mom mom gus

Last week Stephen, the kids, and I traveled to Hershey, PA for the funeral of Stephen's grandmother. She was mother to Steve's Dad. At least the only mother he'd ever known. You see, Mom Gus was a pretty special lady. She and her husband of 50+ years Walter, were house parents to boys from the Milton Hershey School. My Father in-law grew up in an orphanage.

She and Walter had two biological children but holidays and birthdays always brought a homecoming   of her boys around to pay homage to this tiny, tough, and very sweet lady who raised them. I say boys. Most of these men are now in their seventies! But when they get together it's not difficult to imagine what they were all like as tots.

I met Mom Gus when she braved the cold and snowy trip to Fort Wayne for our wedding. She hugged me and told me all about how she never thought her Stephen was going to get married. She'd bought a dress years ago thinking she'd wear it to his wedding and had figured she'd be buried in it before he walked down the aisle. She had a great sense of humor and she loved to tease and I loved her. By the way, she sprang for a new dress for our wedding too.

My children got to make memories with her too. She loved coming down to the beach. Dad would take us all out on the boat and she loved to soak up the sun. Much to our chagrin she refused to put on sunblock. I guess when your ninety it doesn't matter much.

Here's the link the Mom's obituary. The day of her funeral would have been her 92nd birthday. She spoke often of her readiness leave us here and join her beloved and very missed Walter in heaven. Even when she was ill her faith was strong. She served her neighbor and loved us all. We are better for knowing her and we will miss her terribly.

Our wedding 1-19-2007

These next three pictures are from Dad's Hershey days. These were taken before his time with with Mom and Pop. Can you find little Johnny? Here's a hint: Look for William!

Can you see him here? (With the glasses. totally William. Right?!)

Dad's gazing at the dog in this one

Flowers from her Hershey boys in Hershey colors

After a long and emotional day. My kids had been such troopers. Steve's folks promised them a stop at Chocolate World. Of course this means a go on the Chocolate World ride. It's Hershey's version of It's a Small World. Complete with sassy singing dairy cows and a virtual trip through the factory. It felt good to be together in a place that means so much more to our family than chocolate.

Follow the Link here to read more about the Milton Hershey School.