My mother, Margaret is the middle girl of 5. Two older, two younger…and then the baby brother Jim. The eldest, Eileen has been in a care home for some time now as she inches her way towards 100 and yes I think she’ll make it. While her thinking isn’t always clear and from time to time she is awaiting her Mom to pick her up, she seems quite happy and still can make her way down to the dining room with the help of her walker. I haven’t seen her in a few years. She was married later in life to John who was at the time a police officer in Niagara Falls.

Sad news came this week in the passing of the next sibling, Florence. She passed away in hospital in Niagara Falls. Again, I haven’t seen her in a long time. The last time we attempted a visit she was busyvacuumingg….and so missed her chance to spend some time with us.

Florence had many talents – a very artistic lady and a terrific seamstress. She was married to my uncle Don whom I really liked. He was kind, generous, and as pleasant as can be. He seemed like a quiet saint to me. They resided in Niagara Falls and once Wendy and I simply dropped in on them and had a lovely visit.

Florence lived a somewhat isolated life – she seemed to struggle in relationships – that’s how it seemed to me as a kid. She was often unhappy which seemed in stark contrast to her sisters who were optimistic and pleasant.

Mom had an opportunity to visit her sister Freda this week. Freda is struggling with her health and has lost almost all her sight. Freda too was talented in the arts – she was an outstanding oil painter and I have one of her lovely productions. I sent her a picture of The Three Sisters and she did a terrific painting for me.

The youngest sister, Joyce, is fourteen years older than me. How do I remember that? She got married at 21 and I was the ring bearer at age 7. Joyce too is very artistic and I remember her particular gift being gourmet cooking. I lived with them for a year and benefitted from her good cooking! I still remember her made from scratch Caesar salad.

We were sorry to hear of Florence’s passing for it marks the loss of the first of the “Eastland kids”.