Monday, May 21, 2012

WIND BENEATH MY WINGS


Spunkier than a teen hyped up on a six pack of  Red Bull and friendlier than a wet Labrador pup this wonderful woman housed more energy in her tiny body than eight cups of coffee.  I once had a principal ask me in an interview who my hero was.  I have to tell ya that this Ozark Farm Chick didn't skip a beat when I answered my Grandma Dow.  What a role model this remarkable woman was in my life.  Born in 1905 she found herself widowed at a young age in an era when a woman's career was bein' a good housewife and raisin' youngens.  'Just the way it was!

Inez Lola Dow, who I simply called 'Ma', buckled down and did what she did best.  She loved. She loved with all her might.  Mom to four left with two bottomless hungry teenagers to feed and a home to finance she began takin' 'welfare' children into her heart and home.  She cared for many babies found in alley trash cans who officials thought didn't have a chance to pull through the night.  Those little souls who were too disfigured or mentally challenged to place anywhere else were brought into her care.  All in all she housed over three hundred of these most precious children.  

Her big heart became known far an wide.  The Albuquerque radio station sang her praises and gifted her with a certificate of appreciation from the city and a record album honoring the love and care this grandma of mine bestowed on these special little lambs.  Her love of children continued to shine through the years.  Connie Chung even did a wonderful tribute for 60 Minutes on my most positive hero.

Ma gently held my hand and guided my steps throughout my life.  From her first visit to the old farmhouse in Stockton, Missouri back when I was knee~high to nothin' to present day, she's been my guidin' light. There's not a day goes by that I don't think of somethin' she said or did.  I found two handwritten notes from her as I was goin' through pictures.  One was written to me on the day I was born, the other was written to me shortly before her death lettin' me know how proud she was to be my grandma.  I do declare, I was the one blessed to the moon and back to have had  her in my life.  In all the time we spent together, this remarkable lady always found the good in everyone and I never, ever  heard her say a bad word about another bein'...'just wouldn't be prudent. Besides, that wasn't her style.

Here's Ma surround by her most valuable  treasures.  She was blessed with two more grandsons and another granddaughter after this was photo was taken.  Pictured  is my older cousin Judy, little Connie, Tommy who passed at the age of 14, my baby sis Donna and yep...I'm the one singin'  OOOoooklahoma showin' off my tonsil~less throat along with my uvula .  Did I tell ya'll my grandma had a ongoin' zest for life that wouldn't quit and was more fun than a barrel full of magic wands?  A true kid at heart this magnificent gal was.

Wherever ya found Ma you'd find fun.  It was on this trip to my childhood farm that my grandma and I decided to bake some peanut butter cookies while Mom did her outside chores.  Now, Ma and I loved peanut butter cookie dough more that a chubby cop loves warm glazed doughnuts.  We had a grand time mixin', bakin' and tastin' when my Mama came in and said, "I thought ya'll were gonna bake cookies".  In the midst of our giggles we handed her the cookie platter adorned with seven very small morsels and answered, "We did!!!"

This was also the visit we gals went to Emporia, Kansas to see Ma's sis.  My grandmother, mom, mom's best friend, my little sis and this thirteen year old Farm Chicklett  piled in the car to make the journey. It was this very excursion these fine ladies sent me into the local Emporia drug store to buy 'em some Ex~Lax and Kaopectate.  Yep folks,  some were constipated and some were sufferin' the runs and they weren't goin' in so they sent me...the gullible obedient one!  The two clerks behind the counter could barely contain themselves when one just had to burst out with..."Ya know young lady, these products treat opposite ailments!"  Meltin' into the floor and turnin' beet red I said, " I know, those women in the car don't know whether there comin' or goin'" and got outta there faster than a jackrabbit on a date!!!
 
Posted by Picasa
Ma was never too busy to play, I loved that 'bout her.  Here she is playin' in the sand with her toddler great~ grandson (Geek Son)  and my cousin Robert.  Ma's very last visit to the Ponderosa I found her in my family room  turnin'  somersaults to make Geek Son laugh.  She was just that kinda gal.  It was so fittin' that Ma's church's  Kid's Choir sang at her funeral service.  I could truly feel her there......dancin'!
This wonderful song was sang by the likes of Perry Como, Sheena Easton and even Gladys Knight and the Pips but it's best known version is sang by Bette Midler  in the 1988 soundtrack for the movie Beaches. My HERO left this world many years ago but will always live in my heart and remain to be "The Wind Beneath My Wings!!!"

'Miss ya Ma, my hero!

276 comments:

  1. Tears fill my eyes, Nezzy. What a fabulous loving tribute to your grandmother. What a beautiful loving soul she was. What a wonderful inspiration to you.

    Thank you for sharing this write ... I truly am moved.

    How's our Angel Dawn coming along? Please give her a hug for me.
    TTFN ~
    Have a great day ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

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  2. Your grandmother sound like a sweetheart. Always thinking of others before herself kind of grandma. People like that are not easily forgotten and you are doing a great job honouring her memories.

    You were a very luck girl to have such a great example in your life.
    Thanks for sharing your memories of this sweet woman with us.
    Have a pleasant week. Hugs, JB

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  3. she sounds like a truly remarkable woman - and a great one to be named after!

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  4. Nezzy, what a beautiful tribute to your grandmother!How wonderful that you have such great memories!Blessings!

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  5. What a beautiful strong woman she was. I'd like to raise a daughter like her!
    And what a wonderful tribute to her too.
    Your Friend, m.

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  6. Very touching and loving homage to a very special lady. Sending good vibes your way. Yes I do remember that beautiful song.
    Rita

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  7. She sounds like a peach! A unique woman with a lot of spunk and spirit. This was a great tribute and I can see why you miss her. *hugs*

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  8. Oh, dear Nezzy, you still make her proud. What a wonderful post. You brought tears to my eyes.

    She sounds very much like my granny.

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  9. What a heartwarming post and such an inspiration your grandma was. I adore these photos.

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  10. You've given us another clue about where your spunk and good heart came from, Nezzy. What a wonderful woman your "Ma" was. It sounds like the wind beneath your wings has left you with a heart that soars in her image.

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  11. My grandmother was my hero too. She raised 10 children of her own and was grandma to about 30 or so of us kids but always made sure we knew we were special to her. I'm thinking that you have inherited her zest for life! Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories.

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  12. What a strong generation of women. Amazing woman!
    Lots of foster parents get a bag rap, but there are MANY who do a wonderful service. Kudo's to your Grandma!

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  13. What a beautiful tribute to a very strong loving woman. Your post made me laugh many times at her antics. We should all try to be grandmothers like her. Who cares what our kids think. Thanks for the inspiration to be more like 'ma'.

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  14. What a great tribute! She sounds like an amazing woman!

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  15. Some of the most amazing people lived a lifetime ago from us. Glad she was around long enough to touch your life.

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  16. Through your memories in words and photos I feel like I knew her. Excellent.

    It must be reminiscing week. I felt like posting about one of my grandpas too the RH.

    Great post.

    T

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  17. What truly amazing, wonderful memories you have of an obviously amazing woman! And photos to go with it!

    A tribute by Connie Chung, huh? I'd love to see it!

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  18. I never knew any of my grandparents from my adoptive or birth family. But even if I had, no one ever said anything good about any of them, sad but true. People don't think enough about the legacy they are leaving behind in how they treat others.

    Take you for example, you have certainly taken after your grandma and will continue to pass all that grand wonderfulness along.

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  19. What a SWEET walk back thru time with your Ma! I loved hearing what a wonderful and loved person she was! Isn't it nice to remember someone SO worth remembering? I LOVE that song! My Daughter told me that I was "the wind beneath her wings"! I will never forget that:) Have a blessed evening dear friend, HUGS!

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  20. Wow, Amazing Lady! I do feel that the apple did not fall from the tree, as I think you are pretty amazing too! Thank you for sharing this lovely lady with us,someone we should all try to be a little more like. God Bless and take care!

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  21. What an inspiration your grams way! Don't you just wish everyone had someone like that in their life.

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  22. Oh sweet memories! I just love this post...how interesting and wonderful to look back through all the years...Wow..what a fabulous tribute to your grandmother and what a fabulous legacy she left for all of her family, grandchildren to look upon! This was fun!
    Shug

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  23. All choked up here. She was a treasure, for sure~

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  24. Nezzy, your 'Ma' sounds like a wonderful lady. What precious memories you have of her. Blessings, Pamela

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  25. Well that solves a lot of mysteries. Now I know where you get your heart from. You're a chip off the old block and she would be so proud of you.

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  26. This truly was such a sweet post about your Grammy. LOVED the photos!!!!

    Happy Week Sweet Girl!

    LuLu~*xoxo

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  27. Dearest Nezzy, your Grandma sounds like nothing but pure joy..and how lucky you were to have her in your life.
    You may not all the things she did in her life..but you sure do know how to show love!
    It shines through every post your write, every comment you make, and it even shines through on your lovely face.
    You are a huge part of the sunshine that brightens blogland.
    Mona

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  28. Oh Nezzy,
    This is such an amazing tribute to an amazing lady!
    The people I admire most in this world are ones like your Grandma!
    I just loved this and I think you got a lot of her sweet and good genes there!
    Well done my dear I hope your kiddies and grandkiddies get to read this as well.
    Big Hugs and enjoy your week dear,
    Cindy

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  29. This is such a loving and beautiful tribute to your special grandma. These photos and memories are priceless...just like her. May we all be so kind and loving. Blessings...

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  30. Oh and I totally agree with dear Mona's comment too! She is right on!
    Cindy

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  31. Oh Nezzy, what a beautiful tribute to your Ma. She sounds amazing. You were so blessed to have her in your life. Thank you for sharing this sweet story.

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  32. Such a neat tribute to your Ma. I like grown people who still know how to play and are not afraid to.

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  33. Oh Nezzy, your Ma. What a beautiful tribute. My hero was my Grandma, who I was blessed to share a birthday with. She could chase off a snake or chop it,whichever was appropriate, with the best. At 90 lbs. she was a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately she was plagued with her own mind demons. I'm suspecting they would label it schitzo today. I love that woman with all my heart to this very day.

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  34. What a lovely tribute to a very fine woman. Thank you for sharing a little of her here.

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  35. Great tribute to your Granny, Nezzy. ♥

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  36. This is one of the sweetest blogs...and tears welled in my eyes and I read it. They were good tears...and I love the love that she shared. What a legacy. Bless her and those she loved and touched.

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  37. Ah, Nezzy, you were blessed with such a lovely grandmother. I never knew mine.
    That was a beautiful tribute!

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  38. And you, my friend, take after your grandma Inez. You may not have as many children but you have just as much heart. What a beautiful testimony of giving and reaching out. I feel like I met her through your telling us about her.

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  39. This post is such a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. I bet she is smiling down on you now and proud of her granddaughter!

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  40. Where have all these wonderful, unique women like your Grandma gone? Women that are " a guiding light", " a true kid at heart", " the wind beneath my wings"., women that "loved with all their heart".

    Your moving post is a fine, worthy tribute not only to your Grandma , but also to all the women of her kind in the world.

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  41. Beautiful......tears are falling.....but beautiful....love from me....xxx...

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  43. Beautiful,such wonderful memories,Thank you Nezzy for sharing them.xxx

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  44. I missed out on having a grandma on either side, and this makes it all the more clear that I did miss out on a lot. Be assured that she would be very pleased with you now.

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  45. YOU are so gifted.
    SHE IS so blessed to have been an angel on earth and now a servant in the eternal halls of paradise.

    Oh Nezzy, I read every single morsel of love you have attributed here to this fine woman. I believe in doing cartwheels and dancing in the hallways and making a child laugh and coloring a bit outside the lines! BRAVO TO BRAVE WOMEN and MEN that dare to LAUGH and LOVE to this degree! WOW did she ever take a leap of faith in her young life to decide to take on more kids in that condition of being a widow! BUT GOD BLESSED HER...yikes, this is something to muse on all day long.

    LIKE ALWAYS, you have made me LAUGH OUT LOUD and think to myself in very profound ways. Have a super day. Anita

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  46. The world needs more loving hearts like your Ma.

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  47. What a lovely woman. and how blessed you were to have her as your grandmother.
    I loved your post.
    Cathy

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  48. Wonderful post. When I think about all the wonderful pioneer women in our lives I cannot help but realize how utterly foolish we would look to them with all our ailments and medications and woes of life. They just got up every day and took on whatever challenge awaited them and didn't wallow in depression or sorrow. There just wasn't enough time. What a lucky girl you were to have her in your life.

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  49. Wow, what an amazing woman. Seems she turned lemons into the sweetest lemonaid ever.
    You were so lucky to have her in your life. Thanks for letting her into ours if ever so briefly.

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  50. I got tired before I got to the last of your previous comments, I see I was not the only one moved by the story of your wonderful Ma. Thank you for introducing us, she was an absolutely inspiring person and her legacy lives on in YOU! Thank you again... :-)

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  51. Beautiful and filled with love. Your Ma was a great lady.

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  52. Women like her are definitely heroes. To be so strong--great tribute to her!

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  53. What a beautiful tribute to your Ma. She sounds like she was an absolute gem of a human being. I suspect that there's a story about apples not falling far from trees, here. Thanks for sharing her, Nezzie. :)

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  54. Awwww, sweet Nezzy. Isn't she just laughing her socks off reading this post from Heaven?

    This was beautiful. Your life is a tribute to hers...you are sooo like her in so many ways...

    Thank you for the blessings of this post.

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  55. Dear Nezzy,
    What a wonderful post to read. It is so special to see the love that has been given to you carry on. This is what life should be about...giving all that you can give to help someone and leave them with many fond memories.
    I am sure she has touched so many in her life and that they too will follow in her footsteps.

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  56. What a wonderful way you have with words, Nezzy! You made your beloved grandma come alive for all of us here in this beautiful tribute post.

    She sounds like a very special woman with true generosity of spirit--and because of you, her legacy will live on! :)

    Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting my blog. Loved your comment!

    --Susan

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  57. Nezzy what a grand tribute to your grandmother. I hope some day that Andy thinks of me a little bit like that - lol. She did seem like a wonderful lady and that she had a heart of gold for the children. Amazing that she could make it after her husband died.
    Love, sandie

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  58. Welp, that tells me where all your spunk came from, Miss Nezzy! I would have loved to have met her- she sounds like quite a woman.

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  59. What a lovely story about a wonderful grandma.

    I feel so badly that my kids didn't get to know the one grandma that was wonderful (my husbands mother) nor did they get to know my Mom (who is quite a lot less wonderful in the grandmother sense but it a lovely lady). But they each had an adopted grandma in the neighbor ladies or a church member.

    Loved BOTH my grandmas to pieces!

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  60. I love this post! Family is so important; I'm glad to see yours is as wonderful as mine : )

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  61. Your grandmother sounds like one awesome woman who touched many lives.

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  62. What a beautiful post about this lovely lady. She was a blessing to everyone that knew her and I've enjoying learning about her life...a life well lived! Hugs to you, my friend!

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  63. ha. i love that pic of her on the tricycle and that someone is recognized for something as simple (not really) as loving others...cause that is a beautiful thing...

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  64. Well, that explains a LOT about you :) Your Ma's love of children and the joy of life was passed down 'extry speshul' to you, and for that we're all thankful!

    'Lucy'

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  65. What a great legacy she has left you! And I have a feeling you are doing much to live up to it...

    =)

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  66. What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother, Nezzy. It's clear that she was truly and deeply loved. I liked reading this post because it reminded me of my life's goal..even when I was young; to be a grandmother. I never knew any of my grandparents and I so clearly remember thinking of how if I only had a grandma, she would make better what ever situation I was stressing over at the moment. (You know how young girls are always stressing over something or other!) It has been my great joy to have the gift of 9 grandchildren, all who make me proud and love me back as much as I love them. Thanks for reminded me of this gift I have been given.
    Fondly, Joanne

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  67. I feel bad for families who don't know Grandparents, or extended families. They are the answer to the question of who we really are. Their DNA makes part of us and I can tell your Grandmother had a wonderful influence on you and you sure do have many of her fun traits. I've never met you, but I feel like I know you just from your blog. Your Christian attitude, love of people and family is easy to feel by reading it. Your "Ma" sounds so great. What an honor to be remembered by famous people and heads of state, but I bet she's more honored being loved by you and this tribute would make any Grandmother so proud to read. All those sweet kiddos she mentored and took in over the years were lucky in deed to have found her. Beautiful post Nezzy..thanks for sharing today!

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  68. Oh Nezzy, what a wonderful write about your hero...good for Ma! that she took all those children in; warms my heart...great photos of you all and about you and singing :) that made me smile!

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  69. What an amazing lady your grandma was!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her. I'm sure the world would be a better place today if there were more folks like her around!
    Loved the ex-lax story!! LOL!!
    Hope you're having a great week! :)

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  70. This is a beautiful post! What a remarkable lady, definitely hero material.

    Beth

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  71. Nezzy you were "Blessed" with an amazing grandmother! She had to be a special person to do what she did. Thanks for sharing your story and the photographs are wonderful, love the trike photo. What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother from her granddaughter with a loving and "grateful heart" .

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  72. Oh what a beautiful story and tribute to your Grand Ma. It is wonderful to have such great memories. People were made of such good stuff. My grandma was like that for me too. We spent more time at her house than at our own and you know she never said a word but just loved us balls of energy. LOL! I loved hearing about your Grand Ma. Hugs and blessings.

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  73. A beautiful tribute to a very fine lady. I had a Grandpa like her. Peace

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  74. I bet Ma is still having fun in Heaven and lookin' down on all her loved ones here...What a great story and a beautiful woman Nezz!!! Have a blessed day sweet one xo

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  75. Nezzy, this is one of the finest, most loving stories I have read in a while. Gee, your story of your Ma is swelling up my heart - thank you so much for sharing this. I love the photo of your Ma on the tricycle. My Mom was fun too and never forgot how to PLAY :) lol

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  76. OH MY....she certainly does sound like an amazing woman. The title of HERO deservedly earned.
    Imagine, caring and loving all those children she took into her home and her heart all those many years.
    She was a mom to many I feel.
    I love that song (I saw that movie back when it came out) and it is a profound message.
    I bet you miss her every day.

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  77. Wow, what a wonderful role model and blessing for you! Thank you for sharing a little about her. Makes me think of my late maternal grandmother. She had a big impact on my sisters and me. Actually saw a lovely lady today in the grocery store who looked a lot like my grandma. Had to do a double take!

    Thanks so much for your sweet and kind words on my blog today. :) Sending hugs your way!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  78. Whoa, what an awesome granny Nezzy! Over 300 children, that's more than amazing, that's saintly!!
    How fortunate you were to have this wonderful woman in your life. Her heart had to be overflowing with love, kindness and charity.
    Love Di ♥

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  79. Sweet memories- your grandma sounds like a sweetheart!

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  80. Oh my goodness what a sweet sweet post. She sounds like such a remarkable woman and what a blessing that you got to spend so much wonderful time with her

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  81. oh what a beautiful story, told with so much love and compassion!!

    lucky you, lucky ma....we all need strong, loving woman in our lives!!

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  82. Hi Nezzy! Oh, this was a wonderful story about your Ma! What an amazing lady she must have been. You always just crack me up with your humor and your words. You probably got a little of this from your Ma! :)
    You are the sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  83. Nezzy, this is a lovely tribute to your "Ma". I "oohed" and "awed" and laughed in between.

    The drugstore part is too funny!

    Love ya!

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  84. How wonderful to have such a strong female mentor in your life! A wonderfully written tribute to such a loved one. Lucky you! And her!

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  85. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  86. Your Ma sounds like a wonderful person, Nezzy. How blessed you are to have had her in your life.

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  87. Your grandma was special indeed. An inspiration to all. Housing those unwanted children was a brave, thing to do, alone. Loving them as her own. I think the song The Wind beneath my Wings is a fitting tribute for this dear, sweet lady. I'm glad you have such beautiful memories. take care.

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  88. Ahhhhh....what an inspiring story here! AND THANK YOU DARLIN' FOR COMING TO VISIT ME!!!! Come back next week if you wish for a detour to ROME!!!! WOOOOOO!

    Have a lovely day, Anita

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  89. Beautiful tribute. You mom sounds like quite the gal. I loved the picture of her playing in the sandbox. It is a quality that I wished I had.

    btw- You are a gifted and beautiful writer.

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  90. what a tribute!
    these photos are treasures
    and Ma is an inspiration

    congrats on POTW

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  91. Nezzy,

    What a precious story of your dear grandma! You were so blessed to have her in you life, and from the sound of it... many, many other blessed children along the way. You made me smile inside and out! Hugs

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  92. Love this beautiful story of your amazing Grandma. I especially love the photo of her on a tricycle. On her 80th birthday my Grandma said she felt like a "recycled teenager." I think your Grandma Dow had the same philosophy on life. So wonderful to see you draw so much strength, knowledge and joy from loving memories of your family.

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  93. What a grand lady your "Ma" was! It must have been so much fun to have her in your life! I suspect that you are very much like her!!! What a wonderful tribute to a special lady:)

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  94. How wonderful, Nezzy. She reminds me of my own "Ma", who raised 14 children. How lucky we were to have such solid, kind women in our lives...

    Pearl

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  95. Hi Nezzy!

    What a beautiful story about a beautiful woman! I love stories like this, it gives me strength and hope! I love the picture on the tricycle, what a character she must have been! "Ma's", really were just the best friends!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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  96. What a beautiful tribute! Makes me miss my sweet grandma....

    sigh,

    RMW

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  97. Thank you for that glimpse into a wonderful woman's life! What blessing to have a grandma like that. I had a really fun great-grandma like that, too. I remember her giving me and my sis piggy back rides when she was in her 80's and we were 7 or 8 years old. That generation always fascinates me and spurs me on!

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  98. This is a beautiful tribute to an awesome lady.

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  99. This is a beautiful tribute to an awesome lady.

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  100. Nezzy honey like everyone else I so enjoyed reading about your remarkable grandmother.
    We were both so blessed to have such great ladies in our lives. Like you I think of mine often.
    This is a wonderful way to share her remarkable life.
    Love ya
    Maggie

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  101. What a wonderful lady, you are so blessed to have her spirit and memories here with you today! God Bless you both!

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  102. I think I have a new hero after reading about grandma Dow. She was a gem for sure. If everyone was like her can you just imagine the world we would live in?
    Thank yo for your visit Nezzy...I'm happy to meetcha'

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  103. Oh, what a fine tribute to a truly remarkable woman. You were blessed to have the feisty and fun Grandma Dow in your life. Thank you for sharing her with us. ♥

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  104. What a wonderful tribute to the lady with a great sense of humour - love that photo of her on the tricycle! - and the big loving heart.

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  105. Hi sweet Nezzi. Your stories are always the BEST.
    WHAT A LADY to have taken in all those sweet babies. They were in the trash can??? They did that?? I see why you loved her soooo much. She looked like she loved life to the fullest.
    I'm sure you were one of her favorites ; )
    Such a great read.
    xoxoxoxo

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  106. HooWee there's alot of comments here!
    Hi Nezzi, I came here from Beths. I love your hero. What a lady and down to earth gal. I loved her on the tricycle. Stay on the sunnyside ya hear?

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  107. What a beautiful tribute....and what amazing pictures....blessed me....as did your email

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  108. What a lovely tribute you have written about your grandmother. She was an amazing woman.

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  109. Well Nezzy..
    It sounds to me like you couldn't have had a better roll model and hero!!
    What a gal she was!!!!

    Thanks for sharing such wonderful stories and memories with us!
    Love the pictures too.

    She was certainly an angel....you can see a twinkle in her eyes :)

    {{Hugs}}
    Kerin

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  110. A wonderful story told in your country charm, and i hope you and everyone has a wonderful memorial day weekend. Richard

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  111. Grandma Dow sounds like an exceptional woman, thanks for sharing this touching tale with us.

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  112. What a beautiful tribute. Brought a tear to my eye. Loved it.

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  113. What an amazing woman! You were indeed blessed to have her for a grandma. Precious, precious memories -- and what a heritage!

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  114. I love this post. I'm my the unofficial historian for my family and I know how important it is to put memories in writing. If not they can get lost so easily.

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  115. What a wonderful tribute to your grand Ma. I love your story and your photo's.

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  116. What a beautiful tribute to your amazing grandmother!

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  117. What a fabulous post! I loved learning all about your grandmother....she was amazing. I am so impressed and you were fortunate to have had her love, time and attention.

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  118. Grandmothers are so very special! I still miss mine and she's been gone nearly 30 years! Yours sounds so wonderful!

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  119. Your grandmother sounds like a true gem. Bless her heart taking all those children. How lucky you were to have had her in your life, but then you already know that :)

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  120. What a neat tribute to your grandmother.. I can tell how much she meant to you---and for some reason, I think that you and she are alike... When you describe her, I think of you... What an incredible lady! I know you must miss her.

    I was never graced with grandparents. They were ALL gone before I was born.. SO--I missed that joy.

    Thanks so much for sharing your JOY.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  121. What a fabulous story. You have such beautiful memories and funny too of your dear grandmother. Mine lives far across the ocean and it wasn't very often I saw them. Your grandmother was a very lovely lady. It soundns like she really gave herself to all. Sweet.
    I loved reading your post and I will be back to read more. It was nice to have you visit and leave a comment. I hope you'll be back. Did you enter my GIVEAWAY??...come back if you did...or even if you did.

    Judi

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  122. This is an amazing tribute to a very special woman in your life!

    Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment!

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  123. Wonderful heritage! I think that our mom's would have gotten along really well. Thanks for inviting us to the memory journey. Cherry Kay

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  124. What a wonderful treasure she was! Thanks for telling us about her.

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  125. Wow.....oh my goodness....what a treasure. Your "Ma" of course, but in all honesty, you too are a treasure to have written these words, shared the photos and blessed US with your post.

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  126. omg...your post gave me chills and finishing with that song...super wow. What an incredible memory. I hope my girls feel this way about me when their grown and I'm gone. Love love love that pic of her on the bike. That's a real mom...and she imprinted all of her on your heart where she still lives on. And it always cracks me up the way you 'talk.'

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  127. A truly remarkable lady! Was a lovely post.
    Maggie X

    Nuts in May

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  128. This is a beautiful tribute to your grandmother, Nezzy. Such people deserve to be remembered!

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  129. Oh, I love this, darlin'. Don't you know Jesus is right now having a glass of sweet tea with her, thanking her for all the babies she helped raise? He loves kiddos.

    My grandma was special, too. I hope I can pass down her heritage of kindness and love to my grandbabies.

    Hugs aplenty,
    Jen

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  130. Your Ma is an angel! A beautiful wonderful strong amazing angel! Thank you for sharing your memories of her here - I feel most privileged!

    Oh I do prefer the Gladys Knight version of Wind Beneath my Wings though much as I adore Bette Midler! Take care
    x

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  131. This post is a delight; I loved every minute of it. I can see why you like my mom so well-Your Ma reminds me of Mom in some ways :)

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  132. What a wonderful woman and how lucky you are. Thanks for telling us about her and showing her pictures. Very beautiful photos too.

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  133. Lovely tribute to a fun grandma, which I never had. But I have known persons just like her. And yes your spirit soars when you are around them.

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  134. What a fun grandma. I didn't have a grandmother..both died before I was born. I just hope and pray with all my might that MY grands remember me in such a loving way as you remember yours.
    You were blessed, indeed....but so was she. :)
    xo bj

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  135. I love the photo of her riding the tricycle. So fun!
    Wishing you a beautiful Sunday Nezzy!
    xo Catherine

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  136. She sounds like such a wonderful person. This is a beautiful tribute to her. I was an adopted child, so there is a lot of tenderness in my heart for those who give love to children who most need it. That tricycle photo is so endearing. What a special lady! laurie

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  137. Nezzy,
    Wow, a beautiful dedication to a sweet loving Grandma. You know she inspired many, and now she is looking down upon you because you've inspired her. God Bless, please always continue to remember those wonderful moments with Grandma.
    Your Friend, Sandy Oklahomatransient

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  138. Hi Nezzy, Your Grandma sounds like an outstanding woman with a beautiful heart and loads of love. This is a lovely tribute to her. I'm sure she's smiling down and proud of you.
    xo jj

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  139. What an amazing sounding woman. Wow, wow, and wow again. How amazing to have someone as exceptional as this, to play a formative role in your life.

    She has such a strong and pleasant face, too.

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  140. What a darling post...your Ma looked like she was filled with JOY. xoxo

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  141. I got teary eyed reading this... what an amazing lady... you are blessed indeed. Great memories to pass to future generations

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  142. What a fun story. Loved the EX-Lax memory. Oh my. I'm a new follower. Had to jump over and see what a fellow Missouian is up too. Okay so I'm in Texas now but I was born in Missouri.
    'Ma' looked like she was full of spunk. I have a feeling you may have inheirited that spunk.

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  143. What an amazing lady! I LOVED the letter my Nana used to write to me. Women of that era that had to do it on their own always amaze me. Thank you for sharing her with us
    xoxo
    SC

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  144. Lovely tribute. What a remarkable woman. Her heart must have been so big to invite in so many youngster who needed her so.

    Play off the Page

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  145. WOW your Grandma was a totally AWESOME person!!! Wow, a heart bigger than Texas. A blessing not only to your family but to the world, wow!! Thank you for sharing your memories!
    Have a great day.
    Always, Queenie
    P.S. Just started reading Hillbilly Debutante Cafe... Very fun read :o)

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  146. What an awesome tribute to your grandma. She sure was an amazing woman. The world today needs more "Ma" in it.

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  147. A beautiful tribute to your grandma! Loved it!

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  148. What a great tribute to your Grandma! You were so fortunate to have her in your life and I'm sure she felt the same about you. She was definitely a strong proud woman and an inspiration to many from the sound of your nice post!

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  149. It is so wonderful that such a great woman is so well remembered. I sat and cried during this post. How I would have loved to know your 'Ma'! Love that picture of her on the tricycle! Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute.

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  150. That was a wonderful tribute to your grandmother, Nezzy. What an incredible woman. I'd feel blessed too to have someone like that in my life. She was a rare one, your grandmother. :)

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  151. HI!!!
    FAMILY is BY far the BEST role models and fans we should have!!Family should always be our best friends and that soft SPOT to land!!!Home is where OUR hearts should be....not lost in some city or Country or in some one else yard...we should ALL long to be WHO we are and Love where We are!!!
    Great pics too!!!
    Have a Great day
    hugs,
    jamie

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  152. Well I need Kleenex!!! Your tribute to your "Ma" is wonderful. The memories come flooding out of your words. What a wonderful woman she was, 300 young children is so remarkable!! My grandma Jewell lived in Emporia for several years, my children both went to college there also. I've created a blog about my family heritag--its accesable from my sidebar--check out my Grandma too. I love coming here and reading your stories.
    Ann

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  153. A little behind--sorry to hear of your loss.
    She sounds like a very special person.

    Take care.

    Melinda

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  154. Nezzy, it seems to me you are a lot like her! She was beautiful, inside and out. Even whens she was old, she was pretty. You look like her, don't you?! I would like to work to become like her. Love the picture on the bike. Loved them all. No wonder she was your hero.

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  155. wow..you were so blessed to have such a role model!

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  156. What a beautiful tribute to an obviously beautiful soul. Would that we could all be remembered with such fondness and love.

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  157. Oh my! What wonderful memories you have of your Grandma. Wonderful that you had someone like that in your life growing up. Thanks for sharing this story.
    Have a great week.

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  158. Now that's some story telling. Do you get that trait from her or someone else in your family?

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  159. This is beautiful! I'm so sorry it's taken so long to comment. Every time I tried to visit your blog a message appeared and read that your blog may contain malware. Anyway it went away and I have heard of other blogs having this problem. Maybe a google glitch.
    Hope you're having a great week!

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  160. Hey sweetie? You okay? I sent you a few e-mails but they bounced back and I wanted to check on you.

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  161. Way late in commenting but have to say how wonderful this post is!

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  162. Hi Nezzy! Oh gosh, I can't tell you how you crack me up! I just love the way you tell a story. :D She was a pip for sure, and you were so lucky to have her. Such a lovely tribute....Thanks so much for popping in to say hello while I was away from Blogland. You are SUCH A SWEETIE PIE!!! XOXO Paulette

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  163. This Post is a Wonderful Tribute to an Amazing Woman... her Legacy will Live on through all of those Precious Souls she Invested her Love and Time in.

    Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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  164. Hi Nezzy,
    I hadn't what great humor you have. I'm glad I found you.

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  165. Hi Nezzy, I've been missing here and there from the blogosphere, and now I see that you are! Where are you? :) Hoping and praying that all is well.

    I enjoyed reading about "Ma." I would have loved to have known her. I'm glad you had her in your life; that she left much of herself in you. Blessings.

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  166. What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother! And I'm thinking you're a bit like her!!!! Love the pictures too! Just thinking of all the wonderful things all her "Kids" would write. Wouldn't that be a good book! Thanks for sharing her with us too.

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  167. Happy July 4 to everyone and Id like to invite everyone to my post "Lancaster on 4 wheels part 2 this coming Thursday. Richard

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  168. Love the age-old pictures. Evokes emotions and memories. You are a sweet and loving grand daughter.


    wealth management

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  169. What a sweet post about a remarkable woman! Lucky you to have her in your life. Great photos and memories.

    Big hugs sweet friend,
    Kat

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  170. Good grief yah mentioned coffee and I had to go get a cup then start reading :} It was worth it. Love the tricycle pic and the story. Just Wonnerful as my Mom's fave Lawrence Welk used to say "}

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  171. Nezzy.. what a lovely tribute to MA ♥ Loved this! Hope you're doing well.. I'm sure you're just having another busy-busy Summer. Hope y'all have been getting more rain than us! -Tammy

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  172. HI NEZZY,
    Oh man, you had me in the first sentence.....I was glued to every word....WHAT a Great MA you had...GOD BLESS you for sharing her with all those lovely children....so You always HAD a playmate....I bet your childhood has the BEST stories....
    What a great song choice too..
    so happy I read that.....made my night!!
    hugs and love,
    jamie--mimi

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  173. Sounds like Ma was one remarkable woman Nezzie. Hope you're enjoying your summer.

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  174. I like your story, ok, i’ll bookmark this site and return here in next few days.

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  175. hi long time never update nezzy anywhere,,,, what year that photo???

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  176. Uplifting, heart melting, beautiful beyond words.

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  177. Remarkable, inspirational, amazing!

    http://www.memoirsofmeandmine.com/

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  178. Okay, it has been a while since hearing anything out of you. I hope you are all right.

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  179. Checkin' in Nezzy. I hope all is well with you and your family. Looking forward to seeing you in the blogosphere soon. xoxo

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    1. I'm fine. I seem to become totally overwhelmed tryin' to keep up with everything on the Ponderosa and blog too. I'm an all or nothin' kinda chick so somethings gotta give.

      I WILL return when things slow down a bit 'round here.

      I've just survived Camp Grandma. Nine days and eight nights of wonderfully exhausin' activities. WOOHOO!!!

      God bless ya'll :o)

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  180. Hi Nezzy just dropping by and thought Id say hello again, and I would say that all of your readers really miss your blogging. But only when your fully ready and enjoy your time off. Richard from Amish Stories

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  181. A very loving and very dear lady! I have so enjoyed getting a peek at your wonderful Grandma Dow through this beautiful post! Amazing in the way she cared for so many and had such enthusiasm, energy and spunk. She must have heaven smiling big!

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  182. What a beautiful tribute!

    Hope all is well your way! I am finally getting back around to Blogging again and visiting all my favorite Blogs :)

    Love,
    LuLu~*xoxo

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  183. Hi Sweet Girl! Just checking in, and I wanted to say hi. Hope you're having a great summer out there on the Ponderosa...and hope you'll be back to blogland soon! Sending a hug your way! xoxo

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  184. Oh your Grandma sounds wonderful you were so lucky to have her and all these memories will go one forever. HUGS B

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  185. Where are you girlfriend? I hope all is okay???

    I've been a bad blog friend. Life has been busy, but good. I did finally post something a night or two ago and I've promised myself I will get back to blogging. It's important to me.

    I hope you're coming back too.

    Big hugs,
    Kat

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  186. What a beautiful moving tribute to her, Nezzy. Thank you.

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  187. I was wondering how you were so I checked the comments and you posted you are busy I understand that and am so glad that is all it is. I look forward to seeing you here again. Farming is a busy life and I understand busy.
    Hugs. B

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  188. What a great tribute. Thank you for sharing.

    Cheers,
    Shanae
    My Blog

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