Sunday, July 16, 2017

94 Years Remembered in 94 Days-Post 9 (Our Mary)

In 1946 when our Aunt Dot had her twin girls, Jean and Jan, they were coming to spend some time in Douglas.   As a result, my grandfather hired a young girl from Agua Prieta to work for the family.   Her name was Maria Berumen, but we called her Mary.

Mary was born in the U.S. but lived with her parents in Mexico.  She came across the border every day which was very easy in those days.  

I was born in 1949 and Mary was a "third" mother to me.   And I absolutely know that Judy felt the same way about her.

She was a part of our family from 1946 until her death in 2008.    We loved her dearly and she was a big part of who we are today.

When I spent summers down in Douglas when my kids were little, Mary took care of them as well.   They both loved her like a grandmother.   When she died, Patrick was a pallbearer at her funeral.

Mary was so important to our family.  And her family continues to be a part of ours.  They have taken care of the house since we have been back in the valley and have been to see Teresa several times.   When we first moved back up here, Mary's sister, Consuelo and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.   Teresa and I went to Douglas for that celebration.

I learned from a very early age the importance of taking care of the people who matter in your life.   I learned this from how my mom and Teresa treated Mary.   She was a part of our family.

They always paid social security for her so that when she retired, she had a monthly social security check.   After Judy got older and I was gone, she didn't work every day at our house.   She also worked at St. Luke's so she was able to have medical insurance and some type of retirement from the Diocese.

I remember when my children went to a babysitter, my mom and Teresa told me to pay our sitter when they were sick and when we had a break.  I always paid for spring break and I believe Christmas.   And my kids were very well taken care of by Christine, the wonderful lady who was their babysitter.

The lessons I learned about how to treat people have done me well through my career.   I have always believed that everyone's job is of significant importance, no matter what.     It was from the example that was set by Teresa and my mom.

These past several days when I have been thinking about what I am going to write, a lot has occurred to me that I hadn't thought of before.   I have been jotting down notes about things to write and then reflecting on them.  

We have been very blessed with our wonderful family and I am so appreciative for what I have been given!!!

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