These Very Scary Times

During this time of being quarantined, I have had so many thoughts about who we are, what we are about and life in general.  I have been remiss in my writing for the last few years.  After Teresa died and we cleaned out 858, I was able to utilize this blog to help me make it through difficult times.  I don't know why writing has been difficult for me since then.   

My goal for the next days is to start documenting some of what is happening.  I feel so badly that we have lost two very important family members over the last several months (not from the current pandemic).  I intend to write about both Tom Park and Mary Scott over the next few days!

Article About My Wonderful Mom--Margaret Shannon

From the Douglas Dispatch 

Sunday, June 23, 1996

By Jame F Crane

A Life of Accomplishment

Margaret Shannon after retirement:

She is so small that is is easy to overlook her in a crowd. But start listing Margaret Shannon's accomplishments and her contributions to her native Douglas, and her stature exceeds that of most citizens.

Among other things, Margaret Shannon

*Was the first female department head at Phelps Dodge, heading up the company's Hardware Jobbing Division prior to her retirement in 1982

*Represented Ward 5 on the City Council for 12 years.

*Chaired the city's Finance Committee for 12 years.

*Spent seven years on the board of St. Vincent de Paul

*Is the president-elect of the Cochise County Fair Association, of which she has been a member for 10 years.

The early years

The fifth of seven children, Margaret Scott Shannon was in the first first-grade class at Loretto Academy in 1924.

"Oh, I enjoyed it." she said. "And I got a good education there."

Her father, a railroad conductor known for his prodigious memory, was ready to take his family to Texas so his children could attend a Catholic School. "But then Loretto opened" she said. "It was a very, very good school. There were music and plays and debates. And students got all of the classroom attention that they needed."

"They were double classes, too." she said, with two grades put together in one classroom. While it sounds odd today, having third and fourth graders in the same room allowed a student to more readily find his or her own level.

And education didn't stop at Loretto's door. Her dad made the children memorize a poem to recite each Friday. "And all of the states and their capitols." Shannon said. "We had to learn those, too. He was a strong believer in memorizing.

After graduating from Loretto, she attended Gregg's Business College. When the young Margaret walked out of that institution, she was able to walk into a job as a clerk at the Arizona Tax Commission.

However, she soon moved on to a better job as a case worker at the Industrial Commission. "It was like the workman's compensation of today," she said. "We had to deal with the claims of injured workers."

The Phelps Dodge Years

In 1950, Shannon returned to Douglas and went to work for Phelps Dodge as an invoice clerk. "Phelps Dodge was a fine employer." she said. "They were very good to me." Apparently she was very good for Phelps Dodge, as well, because from invoice clerk she rose to head the Hardware Jobbing Division at the big warehouse down on 9th Street, the first female head in the Phelps Dodge operations.

In addition to being responsible for keeping on hand everything everything Phelps Dodge needed for its Arizona operations, she also had to keep the hardware goods local contractors needed, because the jobbing division was a wholesale outlet.

"By hardware, I mean ten inch pipes, steel I beams, H beams, roofing paper and things like that," she said.

To give you an idea of the size of the "hardware" she's talking about, that dinky on display in the lot on 11th Street came out of that warehouse. "That railroad engine was used to move the steel beams in the warehouse." she said.

Did her male cohorts give her a hard time? "No." she said. "Never. The men were just wonderful. I had no problems with them at all."

After working for Phelps Dodge for a total of 35 years, Shannon retired in 1982. She had worked in the Phelps Dodge mercantile during high school, time that counted toward her seniority.

"And then I woke up one morning and discovered that the city had moved me into Ward 5 from Ward 6." she said. And that made me mad," she said. I had lived in Ward 6 all of my life." She didn't like being redistricted out of a life-long affiliation.

"So I went down and took out a petition," she said. And she ran for City Council. And she not only won, "But I won big, too," she said.

That spur of the moment decision to get involved led to 12 years on the Douglas City Council.

"On any issue of importance, I always surveyed the ward." she said. Sometimes she would call as many as 200 of her constituents in order to get a sense of how they felt about an issue.

"I always voted what the ward wanted," she said. 

"I think that is always fair." 

What was her most important important accomplishment while on the council? "We kept the city in the black through the real rough times."

Shannon is quick to praise both former mayor Elizabeth Ames and what she called the "bright people at City Hall."

"We have some excellent department heads," she said.

The former mayor, the city council, and the people of City Hall, working together, helped lay the groundwork for some of the good things that are happening in Douglas today, she said, like the opening of the Unique Molded Products plant.

"The city worked hard to get it," she said. "Industrial development is important. Unemployment is a big problem."

And what of the future? For the city where she was born and raised, where she has spent most of her life, and where she helped guide for 12 years, she is optimistic.

"There's a big market for tourism,' she said. "I'd like to see a one-night-in Mexico-one-night in Douglas kind of package put together. What an experience for tourists that would be!"

And she sees Douglas as being right now "in a position to move. It's a great town, and undiscovered town."

Personally her plans are to continue on the board of St. Vincent de Paul and to continue to support St. Luke's Church. She has just taken over as president of the County Fair Association, and she plays bridge twice a week.

"But I really don't feel all that busy." she said.

Eulogy for Barb

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”  This quote is from Helen Keller and certainly sums up how we feel about our dear friend, Barb O’Fallon.  She has truly become a part of us in so many ways and our love for her is deep.

I first met Barb in the early 1990s when she was a parent and I was the principal at Gilbert El.   Sean and Kelly were students and she was a very involved parent.  She became our PTSO president and I will always remember her coming in to help or run things off and Ryan was always with her as he wasn’t in school yet.   She was such a great parent to work with and she truly cared and supported her kids and Gilbert El. 

After Ryan went to school, Barb decided to go back to work.  We had an opening for an office assistant/instructional assistant in January, 1994.  I hired her and soon after had an  opening for school secretary (they are now called, administrative assistant).  There was no doubt in my mind that she was the best candidate for that position.   And I can truly say, 25 years later, that she was the best of the best.

Barb quickly became an integral part of Gilbert El.  I feel that I had a very successful career and absolutely believe that she was one of the reasons for that.   She treated everyone so incredibly well.  She always had a smile on her face—no matter what!  And she truly loved our children, families and staff. That was what was most important to me.  

But the added bonus we got with Barb, was her smarts and her ability to do the budget, as well as many other important tasks.   Budgeting was my greatest weakness and she kept me in line.   If it  hadn’t been for Barb, we would have probably been out of money by November because I always wanted to give anyone anything they wanted when they asked.  However, I was able to “blame” Barb.  Many of you will remember how many times I had to tell you that I had to grovel to Barb to get any money!  It was true!

Through the years, we had many different programs on our campus to help our community.  I remember the look that I got from her when I let another one in.  I knew that soon I would get the visit and the budget lecture from her!  Sheila, she would say, I know all of these are important to you, but remember when we have all of these extra people on our campus, that means we need more toilet paper and paper towels!  I told her I knew that but to please make it work.  And she did.  For that I will ever be grateful.  And I will always remember with a smile what I call, “THE TOILET PAPER LECTURE!”

Through the years we worked together, we became very close. I knew I could count on her for anything.  I also knew how much she loved so many people.  I remember her talking about her grandparents, Big Mama and Big Daddy.  How she loved them.  I remember when her parents moved to Arizona and how thrilled she was to have them here. She would always tell me about the fun times they had together. I remember all of the times that Steve came by school and how much she loved him.  They had a special relationship.  And of course, she was an amazing parent to Sean, Kelly and Ryan and was always proud of them.  In the later years, her grandchildren were what she cherished so much.

We went through so many things together. We had so many wonderful events happen, but we also had more than our share of sad times. We laughed a lot about different situations that happened and she was there to support me in times of sadness.  I rarely closed my office door, but once in awhile, I needed a few minutes to myself.   One of the most memorable times that  meant more to me than anything was a little over 16 years ago.   Our wonderful teacher, Ellen Widmer, was not doing well and was no longer working.  Barb came in to tell me that Ellen was on the phone to talk to me.   I took the call and then shut my door so I could fall apart for a few minutes.  Ellen had called and asked me if I would do her eulogy at her funeral as she knew she didn’t have much longer on this earth.  Barb always respected me but that day she came into the office because she knew that call was probably something very difficult for me.  I told her what had happened and she hugged me and we talked and cried for a time.   Never did I think that I would be standing up here in front of you doing the same thing for Barb 16 years later almost to the day.

Barb meant so much to so many people through the years because of the way she treated them.   I have received so many messages this week from different people who knew her who spoke of her warmth and kindness, her smile and hugs.

I asked a few students if they would share some things about Barb because she was all about our kids.  Here is what I received from three students.

From Avery O’Shea

Miss Barb was a great office helper.  She was funny, full of energy and worked happily.  I loved working on Brain Food with her.

From Brian Jones

Every day Miss Barb greeted me with a Good Morning, Brian.  I worked with her as an office helper and on Tiger T.V.  I felt important to her but I know she liked everybody.

From Elizabeth Romero

Miss Barb was fun to work with as an office helper.  She knew my name and smiled.  She was very responsible.  I don't have specific memories just all good memories.  She will be missed.

And from Adrianna Cooper

Mrs. Barb was special to me because she always made my day no matter what I was feeling. The thing that I remember about her is that she always had a smile on her face and said have a great day!

These students sum up how so many of us feel about Barb and what a difference she made to so many of us on a daily basis.  What a legacy she has left when so many students loved her so much!

My favorite book of all time is The Last Dance by Carmen Agra Deedy.  In the story that grandfather tells his grandchildren that every human being has the right to three things:

“To Dance. The great things in life is not so much to dance well, but whether one is willing to dance at all.”

To Sing. Even if you sing off-key.  The crow has as much right to a voice as the nightingale.  (And we all know this is very true about Barb after many karaoke night staff parties at Shenanigans.)

To Tell Stories.  Those we love are never really gone as long as their stories are told.

Barb’s stories will live on in the many lives that she has touched through the years. They will live on in the love she had for Steve.    They will live on in her three children, Sean, Kelly and Ryan, their families,  and in her beloved grandchildren.  Barb’s stories include kindness, acceptance, love, and laughter and that is what we need more of in this world.

The great philosopher, Winnie the Pooh, once said, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying good-bye so hard.”  I concur with Winnie the Pooh. How lucky are  we all that we have had Barb  in our lives that makes saying good-bye so hard.    Our lives are better because of our dear friend, Barb.  She will be greatly missed by so many!  

So God Speed to you, our dear friend, Barb.  Until we meet again, your stories will always be with us!  Thank you for being who you were and for truly making a difference in so many lives, especially mine!

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Sometimes Life Sucks

Through my many years in education, I learned quickly that the school secretary was probably the most important position in a school. I was fortunate as a teacher and as a principal, to have many good secretaries (or as they now call them, admin assistants, which is probably a better term). When I became a principal, I realized how very important this position is. From 1994 until I left Gilbert El in 2010, I had the most amazing person to work with, Barb OFallon. Yesterday morning, I received a call that changed my world. Barb passed away during the night and I could not have been more stunned or heartbroken. She was with me through many good times and some not so good. She kept me in line and made me stay with the budget--not easy for me. If I needed something late at night or on a weekend, she would go in with me. The most important aspect for me was how people were treated and Barb did that with "perfection" smiling and hugging everyone no matter who they were. Today I went to Gilbert El and saw all of the flowers on her desk. She cannot be replaced ever. She loved her family with everything she had and she loved her job. I will be forever blessed to have had her in my life and to call her my friend. I loved Barb so much and I am so devastated by this news. She was truly one of a kind and I will always love that we worked together and I can always call her my friend. Her kids all went through Gilbert El and Steve is one of a kind. I will forever miss you, Barb! Sometimes life "sucks" and this is one of those times.

I am going to write more later as I have been asked to speak at the services.  My heart is truly broken.  And for my teacher friends who say don't  use the "s" word--sucks, I am using it today!!!

Gorditas

I have really been remiss on my writing on my blog.  Today I decided that I need to write more often about "things" instead of relying on Facebook. When I look back on my blog, I love reading about things that have happened.

Dave isn't much of a Mexican food fan so I have had to "train" him so to speak.  A few weeks ago, I made a big pot of beans and froze them in several packages.  Cameron will eat beans every day so I knew this wouldn't be a problem.

I was trying to figure out what to fix for dinner tonight and I realized that I had never made "gorditas" for Dave.  Mary taught me to make these and they were always popular with enchilada sauce and bean tostadas.  So I took some beans out of the freezer and decided that would be our dinner.

As I was fixing them, I had a moment that made me realize that there are signs out there all of the time.  I didn't even think about this when I decided to fix them.  My mom went into hospice Sept. 6, 2002.  She loved gorditas and so Mary made a lot of enchilada sauce. So during that time, I made gorditas several nights with Mary's sauce for my mom.  Thinking back, it was 17 years ago that I was making them for her.  I believe it was a sign from her that I thought about making them.  I don't know for sure, but it is my belief that we get messages.

They were delicious.  I am not sure Dave really liked them that much, but he will.  I made some cheese tacos, which he loves.  He has gotten to like the Mexican food I make more and more.   So it is definitely a work in progress.

I think there are about six left.  I am sure they will be gone tomorrow morning as Patrick and Cameron will probably eat them with just cheese.  

No matter what, it touched my heart.   And I am going to try to write more as it is important to me and it "documents" my life, which could be important to some people some day!!!!

Summer, 2019 Post 1

I am not sure why I haven't written much this year.  Writing is very therapeutic and fun for me and this past year has been wonderful for the most part.  Never in my life did I ever dream that I would find a partner in my life like Dave and that we would have the life that we have grown together.  Not only did I have to get adjusted to living with a man, but it has been 24/7 since we are both retired.  This summer it has been really that way because being in Montana meant that I didn't have any board duties to attend.  Although we have many couple of friends there because Dave has so many friends, I don't have "my own" friend.  Fortunately, we had visitors throughout the summer.

Our main goal for the summer was to get the house that Dave grew up in and his brother was living in, cleaned out, fixed up, purchased and rented.  This was a major project and Dave worked incredibly hard all summer.  We were fortunate to find a good estate sale company who basically either sold everything or was able to get rid of a lot.  But there was still a lot of work that had to be done.  Dave was only able to golf once a week because of all we had to do.

He bought the side of the house that we live in when he moved back to Butte in 2016.  His dad and uncle built the house in the early 50's and it was in an area of Butte called McQueen.  Dave and his family lived on the other side that we just bought and his cousins lived on our side.  Each side has about 3000 square feet which includes the basement.  When they were growing up the basement area was open so that the kids could ride bikes and play down there when the weather was bad.

In the late 1970's, the Anaconda company bought out all of the houses there and then sold them back to the families for $1.  The Uggetti's moved the house to the present location which is the old family dairy farm.  That is when they closed off the basement so that there are two separate houses.  

The location is absolutely beautiful and I love sitting on the deck and looking out on the Rockies and Our Lady of the Rockies.  I love going for a walk in the back up the hill. We have a little over 5 acres and he and his cousins own and additional 6 acres up the mountain behind us.  The pugs love being off the leash and getting to roam around.

We found a wonderful renter and she is going to help us with the snow in the winter.  

I love spending time there and we truly had a great summer.  Didn't get to do much traveling because of all of the work on the other house, but it was nice to be away from Arizona during the heat.

Music to my ears

I have had a hard time writing for the last several months.   This has happened to me over the years depending on what is going on in my life.  It should be that I can write things out when they are bothering me, but that isn't the way it is for me.

However, tonight things are a bit different.  After several months of worrying so much about Patrick, he came to Butte.  There was time a few months ago that I did not feel he would live much longer.  So much has happened and he came to Butte today.  We went to a couple of casinos and then to a wonderful dinner at this amazing Italian restaurant.   When we got home, I did a few things and then went to take my nightly bath (since I can't swim here).  While I was in the bathtub, I could hear Dave and Patrick talking the whole time.  Not sure what they talked about, but it was absolutely "music to my ears."