For both the Big Guy and myself, our parents are growing older; and while they’re still mostly healthy, any time we can spend together with them becomes ever more precious. As their adult children now past the midpoint of our own lives, we cherish and appreciate all the more those memories and stories our parents are able to share with us.

“Geneva Lee”

After our most recent visit to see the Big Guy’s parents in Texas last month, we brought home a small collection of old family photos.They include pictures from his dad’s side of the family — grandparents, mother, cousins, younger sister. His dad grew up on a farm in Oklahoma during the Depression of the 1930s. He has come very far from his humble beginnings but will never forget those who came before because they all helped to make him the man he is today. I’ve also included three images that were reproduced in my father-in-law’s third book of poetry, Oklahoma Sounds (2008).

“Three generations of widows — Grandmother Millie; Mother Mary Geneva; Great-Grandmother Hannah”

“The Sundance Boys in Overalls — William Earl (half brother) and Charlie (father)”

“Hollice & Holline in my flowers”

“Hollis and Holline’s house where they were born. House was being moved when picture was taken”

“Grandpa and Grandma”