by Rick Blumenberg / @rickblumenberg
103 years ago today a very special
lady was born. Mollie Callie Arington, number six of twelve children, was a
happy, loving child I'm sure, because she was that kind of grownup.
She was a good writer and interesting story-teller. She didn't make them up but shared her tales of her beloved Arington family.
Lots of my stories in our family history came from her fond memories. I was
privileged to be her son.
She met Roy Blumenberg, our Dad, as an older grownup teenager
and they each became the love of the other's life.
She gave birth to six children and we are all blessed not
only because she brought us into the world, but she was also an awesome Mom, a
loving wife and she taught us to love each other the way she had been loved in
her own family.
I don't think Mom ever had one single enemy. The worst thing
I ever heard her say about someone was "Now he knows better than to act
that way."
We all still miss her, but wouldn't have her back. We do all
plan to see Mom and Dad again someday and look forward to that reunion, in no hurry, but with great anticipation!
The picture is of Mom and Dad was made at the Arington's Sandy Ford
Road home in Mississippi County, Missouri, where they first met at one of the well-loved and well attended
Arington parties. Mom said when Dad came in the door, she said "Who is
that good-looking guy?" And 50+ years later Dad still remembered what Mom
looked like when he first saw her.
Edith Newton (who became Mrs. Linus Blumenberg) introduced
them. Thank you Aunt Edith! Both Mom and Dad appreciated you for many reasons,
but that was high on the list.
Happy Birthday Mollie Callie! You were an earth-shaking
world-changer and your descendants carry on your legacy of love and laughter
generation after generation.
Thanks Mom, for giving me your writing genes. I hope you can
read this from heaven.
One of these days,
I don’t know when,
you’ll look around
and see me again.
I’m in no hurry.
I like it here.
But when I’m finished
I’ll enjoy being there.
I’m Rick Blumenberg and that’s “My View from Tanner Creek.”
