings or Gypsy Traders she'd tell a silly story on herself. One of my all time favorite remembrances was when Ted was our featured speaker at Gypsy Traders and the banter between the two of them, telling "the rest of the story," or correcting one another's "memory" was hilarious and all in good fun.
And then there was the time no one stepped up to be President of Gypsy Traders, so Emma did. She was already so over-committed, but she felt it her duty to fill the post. Problem was, she was hesitant to tell Ted. Each month as she stood up to conduct the general meeting, our members would ask, "have you told Ted yet?" And for months she answered, "not yet."
Ted, I still don't know if she ever told you!
Emma, like Ted, was a very talented artist. Her fabric pieces of wearable art and quilts were indescribably beautiful and won many awards. The work was impeccable and must have taken her untold hours of dedication. Her handicraft was detailed, creative and in many cases hinted (or howled) her impish side. Her bright colors and choice of subjects delighted all who knew her. Emma was always dressed in a perfectly matched outfit, be it one of her own designs or otherwise.
And I mean matching, right down to her wristwatch and shoes!
My dearest, but most bittersweet memory of Emma, was my last visit to her as she lay dying in her hospital bed at home with her loving family swirling about her. As I approached her bedside with a bouquet of flowers from the Sacramento branch of the National League of American Pen Women, she opened her eyes and softly called for Ted. "Look, look, she whispered as she smiled at me through a morphined haze. "Her shirt matches the flowers."
Emma, ever the artist and dear loving friend. I will miss you greatly.
Love,
Liz Thayer
Thank you for your story. That was beautiful. I laughed picturing Opa's and Oma's banter back and forth. It reminds me of many Christmas's together listening to them "discuss" the stories behind the gifts they were giving. I've spent my whole life knowing my Oma, but I expect there are many more stories about her that I have not heard than otherwise. During such a reflective time, it's an enormous privilege to learn these extra details about her.
ReplyDeleteChristian (Grandson)