Day 117: Kelly's Limerick

Kelly Maudsley, one of dad's favorite mission companions and friends over the years thoughtfully sent this limerick:

A beautiful girl named RuthAnn
Fell in love with a wonderful man
His name was Neil
They sealed the deal
Then proceeded to make a whole clan
_ _ der t_e c_ _ v _ rs

He was born on the last day of May
All his family and friends said Hooray!
He’s a bit older now
Survived eight kids somehow
And, he dashingly handsome in grey!

Happy Birthday Neil!

Surprisingly, I could only find one picture of Kelly over the years, from one of the many mission reunions dad held at our home. He's the handsome devil on the far left.

Day 44: Ruth Ann Adams LeBaron

Guest post from Sherman Smith (the handsome devil in the hip sweater and classy navy turtleneck):



Well, Ruth Ann, welcome to that 7th decade of life, whose threshold has already passed beneath my feet. You certainly don't look like you fit in here, but time still moves in it's own cadence and rhythm. There are many praiseworthy attributes which fit your persona: charming, loving, analytical, charitable, forgiving, generous, faithful and resilient come to mind. Of course there is much more to you than that, and among those favorite other attributes is the fact that we share some our grandchildren with you. Your cooking skills are unsurpassed; thank you for feeding me often and for catering Carrie and Joe's wedding as well catering some of our office parties.

I miss your comments in gospel doctrine classes, but I think I understand the essence of your convictions, having watched you live your life, supporting your husband and children as you do. In all, you are one of those grand ladies in our midst.

Thank You, Sherman

Day 39: BFFs From RC2

WHERE’S THE NEW CAR?”

Isn’t it amazing how four little words can conjure up such a fun and cherished memory? We are so lucky to have so many of those memories and it’s because we have shared so much of our lives: the bishopric adventures … the bishop/relief society pres experiences…the work-at-the-ad-agency days, the road shows, dinner parties, lunches, weddings… oh, and don’t forget our kids, we’ve shared them for years! And the list goes on and on.

The two of you can’t possibly be 60 years old! You don’t look a day over, well, you know, the age you’ve always wanted to be! It seems like just yesterday we were all living in the Rosecrest neighborhood. Those were fun and busy years. We are so happy that we have kept those ties alive and close and that our friendship has endured through the years.

“THANK YOU for many years of comraderie and loving friendship. Now that both of you are turning 60, we must ask the question, “WHERE’S THE NEW CAR?” Oh, was that supposed to be a surprise?!

BFF,

The Gildeas


Note from Joseph: This picture is from those "fun and busy years" This is their son Josh at graduation from Jr. High. Pictured are Shirlynn, Josh, and Bruce Gildea.