Today my uncle lost the love of his life; I received a call at 10:30 this morning telling me that my Aunt Agnes passed away. Uncle Joe and Aunt Agnes have known each virtually their whole lives because they grew up on neighboring farms in Northern Michigan. Aunt Agnes would have been 95 in March and Uncle Joe have been married for 73 years.
You want to talk about what true love is lets look at these two; they never dated anyone else; years ago when the doctors told Agnes she had asthma, Joe gave up his heavy smoking because he didn’t want her to suffer. The fact that Joe is going strong at almost 98 is a testament to the changes in his diet that Agnes instituted after his heart problems surfaced some 40 years ago. My uncle has retired from two different jobs and in recent years he has been the full time care giver for my aunt. She could get around, but lost most of her sight, battled and beat breast cancer, struggled with intestinal problems and became more and more limited in what she could do. She and Joe would finish each others thoughts, but often Agnes wouldn’t let Joe get a word in edgewise.
When they found out they couldn’t have children the just loved all of us nieces and nephews like we were theirs, it just didn’t matter. If anyone of us showed up at their house even as recently as this past summer, Agnes felt she had to cook you a meal.
These two were one, it was always Joe and Agnes and it will always be. Some day I know they
will meet up again in heaven and in the mean time God will be getting an ear full, her famous catch phrase (well maybe infamous and only to the family) “let me tell you” as she shares her opinion.
Love for a life time is not an accident and I am so blessed to have had such an example in my life.
You want to talk about what true love is lets look at these two; they never dated anyone else; years ago when the doctors told Agnes she had asthma, Joe gave up his heavy smoking because he didn’t want her to suffer. The fact that Joe is going strong at almost 98 is a testament to the changes in his diet that Agnes instituted after his heart problems surfaced some 40 years ago. My uncle has retired from two different jobs and in recent years he has been the full time care giver for my aunt. She could get around, but lost most of her sight, battled and beat breast cancer, struggled with intestinal problems and became more and more limited in what she could do. She and Joe would finish each others thoughts, but often Agnes wouldn’t let Joe get a word in edgewise.
When they found out they couldn’t have children the just loved all of us nieces and nephews like we were theirs, it just didn’t matter. If anyone of us showed up at their house even as recently as this past summer, Agnes felt she had to cook you a meal.
These two were one, it was always Joe and Agnes and it will always be. Some day I know they
will meet up again in heaven and in the mean time God will be getting an ear full, her famous catch phrase (well maybe infamous and only to the family) “let me tell you” as she shares her opinion.Love for a life time is not an accident and I am so blessed to have had such an example in my life.
Fowl Words
7 comments:
I too was notified this afternoon of her passing. It truly is sad to hear. They are my great-aunt and uncle. Joe is my grandmoters brother. They are really great people and boy did she love to cook. You would never leave her house hungry. It is good to see how they have and will affect those who have and will know them both. She will be missed.
Well Jeff, your grandmother was my mom's sister and your mom is my cousin. I talked to you mom last year when they came out and saw my mom, your aunt Donna.
Glad you saw the post.
I loved your letter. We have always had great family times, all of the families. Joe & Agnes were are foundation for a loving caring family. I called Agnes and Joe often, but Agnes did most of the talking with Joe sitting close by. I really loved the lady and always will. Joe is and will always be a very special person in my life, even if I did knock over his worm farm. Love Don
Don: I want to thank you for all the calls to my mom as well. It really means a lot to her that you keep her involved in your family. This spring I will be coming to Phoenix to visit or son and his family who just moved down there, I will give you a call when we have the dates picked out.
So happy to hear you are coming down, can't wait to see you and your husband. Your mom says you have a terrific family. I haven't seen you since you were down here with and friend and visited my parents. Your mother is very proud of what you have done. Can't wait to hear from you.
Lana told about your site so I thought I'd check it out.
Although I didn't have much of a chance to spend time with Aunt Agnes, she was still an inspiration. She seemed to overcome any obsticle.She was always so happy. (Maybe because she had Uncle Joe) She even still loved me after I scared her half to death with a rubber snake.I think her reaction scared me more than the snake scared her.
An amazing womam,part of an amazing couple. We are all better for knowing Joe and Agnes.
Kay, I so glad you commented. We are truly blessed to have known this remarkable woman. Even in her death she has succeeded in getting us back into contact with each other.
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