Friday, October 6, 2023
If I'm going to remember Aunt Sharon I also have to remember Uncle Jim. My memories of Sharon go all the way back to when I was a baby. I remember Uncle Jim babysitting me.
Whenever we came to St Louis we would visit Jim and Sharon at their home. There were always plenty of dogs and cats I remember their little black poodle, Baby Doll, and their two Labrador retrievers, Salt and Pepper. There were always plenty of cats too.
There was always a warm and loving atmosphere in their home. Very relaxed and easy going, like a lazy summer day. I remember having a sleepover in their home and a pancake breakfast in the morning.
We all went to the petting zoo , with Joe, Matt, Jamie, and Jim. We all had a great time. I especially remember Matt, holding off the goats with one hand and eating the goat food with the other. What a fun day!
Uncle Jim was my godfather. Which meant of course that Aunt Sharon was my godfather by proxy. She sent me a Bible, a white Bible, that zipped up, and I held onto that Bible my whole life. I still have it to this day.
I carried it down the aisle with me when I was married. On my wedding day Sharon wrote a lovely note inside that Bible. This is what she wrote.
Dear Joan and Paul,
On your special day. May your hearts and lives be filled with love and happiness.
Your godfather, Uncle Jim, would have been so proud to see you on this day. He loved you so and wanted you to have everything you could get. You always meant so much to him.
Even though he is gone now, I hope you know I'll always be here for you the same as he would have been.
Love Forever,
Aunt Sharon
5/18/02
Aunt Sharon,
I love you both very much. I will always have fond memories of you. You have always meant so much to me I will never forget you. I will miss you deeply.
Love you forever,
Joan Hine
10/06/23
