Friday, May 27, 2011
What a fantastic lady! When my family visited Julie and Uncle Bill, my Mother's brother, we were welcomed with open arms and to be honest did not wish to leave after a week with the two of them. Aunt Julie would rise early, put the coffee on and prepare a delicious, amble breakfast. Always to begin our early feast, there sat a bowl of fresh fruit on the table and with instructions to eat heartily. From that point on, the variety of foods, from bacon, eggs (any style), sausage, pancakes, waffles and list goes on were served with a smile and encouragement to "Eat Up". All her meals were prepared with loving care and my kids loved to help and were encouraged to learn culinary skills from her. A real wonderful cook.
Another memory, was when she and Uncle Bill took us to the outback south of Cranbrook on a fishing and exploring trip. We followed them down winding, dusty roads that were growing narrower and narrower as we went deeper into the lovely area. Finally, we stopped and Julie took my two daughters and with great patience and care guided them through some bush to a secret stream where the elusive Dolly Varden lay waiting. She showed them how to gently toss the line into the water and let it float downstream past the pool where the fish lay in wait. A sudden flash and you had to be fast as the fish darted towards the line. A gently flick of the wrist at the right moment and perhaps you were lucky enough to catch one of these lovely fish. If not, you had only one chance and then moved on to the next pool. Her patience and knowledge was amazing and I know my daughters appreciated all the skills and loving care that she taught them, even how to walk a narrow log crossing a stream.
Yes, Julie was an amazing lady. No task was too great. All people were treated equal and her love of life was so evident in all she undertook. We will miss her, but we must cherish her greatest gift, that being her ability to make life better for everyone she encountered. Rest well, Aunt Julie!! A job well done and memories that we will never forget. God bless.
