Grandma Atwell & Lee, circa 1961
There are few photos of me with Grandma Atwell because she died at age 55, about the age I am now. I was 4 years old then and don't remember her at all. When I look at her photo, however, I see a strong resemblance to my Auntie Marlene, her daughter. The family has even said that they were very much alike-interesting talkers and good bakers - so my idea of "knowing" my Grandma really just stems from that notion. As a child I remember missing my Grandma and always felt family gatherings would have been more fun with her there. When my Grandma became ill in December of 1965 she had been sewing a Santa Claus suit so my Grandpa could play Santa for the grandchildren at our Christmas Eve gathering. She died before it was completed. Although she said it was the hardest thing she ever did, my Auntie Marlene finished sewing that Santa suit. I'm not sure if my Grandpa had the heart to wear it that year or not but I have told my Uncle Don was always the Santa on Christmas Eve.
Uncle Don, cousins Brian and Brad and Me and my younger sisters, 1966.
I have no idea where the Santa suit is today, probably long gone, but I sure am glad Grandma started sewing it as it brought her grandchildren a lot of joy. It wasn't until 2008, that my Aunt finally told me the Santa suit story. Maybe if I had known the story as a child it would have felt like she was there at all those Christmas Eves she was missed.
Since I was never able to interview my Grandma directly, I have had to rely on family member's accounts and a memior written by her sister, Genevieve, to gain insight. Grandma's story can be found under the "Willing" Page on this blog.