After her death and the birth of two boys, her home sat vacant in New Mexico. There was much work to be done on it, but it was a very hard thing for many in my family to let go of because it still 'felt' like she was there. This home is were Triston, Kailen, Lauryn, and I have lived for the last dozen years, now. It was comforting to occasionally feel that she was looking in on the "babies" from time to time, but as we changed things and decorated or painted, we knew she had not lingered.
2009 (10 yrs. after her death) had a difficult start for us and for many of our closest friends. I've felt overwhelmed and busier than usual (which is saying ALOT- for me) and in March (her birthday) I would find myself catching a scent of her perfume or coming across a forgotten picture or heirloom-records she left behind. I knew that I needed to acknowledge my feeling that she was reminding me of her love and interest in my life.
Grandma was all about family and making memories.In her later life she joined many family historical societies that preserve early American histories. She called herself the "Remembr'er" for her family. She had outlived her three siblings and immediate family and she wanted to pass on a legacy to her sons and their children.
She is shown here with the Gaume boys c.1961 (left to right) Charlie, Jack, Mike, my father Pat, and Eugene.
Member of the John Alden Society, a lineage of the Mayflower pilgrims directly to my grandmother June B. McCormick Gaume.
Two years before her death, she and Mike, Jack, Charlie, and Pat - May 1997- Midland, TX at my high school graduation party.
Our early family also left New England and traveled with Stephen F. Austin to become the original white settlers of Texas. It was also on McCormick land that Houston defeated Santa Ana's army on the banks of the San Jacinto River, thus winning Texas' Independence.
This is an excerpt form her "Old 300" yearbook she received the year she passed.
I specifically wanted to include this because the memberships were updated in October 1998 -(Triston's birthdate). He was her first great-grandchild and she got to meet him 3 weeks before her health deteriorated. I have been blessed to have these memories - both tangible and intangible; She was such a Lucille Ball personality and a source of joy and inspiration to me. It is wonderful to be able to share these unique memories with you. She took such pride in passing them on and I feel I've been lovingly reminded (nudged, really) to share them with my loved ones. -- Thanks Gramma! Love, your Pixie, Amy.
.JPG)
