"He feeds the children". What an amazing distillation of a life's work, appropriate for the moment, devoid of ego or pride, and a reflection of any faith's central message. And the poet who understood all of it to say it so eloquently.
I am proud to say that Dolly was my grandmother and after reading this story and seeing the photos of her with my mom, great Aunt Marnie, and Uncle Tom it was beautifully written and touches my heart (along with tears of course). I didn't realize till after reading this how much I have inherited my grandmother's DNA. She was a fearless survivor and I clearly know now, why my mom wanted me to cherish my Catholic faith. Its is the greatest gift that my grandmom and mom gave me, and I will allows cherish it. Without my faith, I would not be here today and clearly it was given to me from God through the strong women in my life who died way to young. I was fortunate to have known "Gammie" my grandmother before she died and I would have done anything to have listened to her praying her rosary, which I have that was hers to this day. It was meant for me to have. Thank you Aunt Christie for this lovely story of Dolly and the Pope.
Kudos to Chuck Offenburger for recruiting you to the Iowa Writers Collaborative. You are a gift to readers who just keeps on giving. Beautiful column Christie!
What a great remembrance. My first mother-in-law was a member of AA when we met, and I learned the Serenity Prayer also. It got me through my marriage to her son even though we divorced. I joined AA at age 73. Even if I was late to the party, it has changed my life for the better. Also, her 2 grandchildren are members in good standing. I so enjoy all of your posts. My nephew and family live in Mt. Pleasant. Thank you.
Eric and Kirsten Heerdt who live on White street. Also a woman named Marty was in my art class for years and she is from Mt Pleasant. I’ll find out her last name and let you know. Thanks for answering.
I know Marty, too. I grew up with her and graduated with her brother. Her mom and dad were our next door neighbors and when she came to visit her son Tim played with our son Doug. Small world.
Thanks! Next week I’m going to try to capture the essence of Raising Readeres. Thanks for the invite. The birthday party was a great way to remind everyone of the importance of your work.
Where I grew up we didn’t talk about these issues. I’m so glad that has changed. Mothers in law sometimes get a bad rap so I thought I’d celebrate her for Mother’s Day.
Thanks for reading and responding Emily. I’m finding this writing restorative. Next week I’ll tackle literacy and what Story County Iowa is doing about it. Plus I”l be traveling to little Fenton Iowa to talk about how they convinced the County Supervisors to restore funding to their public library.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Chuck. Mothers in law get a bad rap so I thought I’d celebrate mine for Mother’s Day this year. Thanks for getting me into this. Writing is cathartic. I didn’t know how much I’d missed trying to make sense of the world this way.
Mothers-in-law sometimes get a bad rap. I live next door to one daughter-in-law and tomorrow we go take care of kids so the other can fly to Texas to get an award at her alma mater. I didn’t have sisters or daughters so I’m working hard to be a stellar MIL.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Jason. Mothers-in-law sometimes get a bad rap! I didn’t have daughters or sisters so I’m enjoying the company of my DIL’s.
I knew Dolly well.
This is a fitting tribute to a good person who found the strength to overcome her demons and thereby inspire.
Not everyone does. And those around them need to know "the prayer".
Christie, I’m in tears having read this to the end. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your life with us.
"He feeds the children". What an amazing distillation of a life's work, appropriate for the moment, devoid of ego or pride, and a reflection of any faith's central message. And the poet who understood all of it to say it so eloquently.
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. Yes, it’s any faith’s central message.
Lovely column, Christie. Following my mom's death, I found evidence of how the Serenity Prayer was so meaningful to her struggles throughout life.
Cheryl, Thanks for reading and commenting. It’s such a simple prayer but so profound.
I am proud to say that Dolly was my grandmother and after reading this story and seeing the photos of her with my mom, great Aunt Marnie, and Uncle Tom it was beautifully written and touches my heart (along with tears of course). I didn't realize till after reading this how much I have inherited my grandmother's DNA. She was a fearless survivor and I clearly know now, why my mom wanted me to cherish my Catholic faith. Its is the greatest gift that my grandmom and mom gave me, and I will allows cherish it. Without my faith, I would not be here today and clearly it was given to me from God through the strong women in my life who died way to young. I was fortunate to have known "Gammie" my grandmother before she died and I would have done anything to have listened to her praying her rosary, which I have that was hers to this day. It was meant for me to have. Thank you Aunt Christie for this lovely story of Dolly and the Pope.
Beautiful, Christie. Your tribute to Dolly is both beautiful and powerful. She was obviously a very special lady. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Kudos to Chuck Offenburger for recruiting you to the Iowa Writers Collaborative. You are a gift to readers who just keeps on giving. Beautiful column Christie!
Thanks for being so supportive of my early efforts!
What a great remembrance. My first mother-in-law was a member of AA when we met, and I learned the Serenity Prayer also. It got me through my marriage to her son even though we divorced. I joined AA at age 73. Even if I was late to the party, it has changed my life for the better. Also, her 2 grandchildren are members in good standing. I so enjoy all of your posts. My nephew and family live in Mt. Pleasant. Thank you.
Thanks Glenda. It’s never too late for AA! Who lives in Mt. Plesant. I might know them?
Eric and Kirsten Heerdt who live on White street. Also a woman named Marty was in my art class for years and she is from Mt Pleasant. I’ll find out her last name and let you know. Thanks for answering.
I know Eric and Kristen. They live right around the corner form one of my best friends, Mary Elgar!.
Marty Boesenbrrg is the person I know from art. Our teacher had to quit so I don’t see her
I know Marty, too. I grew up with her and graduated with her brother. Her mom and dad were our next door neighbors and when she came to visit her son Tim played with our son Doug. Small world.
Yes.
A great personal and loving tribute. Thank you for sharing and reminding us of the chance for renewal is there if we take it.
We live in a forest and I see signs of renewal everywhere in nature. Isn’t that simple prayer so profound?
What a beautiful, touching reflection!
Thanks! Next week I’m going to try to capture the essence of Raising Readeres. Thanks for the invite. The birthday party was a great way to remind everyone of the importance of your work.
Beautiful tribute to someone who meant a great deal to you. 🩷
Where I grew up we didn’t talk about these issues. I’m so glad that has changed. Mothers in law sometimes get a bad rap so I thought I’d celebrate her for Mother’s Day.
This is gorgeous writing, Christie.
Thanks for reading and responding Emily. I’m finding this writing restorative. Next week I’ll tackle literacy and what Story County Iowa is doing about it. Plus I”l be traveling to little Fenton Iowa to talk about how they convinced the County Supervisors to restore funding to their public library.
What a great family story! Thanks for writing it.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Chuck. Mothers in law get a bad rap so I thought I’d celebrate mine for Mother’s Day this year. Thanks for getting me into this. Writing is cathartic. I didn’t know how much I’d missed trying to make sense of the world this way.
Indeed.
As a mother-in-law who learned from the best, my own, and who has the best kids-in-law in the world, I so appreciate this. I’m sure Dolly does, too.
Mothers-in-law sometimes get a bad rap. I live next door to one daughter-in-law and tomorrow we go take care of kids so the other can fly to Texas to get an award at her alma mater. I didn’t have sisters or daughters so I’m working hard to be a stellar MIL.
Thank you for sharing such a personal story.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Jason. Mothers-in-law sometimes get a bad rap! I didn’t have daughters or sisters so I’m enjoying the company of my DIL’s.