Comments on: Who Tells Your Story?

By: Jill Morrow

Jill Morrow — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 14:10:25 +0000

In reply to Louis P. Messier. Louis, I am so, so happy to hear from you. It is a pleasure (and an honor) to learn more of Madeline's story. We need to share these stories whenever we can, to keep alive the memories and accomplishments of those who have gone before us and contributed so mightily to not only our personal histories, but to the very fabric of the world in which we live. Everyone has a story. Nobody is insignificant. Thank you for telling this one. I hope to hear more!

By: Louis P. Messier

Louis P. Messier — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 00:58:15 +0000

Jill, Madeline was my aunt and we had been exchanging letters until about 5 years ago. Given her age, we assumed she had died and were quite startled to learn the she reached the nonagenarians ultimate goal in January of this 2016.
I have kept my (now adult) children informed about my maternal grandparents farm which I often visited in the late 1930s, 1940s and 1950s which at that time was still actively operating under the ownership of my uncle Ernest Hebert, Madeline’s brother.

One of my earliest memories as a ten year old is a picnic gathering at the farm shortly after the end of WWII with Madeline, Andy, and all 13 of the other sibs, including my mother, one of the youngest sibs, and my father in attendance. Several of the attendees, including Madeline’s sisters Noella with her finance, Alouise with her fiancé and Laura with her husband wore their US Army or US Air Corps uniforms; there were 7 in uniform who had served in Europe.

All had been in the European Theater during the last months of the war some were involved in beach landings in France and Italy; one still suffering frostbite resulting from a long stay on an Italian beachhead after a Winter beach landing months before the major Summer invasion.

I could go on but really want to emphasize the fact that these 13 were the children of immigrants who contributed significantly to US culture and the nations defense.

We are very appreciative of your beautiful prose describing other aspects of Madeline’s life and her role as godmother to your husband and that very precious relationship which continued to the very end of her life…quite remarkable.
Louis P. Messier

By: PJ Taucer

PJ Taucer — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 05:10:33 +0000

Jill,
What a beautiful reflection on Madeline’s life. Showing us a little window of her life makes me pause with curiosity about a beautiful lady and the many anecdotes she would have about her family, friends, her own and her husband’s. Besides her career, her neighborhood, and ultimately her country.
Thank you for reminding us to listen to someone’s story. How else can we learn and reflect on our own humanity and pass on our legacy to those who care to listen.

PJ Taucer

By: Pam Dawson

Pam Dawson — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 15:32:39 +0000

Even though I never met her, your triubute to her brings her to life in my mind. Great writing for a great woman.

By: Jill Morrow

Jill Morrow — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 14:05:32 +0000

Thank you to all for the comments. A story is only “officially” told when someone reads it. I am grateful to all of you for sharing this thumbnail sketch of a life well-lived.

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 00:15:06 +0000

Beautiful dedication Jill. Brought tears to my eyes. She was incredible. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

By: Robin Knipp

Robin Knipp — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 23:42:27 +0000

What a beautifully touching memoir….I laughed out loud when reading about the “mixed marriage “…..she obviously was a very special woman…..I will remember her in prayer.

By: Gary Morrow

Gary Morrow — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 23:32:13 +0000

What a beautiful tribute to honor an amazing woman. Thanks for sharing these details and a glimpse of a fascinating life story.

By: Jill Morrow

Jill Morrow — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 22:52:38 +0000

In reply to shawn nocher. Thank you, Shawn. And thank you for reading it!

By: shawn nocher

shawn nocher — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 22:35:14 +0000

That was a lovely tribute–really. I feel a tiny hole in my heart knowing, as you so eloquently pointed out, that there is no one to carry on the “family tales” regarding her very meaningful life. I’m so glad you wrote this.