Dottie

I have mentioned my grandfather and his store before. How he worked along side with my great Aunt Julie. Well this woman worked with them too. She is not a relative but became one because she was with us though it all. She was a wife with small kids when she was first hired by my grandpa but now she is in her late 70's. She worked the cash register for years and years and became a really great family friend. When the store closed in 1993 or 1994 (I don't remember exactly) we were not about to loose one of our most trusted family friends and she was not about to let us loose her. So she started working for my aunt who was in pretty bad health. She helped her by cleaning her house, watching out for her dogs and lots of other caregiver like things. This kept my aunt independent till the very end of her life. We were all very greatfull for what she did for my Aunt. Dottie is a wonderful woman who I have always had a liking for. She was much like my aunt but a bit younger. She came to a lot of our parties and she used to give great big hugs. I miss her almost as much as I miss my aunt and grandpa. She lives in Florida now. When my aunt died I think it really broke her up, so shortly after she moved away to be in a warmer happier place. Last time I saw her was at my grandpa's funeral. She came back up here just to be with us because she knew how much he meant to us all. She is from there generation. She is of the dying times, where family looked out for family even if you were not of blood relation. I miss that generation. It seems like they were the ones with the unconditional love. I miss being able to see there faces every day of my life.

The story ends a little happier though because her kids live in my home town and she was able to come visit when I was on break. When I saw her she said "OHH Stefanie you cant be taller then me!" She hugs just as wonderfully as she used to. She smells like my aunt used to as well. She is doing alright herself, and mostly wanted to hear about what I was up to. She would not believe that I only have one more year in college. She even demanded that I "take it back" after I told her. I did not see her for long but it was good. Just enough time to soak in the beautiful sight of someone who never stopped love me and the rest of my family. I miss you Dottie and I miss all that you represent. My grandfather, my Aunt, even my Nonna who used to shop in there store. Those times sure were simpler. I wont forget you, so please don't forget me.