Deflection

I am now in the Rhinelander area with overcast skies and, unbelievable temperatures of 45 degrees. This morning I drove out to my lots north of Rib Lake, with the ground covered with 25 percent snow. It is bleak out here. But, getting a chance to review my lots, it was stimulating for me. I have determined the location of the house.  I was looking for a place to build an elevated gazebo (An elevated gazebo, I am really getting ahead of myself.). But, even though it is bleak out here today, the view from the house will great during any type of weather. 

On FaceBook, there was a photo of my grand uncle Harrison Osborn, and then I remembered him taking care of my Great-Grandmother Helle. Nevertheless, for the later part of my great-grandmother’s life, she stayed with her daughter’s family in Savanna, Illinois. As sometime during her stay with the Osborn’s, my Grand Uncles, Sheldon and Walter, built a bedroom for grandma on the side of the house. Since grandma passed away when I was in joiner high, I remember her well. I remember her in the extra bedroom in a hospital bed. One time, we went down to see her and she commented on how well behaved the four of were. I guess that meant her other great grandchildren were not, but they were with her everyday. There was a few false alarms about her pending death, since she was so frail for so many years. She was sharp until her death, by knowing our family member despite the fact that we were not there often.

Everyone in the family had great respect for Harry, since it is not easy living with your mother-in-law in the house. As grandma became more feeble, Harry was there to help her. Without any caregivers coming to the house, Harry took are of unpleasant duties that no son-in-should ever take. Therefore, until the day that Harry passed away, everyone in the family showed him the respect for taking care of the family patriarch. 

Even with her death at the age of 93, she was the family patriarch, she was able to hold the family together, and she was able to get the family together. To drive this point home, we are still having family reunions over 120 years after her marriage to George Helle. No small undertaking. A family patriarch is to leave a lasting impressing for generations to come. 

After spending the last 1.5 years with mom, I had to share Harry’s story with everyone, since it is a gripping part of my life. When our parents become feeble, it is time for us to strand up and take care of them. 

Roger