Aunt Dee Blust Hammon

I had the opportunity to attend an aunt's eightieth birthday party in Connecticut the first weekend in May.  I was able to see my mother Norene, visit with one of my four brothers (Steve) wife, Laura, and one of his daughters, Stacy. I was able to meet her children, Kevin and James. Stacy moved to New York State and Steve and Laura came down from Alaska. We also visited with our cousins. We were very close growing up back home in Bloomingdale. The bonds you form early in life develop a genetic pull that captures you for a life time. As I age it seems I think of my early life more. It is the stories of our youth that keep us forever young in our memories.

My cousin Marty reminded my Mom that it was her fault we got in trouble as kids on our farm. We were as innocent as the driven snow. Mom would unwittingly plan our daily agenda.

When she told us not to "ride" the heifers bareback it reminded us of a chance to hone our version of pre-bull riding skills.  We were sure a couple of more times out of the gate and we would be back slapping certified bull riding cowboys. Turns out we would get slung into the bull droppings if you know what I mean.   I seldom made an eight second clock on the cows. When you did make the time you were so far out into the pasture you never got a fair score from the judges.

One of her other pleas was "Stay out of the hay". We sure were thankful, we had forgotten about building hay forts in the barn. We could play cowboys and bad guys or any other vignette involving an outpost of military designation. Back in the day you knew the good guys as they wore white hats and TV and the movies told you who they were.

When you look back it was fun to make believe and wonder what the life of a "Movie Star" was about. It made a good imaginary dream or goal to work towards. The reality was our heroes and heroines were closer; they were our parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents.  They are real and role models that you could hug question and live the same pattern they did. Real heroes are there when you stumble, and give the special hug that says you are special no matter how you did. They always have an extra bit of positive influence that will help you next time. Just keep working at it and you will be great.

It is hard to put into words what a person means to you. I sat down and wrote a note to Aunt Dee for her birthday. I would like to share it with you.

Here it is her eightieth birthday.  It makes you wonder where time has vaporized to.

Dee has always been a mentor and a heroine to me.  She and Uncle Dale raised four outstanding men. All of their children have done more than just contribute back to their world. I marvel at the openness of their house. They adopted as many stray people as they could. There must have been a Bums smudge mark on the curb or blacktop. The only price of admission was to follow the house rules. Those that did not had a shorter stay. They did have preference for family but they would welcome friends or friend's relatives.  Almost all would receive their hospitality. I remember as I was included in the flock for the summer of my freshman year in 1963. I was always welcomed with a kiss and one of the warmest hugs available.

I admire Dee's outlook on life it has always been optimistic, upbeat and determined to complete her goals.  Obstacles were always met and if they were not scalable they became an opportunity for adventure. She as you know decided to become a teacher when her children were in their teens. She set an example of how to work diligently to achieve her goals. Dee and Dale established an outpost of intellectual and verbal acuity that is best described as "Nerds-R-US".  There are still very stimulating conversations held in their living room.

They were always active in their children's athletic and academic activities. The list of sports includes WNBA and watching Becky.  It is remarkable the ripple of influence Dee has had with family. She greets and loves all of her family. She has picked up Grandma Blust's knack of making people feel special and comfortable in any setting. She makes the effort to be connected to her grandchildren and greats also.

She expanded her Connecticut circle with the classes of children she has taught, life coached and mentored unfailingly. She understands as parent and teacher we plant seeds of wisdom that may take twenty or more years to reach fertile soil and finally germinate. That is one of the miracles of teaching and caring.

I appreciate the fact she is a friend in addition to being my favorite Aunt. Her example of good righteous living is a testament to her Faith. Dee shows people she is a Christian. Well maybe she does tell them a little bit, she is entitled. Her example of life skills and living has had a positive influence on me.  I suspect most people at her birthday party have stories of their own showing her life reflection in their story of life.

I really hope that she has lost her spelling correcting red pencil.  I fear there may be points deducted for misspelled words.  I hope the grammar is okay.

May you continue to love, live and prosper in the Light of our Lord.

Love, Mike

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