TheMosmillers.org

Carolyn's European Blog

We may not have a ton of activity here at the site, but Carolyn is making up for it with her own blog chronicling her European adventures. Hop over and take a look.

Clare Mosmiller (1937-2008)

I was fortunate enough to be able to sing at Aunt Clare's funeral this Tuesday. As expected, the service was beautiful, even more so that due to the fact that it was nearly entirely handled by family members from top to bottom. I always take something special away from our gatherings whether they are joyful or sorrowful for this reason.

I was not fortunate enough to know Aunt Clare all that personally due to our age difference and my health, but she always treated me as if we did. In recent years I felt like we had a special connection, perhaps due to the fact that she seemed to understand the impact of my health condition more acutely than most. It was clear at a glance that she wanted the best for me and was worried that it might not happen, and that meant a great deal to me.

If you have any stories or experiences you would like to share, post them in a comment and I will add them to this post. Some comments made by friends of the family are available as well as some fantastic pictures are available online already.

Sad News

Mary Wilson died in the presence of her family last night around 9pm after fighting with numerous health issues for the past few years. I hope that her sons and daughters can take some comfort from the fact that so many of our relatives visited during the past week. I think the packed parking lot at the top of the hill says a lot about what our extended family is all about.

If you see this post, feel free to add a comment to it or send me an email in which you share a memory or quality that you respected about Mary. I will then roll those remarks into this post. I will get this started below.

1. I feel that Aunt Mary's greatest legacy is evident in how tightly knit the Wilson family is, and how easily they accept the rest of us into the fold just as a matter of course. As an only child with health issues in my branch of the family, it would be easy to be left out of most family events just due to my unusual circumstances, but that has never been the case with the Wilson crew. Whether they're just having a low-key cookout or a holiday event, I know I'll always be able to drop by whenever I am feeling up to it. Additionally, one or more of her children would be down fairly regularly just to help out with something or to visit. I know most families are like this, but the atmosphere surrounding the Wilson clan is so inviting and close-knit that I feel it is worthy of praise.

   Andy

2. Andy,

   Thank you so much for the comments about Mom. She was clearly the binding that has held our family together. Her commitment to family was unparalleled, extending well beyond the Wilson clan. We are extremely blessed to have such warm and wonderful relatives to share in the laughter and sorrows of life. Thank you for providing the forum to express our thoughts.

   Jim

3. I loved Aunt Mary for her outspoken nature,sense of humor and her love of the whole family. I always felt welcome in her home. She was quick to serve up some macaroni salad and roast beef. She would even try to feed the ten or so friends, who just wanted to use the bathroom after boating. She would always take time to help me with my many problems at the MVA. I'm sure I would be walking now without all of her help. I picture all of the Flahavan's, Uncle Will, Uncle Walter, and Marty Corry welcoming her to heaven, and waiting patiently to get a word in...well, maybe not patiently...she will be missed.

   Mark

4. It hasn't hit me full force yet. I think in the spring when I go out to yell across the way, it'll sink in. We've all lost something here.

   Skip

Thanksgiving Feast

Thanks to Jim and Susanne, we had a great Thanksgiving family gathering again this year. That stuffing is fantastic I tell you. Fantastic! Next year I am going with a tub so I can take enough home to last me several weeks. Hehe.

Croquet Pictures

I have posted a bunch of pics from the croquet event I hosted yesterday. Wander on over to the "Pictures" section and take a look. They're at the bottom of the list.