My Life's Story by Bud Lemire

 Introducing My Life

Every story told is different from any other. Even if you grew up in the same family, you will each see things differently. Even if you grew up on the same block, you will see things differently. Even if you grew up in the same city, you will see things differently. And even though you may see things the same, you may tell the story differently.

It is like looking at clouds in the sky. You may see a bird, I may see a dog and someone else may see a horse. It is all about how we see things. It is like traditions. Some may say, the tradition in our family is to have this kind of food on this holiday, and yet your neighbor may have something totally different, because that is their tradition.

In the story of my life, it is how I see things, and how I lived things in the time period I grew up in. And in the city and home and neighborhood I grew up in. With the family I grew up with. Some people have an idea how it was like in the 60's, the 70's, and 80's, etc. But this is my perception seen through my eyes, of how my life was like. This is what I lived through. What I experienced. Nobody else has my experiences. They are mine alone. And they are mine to tell.

Everyone has a story to tell of their life. Yet, only a rare few will share it. Sometimes they don't want to take the time to share it. Sometimes they think it is not a good enough story to share. Maybe it is because they have done some things they'd rather not share with others. Kind of a private thing. And that's okay. It is their life to do what they want with. It's also possible that the effort to type it would take too long from their life.

I say all this, because I am sure others who may have been there in this story, may see things differently as well. Some may see it as something that should be kept private.

In this story that is about me. I will include people in it, that may not want to be in it. But I will limit their part in it, mainly due to them wanting to be private. And because this is the story of my life. Because their lives merged with my own life, I will have to include some that may not wish to be in it.

There will be some who wish they were included, and some who wish to be left out. I shall try to include all that want to be in it. But in life, there are so many people who are in our lives. Even if they are friends or acquaintances. They are people you know, and they know you. There are many who leave your mind and are forgotten for years. Yet when the time comes, you remember them. You have touched many, they have touched you. Some have changed you in a big way. Some you have changed in a big way.

Then there are the experiences. Each decade is different from the one before. For me the 60's was my kid years. The 70's were my teenage years, going to school, and so much more. The 80's were my young adult and growing into a man years. The 90's & 2000's were facing things and experiencing things I have never faced before in life. In my view, the 2000's made me the man I am today, and each year molded me a little more into who I am right now.

Reading my life's story, you will get to know who I was, and what I saw, and experienced, and who I became.

I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoyed sharing it.

The 60's 

I was born January 21, 1960 in a city called Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

                                                                      

 My parents were both of French Canadian ancestry. They both were married before and had children from previous marriages. My Dad had two daughters Dorothy “Dottie” & Nancy. My Mom had several: Vernon “Clyde,” Richard “Dick,” Terry, Nancy, Jay, Jim, & Cheryl. They were the Sivertsens. My Dad Clarence, was originally from Marquette, which is at the top of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but not at the very tip. My Mom Lucille, was born here in Escanaba, and lived in Racine Wisconsin as well, throughout her life.

When I was born, our family was living on South 12^th street. 

 I have very little memory of those times, yet I do have some flashbacks. To the South of us our neighbors were an older couple named the Olsens. They lived in a green sided house. To the North of us lived the Swanks, and some of that family were also called McCarthy. There was Greg Swank, Keith McCarthy, and Patty McCarthy. 

 Patty was close to my age.

Other families in the neighborhood were the Meinz, Meuniers, and across the street were the Ammels and the Meiers.

My earliest memory that is in my head is climbing down the concrete steps and using my hands to hold on as I climbed down.

Here's Dad and I in my early days on South 12th Street.

In my early days, I was always afraid of something or other. Even these days, fear seems to have followed me. Back then it was loud fire trucks and sirens, or even loud city bands walking by on Ludington Street. We would go down to watch them when there was a parade.

Another memory of those days on South 12^th street was my Dad taking us down the alley, I recall an old garage with a peep hole in it and us kids would be looking inside it. I also believe someone down the next block in the alley, had some rabbits in cages. 

Mom would dress us up any way she could to keep us warm.  Hand me downs maybe from Cheryl.  Here is Me, Cheryl, and John.  And yes, that's me John is looking up to.  

We were only a block from the Hob Nob, and the Wilbee's ran it. We would go there for penny candy and have it put in a paper bag. That's about all I remember of those days. I was too young to remember too much else.

It was about 1963 or 1964 that we moved from South 12^th to North 14^th street. It was a big white house second house on the East side of the street near second avenue. 222 was the house number, and looking back, who would have thought I'd spend a great portion of my life living there. From 1964 to 2002. 

 There was a little white house behind us, and an old lady lived there. I recall somehow young relatives going there. One being Joey Skoglund, and then I believe Peter and Paul Derouin. If my memory serves me right. I can remember many living in that house in the years that I lived there, and even after that.  Amanda LaVigne was one who use to stop by, Debbra Martin, and even my brother Terry lived there.
Here is a picture of Cheryl, John, and me in front of the white house in the back.  

Other families in the neighborhood at that time were the Kirkpatricks. The old man who was there was a retired Fireman, and his wife, then their daughter Olive had her kids living with them. They were Barry, Brent, and Kimmy. Barry and Brent were always fighting or arguing.

Further up the block were the Pryals. Dick and Jane and their family. On the corner, in a big apartment sized house, lived Dick Pryal's Dad, whom we called Grandpa Pryal.

There were three red buildings across first avenue north that he either owned or worked at, one time in his life. I recall running barefooted through the rain by those buildings when I was very young.

Grandpa Pryal was a kind old man, and he would bring many of us kids out to collect wood pieces at his Lumberyard, and then he would treat us.

I remember once he had a hard time telling my brother John and I apart. He said, “Okay Bud, you wait right there” and he went inside and came back out with a piece of green yarn. He put it on on my right ear. He said “there, now I will know it is you Bud.” Next time he saw me, he came up and checked behind my right ear, there was no green yarn there, so he called me John.

I remember once we came by his place and he was outside and we had Walkie Talkies, and we handed him one and told him to say something into it. He did, and my Dad who was on the other end, replied. He was quite surprised at there even being a reply. I guess the Walkie Talkies were something new to him.

Across the alley from us were three old ladies, the Gafney widows. Three sisters who lived together in a green sided house close to second avenue. Next to them, I recall was an old house with very tall grass. I always wondered why someone didn't cut it. In later years, Elmer and Helen Berthiaume moved into it. They had a little red barn near the alley.

Here is John & I with our first dog Skipper, by the basement door.  

Further down the alley and across it, were the Ferrari family. John and Joyce, and their kids Jim, John, Janet, Jeff, and Jill. They all started with the letter J. All had the initials J.F. Too. In the white house on the corner of 1^st avenue and North 13^th street lived the Moores. Danny Moore was our paperboy at one time. Going up West down 1^st avenue, there lived the O'Connells. I knew their kids Judy and Kelly. Their Dad had a big garden and I recall once when taking part in a game of Kick The Cans with some neighborhood kids, I was going through the garden. Mr. O'Connell caught me and pulled me by the ear. I was so afraid, I was crying.

Moving next to the alley now on the east side of the alley on first avenue, were the Martin Family. These kids there were Renée, Ann, Brenda, Robin and Robbie. I still recall the burn mark on Robin's shoulder. John and I use to hang around with Robbie. Crossing the alley, were the Meuniers in a green colored house. I know there was a Cathy, possibly a Linda, and a little brother named Tommy too. And then at the very end was Grandpa Pryal's big gray dwelling.

On North 14^th street in a green house just a couple houses away was a young boy we call J.J. Gallagher. I seem to recall. Later in that house lived the Steinmetz. I recall the kids were Bubby, Terry, and Sherry(there was also a Patty). Sherry and her own family were killed by a man by the name of Loonsfoot years later.

There was a house in back of that green house and it was green as well. There lived a young woman Thelma with her two children, Bryan and Pam. Their last name was Fletcher. I came to be good friends with Bryan. And of course his little sister always tagged along with him. I was saddened when they told me they were moving. But when I found out it was just across the street on 13^th Street, I was glad it wasn't that far away. Thelma married again to a Francis Marcotte, who ran the Metropolitan bar for many years.  In this picture is my sister Cheryl, Mary Jane "Puff"  Pryal, Bryan "Booger" Fletcher, & me, in front of our house on North 14th street.  You can see our station wagon in the background. 

Across 14^th street on the very corner house on 1^st avenue North was another Martin family. Warren and Aurelie and their kids Linda, Steve, Mike, Warren (we called him “Peepers”) and Sam. For many of my early years, I hung around with these Martin boys.

One house going west was Tom McDonough who ran Tom's Signs. Then next to him was Mrs Varino, who we called Mrs Rhino for some reason. Maybe it was easier to say. Then across the alley further west was a man....possibly a Mr. Olsen who use to drive a Butternut Bread truck. That's all I remember. Coming back to North 14^th street and coming down several houses to a green house was old man Corbett sitting on his porch. Next to him with a Mrs. Corbett. Mrs. Corbett took in her Granddaughter Alicia and raised her.

Then on the corner of North 14^th street and 2^nd avenue on the West side was Jack and his Junkyard. Across the avenue, that old brownish sided house would later become a Halfway House.

On the corner of North 14^th Street and second avenue and right next to us, I recall a family with a little boy and a white dog, named Friskie. Friskie had something wrong with one of his back legs, but he was always friendly and came over to visit us when we were outside. The family's name might be Chaney. 

 Across the avenue from them in a white and red house were Elmer and Helen Berthiaume. And across the Alley from them on the North side of the avenue were the Meier family. A woman and her three kids. Tony, Steve, & Chad. 

 For me, my Birthdays were always picked for pictures.  Here I am with my G. I. Joe.

Another one.  I must have said something that made everyone look at me.

Here is a picture of John, Dad, & I. John is holding my other G I Joe

Here we are.  John, Cheryl, and I.  I always knew that flash was going to make me shut my eyes.

Cheryl and I at Pioneer Trail park

This one here was an exerpt from a family group photo.  Maybe around 1967 or 1968

 Here I am with my eyes closed again.  Darn Flashes!  And the kid to my right is my brother John.

Here is John and I with Dad.  John is holding my other G I Joe

Every Sunday afternoon Dad would pick up an older lady whom we called Auntie Fish, and she would come over for the afternoon and stay for supper.

 This one above is Me with Auntie Fish

 Me, Auntie Fish, & John

Here is my Dad with Auntie Fish (hmmm, I wonder who's G I Joe that is?)

 She lived right behind the Lakeview Cemetery. Her real first name was Exilia, and her maiden name was Belanger. Her Mother married my Great Grandfather Louis Pinard. Although Auntie Fish was not a blood relative, we treated her like family because of the tie in. She was married to an Onesime Poisson. He had passed away years before I was born, so I never met him. Poisson is French for Fish. Years later while Mom, Nancy, & I were at the Holy Cross Cemetery, we were looking at the Joints in one area, and Mom told Nancy to go look for Auntie Fish's Gravestone, and so Nancy headed over to the area Mom pointed to. Nancy came back and said she looked everywhere over in that direction, but she said she couldn't find it. I told her I'd come to look, and I found Exilia Poisson, and pointed to her that this was her grave stone. She was so confused and upset, she said “That's says Poison, not Fish!” We never thought to tell her that Fish was in French. But she was so determined to find it, we let her look.

Auntie Fish would always use Copenhagen Snuff and put it up her nose. I think she said it helped her to breathe easier. My brother Jim was having a Birthday(Oct 28), and Mom had made him a cake and cut them into pieces. Auntie Fish was over, so I am assuming it was a Sunday (Maybe 1962 which landed Jim's Birthday on a Sunday). The pieces were on plates on the Table, and I am sure Auntie Fish was looking them over, and some snuff from her nose fell onto one of the pieces. Jim came in and saw that and grabbed a different piece, while Jay so hungry to dig didn't look at his piece and dug right in and ate it all up, snuff and all. We were told this story years later.

    Auntie Fish would always boast that she knew all the Lemire Families in Marquette. I decided to play a little joke on her, so I dressed up as a woman, using one of Mom's wigs, glasses (which I didn't wear at that time), and a little white shawl. I came in to meet her and told her I was Judy Lemire from Marquette. She said she didn't know me. It was hard not to smile, because she couldn't place this Lemire family.

I would go over to her house as I got older in the mid 70's. I would bring my Tape Recorder over. Now you need to remember, she comes from a different era, and didn't know it records your own voice. So I asked her to say a few things. I played it back to her, and she laughed and said that that lady likes the same things she does.

She would go out on her Sun porch and watch her favorite show “The Waltons.” I even made her up a TV schedule that she used so she wouldn't miss any of the shows she enjoyed.

In the 60's, every summer we would pack up and lock the house up, and head to my Aunt Olive & Uncle Bill's Camp on the Dead River.  In this picture is John, Me, Mary McNally, Cheryl, & Jim. 

 Aunt Olive was Olive Lemire, my Dad's sister, who was married to Bill Anttila. We would go there and many times some of Dad's other sisters like Mabel and Aurora, would show up, for pictures as well.
In this picture is my Uncle Alfred Bureau and his wife Mabel Lemire (Mable is Dad's sister), Aunt Olive Lemire-Anttila, and my Dad (Clarence Leo Lemire Sr).

In the picture below is my Dad, my Aunt Mabel, My Aunt Olive, and Cousin Liz (Mabel's daughter). 

Below is my Dad and Uncle Bill Anttila (Aunt Olive's husband)

 On the way there, down one of the roads we would see big tracks going across the road. As a kid you can imagine where your mind can go, when thinking they were made by a real big creature of some kind. Of course years later it hit me, Oh yes, they were painted there. Years later, though most likely against the law, my Dad got some paint and these stencils of feet, and made some tracks going across the Bridge just before the Beach House in Escanaba. I remember going by there often and laughing as kids would look at it and smile in excitement. I never let on that I knew who did it.

At Aunt Olive & Uncle Bill's Camp, we would pick Blueberries for Blueberry pie. One of the neighbors came by, a man who was missing one finger partway down. When he showed it to us, I always thought he had it behind him and looked, and sure enough it was gone. He said it happened in a boating accident.

I recall sleeping inside the cottage, and one time waking up and wandering, and their dog Trixie bit me.

They had a Sauna across from the cottage and I remember going in there and John and I would be sitting there. Dad or Uncle Bill would pour more water on the rocks and it would get so very hot in there, and we would be sweating. We would go swimming in the water afterward, and cool off.

I also remember on the way there, we would stop by a store and I would get a coloring book of all the Hanna Barbara cartoon characters (Magilla Gorilla, Peter Potamus, Top Cat, etc). I also had a along a Donald Duck acrobatic toy. You push the button and he would do flips. 

I remember a year after Aunt Olive passed away, Uncle Bill stopped in. At that time I could see how lonely he looked without her. It was the last time I would see him.

Let's take a little break from My Life's Story, as we look at some pictures of me that was taken in the 60's and 70's.
Here I am with my Dad.  He Looks like he had just gotten done having a drink.

 We had several parakeets.  This was our first one, and he use to fly through the house and land on top of his bird cage.

 Oh My God, look at what I got for Christmas.

 I remember Bath time.  With our Butches, we didn't have much hair to wash.

I always volunteered to do the dishes and had music playing from the next room.

 I loved hats at the U.P. State Fair, and this year I just happened to pick up one that had a corn cob pipe in it.  I actually thought I was a Hillbilly, and acted like one, or a bit on the wild side.

This was Mom's idea.  I wanted a picture of me as a waiter, and she helped me with this.

 One of my school pictures when I was going to Washington School.

 Captain Bud, yeah right.  Clyde gave us some of his old Navy hats he had.

 Me, while John is sleeping (below)   Me in my winter fur coat (above)

Now let us return to the story again.

In the 60's, Betty (Wade) Morin and her son Dick would come over every Monday night and bring ice cream. 

 They'd come to watch TV because they didn't have one. Mom would stay up and watch the Monday night line up with them. Betty and her son Dick lived in a black house down the hill across from Sayklly's Candy Factory. We've been there and believe me, it looked much better on the inside than it did on the outside. Betty was a pleasant lady and Dick would fall sleep while they were there sitting on the couch watching TV. Tv shows like “Gunsmoke,” “Lucy,” & “Carol Burnett” were among the shows I recall on Monday nights. Mom would let us stay up and have ice cream and then had to get to bed at a certain time because it was a school night. Mom would then try to stay awake with her company, which wasn't easy. It was always a special day when they came. In early to mid 70's they got their own TV and quit coming over.

My friends at the time were the Martin boys, Steve, Mike, and Warren “Peepers.” Who lived upstairs on the corner between North 14^th street and 1^st Avenue North, on the west side of the street. We would go to the empty field by Junior High and catch Bumble Bees. Steve Martin loved doing that. While his younger brother Mike, loved making Go Carts and was very creative and good at it. In Washington School, after Steve had injured one of his legs, I would carry his books for him, as he was on crutches.

Our other friend at the time was Bryan Fletcher. Many times we would play football in his yard, or kick the cans. We would take turns sleeping over each other's house. Sometimes I would sleep over his house, and other times he would sleep over our house. Sometimes we would sleep in Dad's station wagon parked in the back driveway. John and I shared our friends the Martin boys and Bryan Fletcher. If they didn't find me, they would hang out with John, and vice versa.

I even hung out with Mary Jane “Puff” Pryal, who lived on our block. I hardly remember it, but one thing I do recall was, jumping on the bed in Mom's bedroom with her.  

Christmas was a great time of the year. In this picture is Jim, Jay, Cheryl, John, & I.

I always thought of our family as a games family.  We loved to have fun.  I think that is what made our family the best.  We always got games for Christmas.  Other kids would be jealous, because all they got was clothes.  We got clothes too.  These are some of the games I remember getting as a kid.

I remember one Christmas, Nancy lived across from Jim's Miracle Market, in a dark house in the back.   Jim, Cheryl, John, & I walked there to get our presents from Nancy.  Mine was a Magic 8 Ball.  You could ask it questions, and it would give you answers when you turned it over.  It was fun at the time.  I asked it many questions, and do you know, not all of them came true.  But oh well, it was fun to see what it would say.  

Besides the neighborhood friends like Bryan Fletcher and the Martin boys, behind us lived Bob & Barb (Grenier) Gravelle. I got to know Barb's sister Linda, who use to sit on their front porch and we would sit on our back porch and talk with her. There was also a time when Barb's younger brothers Fred & Jerry would take turns sleeping over on Friday nights. I got to be closer to Fred, but would hang around with Jerry as well.
Here's Fred and I paying a game of Stratego

One evening when Fred didn't show up, I decided to go see why he wasn't at Barb's. I walked over to his house on South 8^th Street. A Big stucco brown house. He lived there with his brothers Jerry, Dave, and his Dad, and Step Mother Madge, and his step sister Edwina, a step brother Billy too. It was a Winter's evening, and when I arrived at his house, there was a boy up there on his porch who kept jumping off the porch into the snow. It was the first time I met Basil Barcome. He lived a couple of houses away in a white house.

It was my introduction to a new friend, who would forever be a close friend for years to come. One summer I was riding my bike over there to visit Fred, but he wasn't home. I stopped to see Basil, and we were talking about comics and so much more. He got me into many things as far as books and music is concerned. We started reading the Three Investigators, a series of stories similar to the Hardy Boys.

 But moving up to a higher level, we started reading Perry Mason. 

 This Basil was a very interesting guy!

I remember one day I was over visiting Fred, and Basil and Fred had agreed to run away. I spoke up a bit about it, saying I didn't want them to run away. There was only a screen door on the front door at Fred's and told me that Madge his stepmother would have heard and Basil would be really mad at me, and might beat me up. Fred had a way of making you believe anything he said, but he tended to exaggerate a little too much. But I didn't know that. So one day I decided it was time to get beat up by Basil, and stop by and tell him what happened. He was out in the backyard of his house raking leaves. I told him the story and then started crying, thinking he was going to beat me up. Here's an athletic guy who can do forward flips and he was going to beat me up. He looked at me and asked why I was crying. I told him, and he started laughing. He told me Fred and him aren't really that close, and Fred tends to say things that aren't always true. If I had known Basil like I do today, I would have known, Basil doesn't have a bad bone in his body. One of the kindest people you could ever meet. But back then, he was a new friend.  I got to know him over the years, and he became a very good friend of mine.  
                               

  In the summer Fred would bring over his tent, and sleep in it out on the side near the front of our house.

 One evening I had planned to sleep out with him. But I wasn't much of a camping person. I preferred to stay in and sleep in a nice bed. This one particular night, I slipped up to my bed, and went to sleep there. I'm thinking this was the time when big wind forces came through and knocked down many trees. Around 1974 or 1975. I was sleeping, when something or someone woke me. I looked up and I saw my sister Cheryl standing by my bed. I closed my eyes to process what I saw. I opened them again and there she was. She said, “A Tree fell on our house.” I closed my eyes again. And thought “What?!” Opened my eyes and got up fast. I better go check this out. Then I thought of Fred out there, and hoped he got out of there. I came down and Mom and Dad were in the kitchen. They said Barb got Fred inside when they heard about the weather coming this way, but they wondered where I was.  Here's a picture of me sitting on one of the trees that fell by our house.  

I also recall one summer rainy day, when Basil, Fred, & I were walking around the South side of Escanaba and we each had a squirt gun. 

We had all run out of water in our guns. We were quite close to Clark's Gas Station, so Fred went in to fill his squirt gun up. He thought for sure he would get us both now that is squirt gun was filled up. Basil and I got our water from where the water was draining into the sewer by the curb. Fred had a big smile on his face thinking he was going to get us good. Basil and I both got him. He had a big surprised look on his face, wondering where we got the water. Reminding me of this memory, whenever I hear Elton John's “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and Gilbert O' Sullivan's “Alone Again Naturally,” they remind of the time Basil & I got Fred soaked from our Rainwater filled squirt guns. I'm not sure why those songs would remind me of that day, maybe it was the time period they were played and at the top of the charts. Or maybe at Clark's Gas Station, I heard them on the radio. I am guessing that it was around the summer of 1974, since Elton John's song “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” was on the charts in late 1973. Gilbert's song was in 1972.

Washington school was just two blocks away from where I lived at 222 North 14^th Street.

 But my Kindergarten was at the Jefferson School (which later became the old Jefferson, and then turned into apartments) on South 15^th Street (next to 3^rd avenue South). I had Mrs. Ladin as a teacher. Her husband also taught there as well. I seem to recall playing out with the kids and we were playing a game called Farmer in The Dell. Two kids linked hands and one was in the middle. That memory stayed with me through the years.

I started going to Washington School when I started First Grade. I had Mrs Woodard. Mom would often tell me about one time when we were saying the Pledge to Allegiance and I had bent down to tie my shoes. Mrs Woodard came over to ask what I was doing. I told her “I'm tying my shoes, what do ya think.” Mrs Woodard had told my Mom that at one of the Parents - Teachers Conferences.

For Second Grade I had Mrs Cass. It was during this year (1967) that the new Washington was done, and we moved from the old Washington to the new one which faced North 15^th Street.  The old one faced North 16^th street.

I recall during the Winter Months there was a huge gap there and many of us kids would go sliding down the gap. Not sure why there was one, but think it had to do with the old school being taken down and the gaps were there. I just know we had fun sliding around that time period.

Third Grade I had Mrs Sprague, and Fourth Grade Mrs Tippett, and Fifth Grade Mr Leduc, and Sixth Grade Miss Severe.

Steve Martin was one of many of my friends who were in my grade at Washington school. I had mentioned the Martins earlier as they lived upstairs in the corner house on the west side of North 14^th and 1^st avenue North.

Mr LeDuc, my fifth grade teacher, had us make puppets and I think that was the most fun we had in his class. But at first, when his Class started for the year, he would bring out his paddle and lay down the rules. He just brought it down hard on a desk, to let us know he wasn't going to take any abuse in his class, and that he ran the show. I know it was a warning for those who misbehaved.

In Sixth grade at Washington School our teacher was Miss Severe and our class consisted of Steve Martin, Ida Peloquin, Terry Reinholdson, Ruth Eslinger, Karen Anderson, Rick Oman, Jo-Ellen Crepeau, Susan Merrill, Jim Stasewich, Debra Peloquin, Randy Cass, Gerri Swille, George Goodnough, Tina Gafner, Rick LaForest, Diane Lindstrom, Richard Norman, Barbara Kossow, Terri Dawson, Bill Corriveau, Lynn Lamberg, Dana Montgomery, Mike Derusha, Wayne Kleikamp, Mike Bizeau, Doug Lewis, John Kossow, Paul Crowe, Darrell Gagnon, David Cole, & Raymond King. In the class picture below, looks like I put together two Steve Martins.  Will the real Steve Martin please stand up.  

Others that have been at Washington school for a limited time were: Angela D'Antonio (for Second Grade), John Dart, Pete Frecchio, Louis Dart, and there could have been others I might have missed.  

The Washington years consisted of playing Marbles and Tether Ball, and it was quite a time. I recall somehow we had yarn in the 6^th grade, and I sat by the register and would Let the register blow the fuzz up in the air and it would float across the room and land on someone.

She was the coach for our basketball team that played other schools. I recall different friends from other schools saying, “hey, didn't you have a woman coach.” Even today, I see Linda Severe-Hague around Escanaba (because she was friends with a special friend of mine named Loretta).

When I was much younger, I remember going to The Carnegie Library and downstairs Mrs Jensen would pile up the books in our arms to take home to read. Back then I loved reading about famous people, like presidents and those trail blazers who were famous in history. The Roosevelts were a favorite of mine. Loved Dr Suess!

                              The 70's

When I met my friend Basil, he introduced me to The Three Investigators, which was on the same level as The Hardy Boys, but I enjoyed much better. It always had Alfred Hitchcock introducing each book. 
                       
 Wanting to read something more for adults, Basil and I were reading Perry Mason books.
                 

 After awhile, I got bored of being in the Courtroom.

It was when Basil lent me copy of “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkein, that I knew I was hooked.

 I read it fast and then got all three “Lord Of The Rings “ books and read them quickly.

In the mid 70's they came out with reprints of “The Shadow” from the 30's and 40's and I started reading them. “The Shadow” was created by Walter Gibson under the pen name of Maxwell Grant. 

I enjoyed them, and Dad said when he was younger he use to read them. So I let him read them when I was done. It was after reading this series of “The Shadow” that I came upon two more Pulp Heroes from the 30's and 40's, “Doc Savage” and “The Avenger” both created by Lester Dent under the name of Kenneth Robeson.  

Other series I read were “Man From UNCLE,” “Star Trek,” Doctor Who” and many others.

I also read Comics and loved the Super heroes. I started out getting and reading mostly Marvel's comics, because we didn't get any DC comics around here. Later on we did get some DC, but not much. It was about this time I stated getting my Comics through Mile High Comics of Colorado, which was called N.I.C.E. I got them in the mail quite often and it was always fun to get them. Between my Pen Pals and my comics coming in the mail, I was always getting something. Marvel's heroes that I enjoyed were: Spiderman, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Thor, The Avengers, the X-Men, and many others. In DC I liked Batman, Superman, Swamp Thing, Teen Titans, Green lantern, Green Arrow, The Flash, and many others. I also read many other comics from other companies as well.

I had quite a few boxes filled with comics in the pantry upstairs. As well as on shelves, many books, and posters on my walls of some of my favorite shows and actors. 

 What is funny is, before the comics were there, I had saved many empty bottles of Boones Farm and Annie Green Spring wine, that I use to buy and drink. When the drinking age went up, I quit drinking them. In fact, I quit drinking, until I was of drinking age again.  

Seventh grade saw us going to the Junior High School, which is what we called it at the time. It was going to be quite different, because instead of only one teacher, we would have many. Every time the bell would ring, we'd go to another class. We started out in what we called a Homeroom. My 7^th Grade homeroom was Mr Gardiner, which I recall having about three different classes with him throughout the school year. One Class was about Safety with hunting and boating. Which was very funny, because I never liked being in a boat, and never went hunting. Then there was Mr Green, who taught science, who had a similar system as Mr Leduc. He would bring out the paddle and scare the crap out of the kids, so none would misbehave. I remember early on in his class he wanted us to pick ourselves to check our blood. I had to chicken out, because I never liked the needle or the sight of blood. I was always a little leery of his class after that, but I made it through.

Junior High was for 7^th and 8^{th (1972 - 1974)} grades while I was going there. In 8^th grade I had Mrs Heirman for my Homeroom teacher, and from there, the bells would start ringing and we'd be going to the first class that started off our day. I had Mr. Petrin for Math, and he was on the Second floor of the Junior High. Because at that time in my life, my voice was changing, he called me “Froggy.” Not long following, he would call me “Butch.” In fact many people from that class, years later, still called me “Butch.”

I had Mr Chapman for music. I didn't really care when we had to sing along, and I would pretend to sing, until he had his ear right next to me, and knew I wasn't singing. What I did remember and love about that class and to this day, it still holds a memory for me. It was a time when he played two songs that he liked. One was Cat Steven's “Morning Has Broken” and the other was Neil Diamond's “Song Sung Blue.” These two songs touched me, and brought me deeper into music and different artists that have some really great stuff. First the Beatles, now Cat Stevens, and Neil Diamond. I knew then, it was going to take a lifetime to explore the great music that is out there.

Fred Meyer, or as some called him “Funny Fred,” has his own method of teaching. He always called those talking in the back of his class “The Lazy Aide Society.” I recall one time I had some plant experiment I was doing for Mr Green's class and I put the jar filled with water and the plant, into the desk. As I looked down I saw it was leaking all over the crotch of my pants. I raised my hand to be excused to the bathroom. It was near the end of the class time, so I came back after class to get my jar with the plant and to clean up the water. Not sure why, but every time I think of Roberta Flack's song “Killing Me Softly,' it brings me back to his class. Maybe it was played sometime during the class, or it was going through my head at the time.

Later Fred Meyer became a big part of the “Oz” Club, which were for fans of “The Wizard Of Oz.” While I was getting comics through the mail, I've ordered him some too.

Other teachers I had at Junior High were: Robert Meyer, Altobelli, Bengry, Dunstone, Ferguson, Flynn, Hyde, Jokipii, Kivela, Mileski, Murphy, Smith, Swetkis, and Prokos.

I made many friends because not only did they come from Washington, but also from Jefferson, and Franklin schools as well, and any others that were here at the time. And like Washington School, it wasn't far from where I lived on North 14^th Street.

During the summer of 1975 I helped a short man named Bill Whitehead, deliver groceries for two local stores. John's Northland, and Pete's Grocery on the south side of town. Bill always had a cigar in his mouth, and we would load up the boxes onto his station wagon and deliver them to people all over the city. And he would pay me. He was a nice man. I worked for several months. Then one day while waiting for him, he didn't come. I called and he said he came by, but I didn't come out, so he has someone else working for him. I felt bad, because I enjoyed it, but treasured the experience.

It was around 1976 that I saved up by babysitting for Barbara and Bob Gravelle across the alley (they use to live in the house behind us, but moved across the alley). Barb was Fred's older sister. I babysat and saved up for a CB radio. It was a Navaho and I got an antenna for it as well, that was placed on the roof.

 It was called the CB Craze, and many local people had a CB. They had names which were called handles, such as: Big Daddy, Blonde Bomber, Big Moose, Jim Dandy, Running Bear, Falling Star, Neil To Wheel, Irish Clover, Wild Irish, Fearless Fred, Moonbeam. I talked with them and many others. We even had a Roll Call on one night of the week. It was always fun to read off all the names on the list and hear them say “here.”

I was in a good section of town, and people picked me up good, and I picked them up good as well. They would always say, turn down your Power Mic. I always told them I didn't have a Power Mic. I didn't have one.

It was about this time Moonbeam (Denise Sayklly) would pick me up and we would go pick up other CB people such as the Dubord brothers Mike and Pat (aka Pink Panther and Red Baron), Charlie Heath (aka Star Trek). We would ride around and down Ludington street and have a Chinese Fire Drill. We would stop and all get out and running around and then get back in wherever we are. Denise said one time I got into the Driver's seat. She asked what's wrong Bud? I said “I don't drive.”

Rinky Dink (John Rickel) and his wife Super Snoop (Helen, later to be called Honey Dew)were some nice people Fred and I talked to on the CB radio and we would go visit them. Their daughter was Silver Springs (Sandy). John would fix up his van and have It painted.

At this Fred was always working on his Volkswagon and I would hop in and we would go over to visit the Rickels. 

Whenever Basil would come over, we always had a great time.  

Next was the Senior High School (1974 - 1978), which was way out there on the Highway. Not so close to home. Dad played a big part in getting me to school and picking me up. After school he would be waiting for me parked on the block between the Highway and Holy Name School. Looking back it was just something he did naturally, and I was always happy to see him. Knowing these days that not many parents did that, I appreciate it much more as I look back on those days. On some warmer days I would ride my bike to school. I'd ride through the Lakeview Cemetery sometimes, on my way.

I was introduced to many new teachers and classes, and it took me many places as well. As in any case, I always enjoyed it better when the Teacher tried to make the class as interesting as possible. That always kept me interested, and I must say there were only a couple who were boring. Most of them did their best.

Not being good in English, I was put into a class for the slower people. The Teacher was Mr. Blackstone, and he was a nice Teacher. He promoted reading and writing. I remember once he said to the class, “Just keep writing whatever you can, whatever is on your mind, a daily journal possibly.” A Daily Journal. Yes! I started one for the class at that time. Not sure what became of that one. But just a few years later, in 1978, after school was done. I had graduated, and my parents had taken a trip to visit relatives in Marquette. I started my Daily Journal, and have been keeping it going to this day years later. Thank you for the inspiration Mr Blackstone! I've seen Mr Blackstone several times over the years, at Elmer's, and we'd stop and chat a bit, or say hello in passing.

Another Teacher who I really enjoyed was Mr Fix. Had his class for Journalism. His kindness was his trademark, because he always gave everyone a fair result. I remember writing a story on the Beatles, and although it could have been better, he graded me well on it. Telling me my bad points and my good points. I was too shy in school to ask questions when I should have, but I did the best I could. It was many years later, that I would see Mr Fix out in his yard on Lake Shore Drive and say hello to him in passing. One day I had gotten a picture of a Porcupine as I was going down Lake Shore Drive. Some time later I stopped and asked him if he had seen the Porcupine. He told me they like to climb trees and he said he saw the tree shaking, and he looked up and there was a Porcupine, up in the tree. He always thanked me for stopping and talking with him.

I remember in Art Class with Mr Gustafson, we got to draw album covers. Someone had colored a really great picture of the Led Zeppelin cover. I drew the “Yellow Submarine” from The Beatles song. I met a guy in this class named Bob Pierson. He loved the Beatles and the solo Beatles as well. He had all their albums and offered to lend them to me. He did, and I enjoyed so much, that in time I caught up on all of their music for my own collection. He hardly knew me and yet he trusted me with the care of his albums. I shall always appreciate his offer at that time, and his introduction into the solo Beatles music. Thank you Bob!

Around 1977 – 1978 some classes I had been in, promoted a Field trip, where buses would take us to Fort Mackinac. I signed up for it. I remember Basil went on this trip as well. It was great to cross the Mackinac Bridge for the first time, and see the Fort. I explored the Fort and I recall buy a book called “The Young Voyageur.” I recall Mr Howes and Mr Nordgren came along to monitor the kids who went. I remember buying some spanish peanuts in one store and eating some. They had Mannequins dressed up as soldiers and recordings in each part. It almost felt like you went back in History and were a part of it.

 Later, we went on another trip, and this time was to Milwaukee. We visited a Museum, a Police station, a Beer factory, and a Mall as well. It was the first time I was ever on an escalator, and I took advantage of it. I remember my Classmate Herb Meyers was with us on this trip. At the Mall, on the second floor, was a Record shop. This is where I bought “Wings At The Speed Of Sound” album.

Some of the other teachers I had were: Mr. Miketinac, Mr. Smanniotto, Mr. Burroughs, Mrs. Burroughs, Mrs. Leffel, Mr. Foltman, Mr. Howes, Mrs Cote, Mr. Ferrario, Mrs Sperber, Mr. Panganis, and Mr Loughbaum, Mr Fix, Mr Thibault, Mr Blackstone, and others.

It was in these later years of Senior High, that I would stop to see Auntie Fish on my way to school. One such day, she had told me she was going to be selling her house. It was on one of these visits I noticed something was a bit off with her mind. She wanted me to come down and help her clean off these cans in her basement. The cans weren't dirty, and yet she kept insisting they were. It wasn't long after that, that she went to a Nursing Home, and her house was sold to someone with the last name Nault.

In Senior High School I remember making a friend from the CB Radio. She went by Cave Chick on the CB, but her name was Mary. 

 She would call me every so often. I'm not sure why, maybe she liked my voice. She was always enjoyable to chat with. In my early days of hanging with Fred, he would always tell me things that weren't true, and somehow I always believed him. I decided to play a trick back on Fred, but I also included basil in it as well. It wasn't a cruel joke at all. I asked Mary to call each of them and pretend she was interested in them, but not to give herself away as to who she was. Fred and Basil were as different as two people could be. I knew their reactions would be different. Fred came up to me in the Hallway and was all excited and said some girl had called him and he was so happy and was hoping she would call again. Later, I saw Basil, as calm as could be holding a piece of paper. I asked him what that was he was holding. He said it was a map. You see, some girl had called him, and he was trying to figure out what part of town she is living in. He was showing me which areas he thought she lived in, and which area she didn't. I let this go on for awhile. I can't even remember if I told them or if Mary did. It was interesting to see eahc their reactions.  

On Graduation Night, I was dressed and it was planned that I would spend the night at Basil's house, and we would eat out after Graduation, at Shakey's Pizza Place. I remember my friend from the CB, Crazy Cricket (Paula Antonson) looking for me, and she gave me a card. I use to talk to her on the phone occasionally. After the Graduation I remember being with Basil and his parents at Shakey's and we had pizza and all these pitchers of beer. We didn't get totally drunk, but we did drink a good amount of that beer. We got back to Basil's parents house, and we were unwinding and visiting and undressing from the tie and suit a bit, when Basil's Mother came in and said “I hope you are thinking of going to bed yet, we were planning on going to the Log Cabin for a few drinks.” So we got ready to go. There was a two man playing there called “Venus”(one of the guys was Greg Tolman). Basil and I had a few drinks there, as we visited and got even more drunk. When we got back, Basil set up a mattress in the basement, in which that is where we slept after we visited for a long time. I don't remember what we were talking about, when we finally passed out.

The next step would be what to do in the future. Where to go, and what our career was going to be. Basil wanted to join the Air Force, so I decided to try it as well. We took the ASVAB test, and I didn't pass, but Basil did. 

 Later I did try again, but didn't pass.

Not knowing what else to do, after Basil left for Basic Training, I decided to enlist in the Marines. But after finally making it through, and we were about to go down to Milwaukee for a physical, I changed my mind. I decided right then and there that the Military wasn't for me. So when the Army came knocking at my door, I told them I didn't want anything to do with them.

In August of 1978 while Mom and Dad had gone away on a trip to visit relatives in Marquette, I started writing a Daily Journal which I called “Diary” at the time.

 I started it with ink, and even today I am still writing it.

 But now I am typing it onto the computer and saving it that way. In the 80's I used colored markers each day and would highlight events on the top of the page or on the side bar of each page.

 As the days and years came along, I would write more depending on what was happening in the day. Even today, I look back on those days and even though I remember much, many years have made me forget some of it. I have put some of these memories into poems, and here, in “My Life's Story,” I have added pictures. This way while you read, you can follow along picture by picture as you read the words.

In 1979 I applied at Bishop Noa Home when it was down town by Gus Asp, which is now Hereford & Hops. I went in for an interview, but never got called back.

For awhile then I was working through Welfare by working for the DNR and The City doing all kinds of jobs. Hauling trees off of ski paths, digging holes, moving things, cutting grass, and more. When it was the DNR, which was then located way up North near Jim's Dairy, Dad would be there to give me a ride home. One thing I didn't like about working for the DNR is, they seemed to look down on us who worked through Welfare.

I remember when I became of age to drink again, and Fred and I went out on my Birthday. We hit several bars. I recall hitting Marlos's on Ludington and I heard it was a bar for Gays and Lesbians. I did get some free drinks, but wanted to go elsewhere. I know we hit Chez Emile, which was a strip place. I got pretty drunk drinking Rum and coke there, but it was enjoyable watching the strippers. I recall hearing the songs “Switching To Glide” and “The Beat Goes On” by the Kings, while there. Whenever I hear those songs today, I always think back to those days and see the girls on stage dancing. After we left there we stopped by Annie's, which was also a strip place (which use to be called Zodiac). That same night I don't remember how I got home. I just remember waking up in my own bed upstairs at home. Fred said he brought me upstairs and was worried about me, and stayed awhile, but when I started throwing up, he went home. As the years went on, I got away from drinking, and when I did it wasn't much and wasn't often.

I've loved music all my life. Mom use to sing songs she grew up with when we were very young. Because of that, I had come to enjoy many songs of the 40's. In the late 60's Terry had this Record Player and an album of Elvis Presley's “Girls Girls Girls” with a song on it I loved called “Girl Happy.” 

 I was big Elvis fan for awhile, until I kept hearing songs on the radio and every time I asked who sang it, it would be the same answer, The Beatles. Because I always questioned who sang each song on the radio, I had found and discovered the Beatles. From then on I had to know each group or singer for every song I heard. 

 My friend Basil was a big influence on music in my life. He had many albums that his older sisters had given him, and he played them for me. The Moody Blues was one group I also got to enjoy. He played their “Seventh Sojourn” album and I knew after that I had to explore them even more. In years to come I got to enjoy many more British bands such as The Kinks, Jethro Tull. The Who, The Rolling Stones, and so many more. Exploring became my main thing and once I had one of their albums, I wanted more. Even today I love exploring and finding new music I enjoy. 

The 80's

It was in 1980 on March 25^th I applied again at the Bishop Noa Home, which is where Hereford & Hops is today. The next day I had an interview. I got the job and started working there on April 3^rd.   I dressed in white every time I worked.  That God's Eye in the picture, I made.  

 It was quite an experience in the care giving field. I was introduced to each shift by Tony Kolich (morning shift), Steve Lewis (afternoon shift), & Steve Cooper (night shift). It wasn't long before I found my spot on the Night shift, or as some called it “The Graveyard Shift.” I worked with Betsy Hjort and Catherine Jamroch. The Nurses that worked on the Second Floor, were Ellen Malloy, or Belle Devlin. One of the Night Custodians was Bob Mayra, who's wife went to school with my Mother. Even though I was use to staying up late, and sometimes early into the morning hours, nothing prepared me for the Graveyard shift. It had it's easy moments, just checking on everyone and making sure they were comfortable and in place. Other nights, it seemed, everyone needed attention and several were up and about or complaining. There was one man who nobody liked going to help out. He always got upset and yelled a lot. Leo liked things a certain way, and if someone messed up, he'd yell. I was determined to get on the good side of him, and make him forget that he needed anything perfect. I tried to humor him, and still do everything as best I could. So while he was laughing at me, he forgot about just how perfect his usual routine was. I found as he laughed at me, and he ate, he didn't really notice I hadn't put enough jam on his toast, or that I forgot to put salt or pepper on his eggs. And he enjoyed his food while I was there. I bade him goodbye after wishing him a good day. Nobody liked going to his room because of his temper, and so I would volunteer, so he would get to know me better. Soon he was talking to me about many things he wouldn't talk to others about. We became good friends and I didn't mind going to his room at all. I'll never forget the day he passed away. He wasn't doing very well, and somehow I knew it wouldn't be long after I left his room. The Nurses and Nuns were gathered around his bed. I heard a scream from his room as I was walking down the hallway, and looked at my watch. In his obituary it listed that very same time.

There was a lady who use to press her light for help often to use her bedside commode. At first she never wanted a man to transfer her. But as time went on, she would let me. She wasn't very polite and very rude at times. I was always nice to her, because that was my job. Not only that, but because it wasn't easy for anyone living there. They were there for help. As time went on, she would be nicer to me. The last night I transferred her to her bedside commode, she was really nice, and yet she said she wasn't feeling very good. As I transferred her, her bed had broken, a leg came off. I called the nurse and told her. She came and took over. I found out later, she passed away later that morning.

There were these two Cousins living there. Joe Swille, who couldn't talk very much, mostly he mumbled, and now and then he could be heard saying yes or no if you listened closely. His Cousin was Ida Arkens, who would come down and check on him now and then. I would always stop in a chat with Ida when things were kind of slow. She was a nice lady, who always thanked me for stopping by to visit her. Her Cousin, Joe Swille, mumbled a lot and shared his room with a Swedish man named Eskil. I remember one evening doing my rounds, and I stopped in to check on Joe and Eskil. Joe was awake and staring at me, doing a little mumbling. Normally he was asleep. Something didn't seem right. I asked if he wanted to have something to drink. Having heard no answer, I got him something to drink. With a straw he drank it down, and I threw the paper glass in the garbage. I looked back at him and was ready to leave, when I heard “Thank you.” Was I imagining it, or did he say thank you. I decided to confront him, did you say Thank you? He smiled and somehow this touched me, having never heard him say anything beyond yes or no.

His roommate was a relative of Dr. Rose's. His name was Eskil, and he always wanted to a shave. He was Swedish and had had a stroke which made his spoken language a cross between Swedish and English. It was hard to understand him. He would follow me down the hallway rubbing his chin, and wanting a shave. But he didn't need one. We would tell him later Eskil. One time he went into a room where this lady was sitting in her rocking chair. She thought her children were in her dressing drawers. She chased Eskil out with her cane, thinking he was there to steal her children out of the drawers. At the time it seemed funny. Yet it is sad when people are that way.

I was called into the office and told they were letting me go. All I know is I did my best while I was there. I met some really great workers and residents. And it was a wonderful experience. My time ended there on March 3, 1981.

I wanted to stay in the same line of work, but work in Private Homes. There was an ad in the paper from a wife who needed help taking care of her husband. I called her and we set up a meeting. I met with Pronase Goymerac, and she was a retired School Teacher from Soo Hill and Webster schools. 

 She seemed to be very nice. Her husband George lost one leg due to diabetes. His mind was not all there either. She needed someone to watch him while she went shopping and other places. 

They lived up in North Town. She would think it over, and get back to me. She told me years later, she wasn't real sure about me, because she wondered why Bishop Noa Home let me go. I could have told her I just wasn't fast enough in a Nursing Home for the work. She liked me and decided to take a chance on me. We got to be good friends over the next five years. On Nov 9, 1986 George passed away. Their Grandson Nick looked at me at the Funeral and said “Hey, maybe you can get a job at a candy store.” Pronase and I kept in touch after that. When I was up in North Town, I would stop by to visit her. She stayed in her home for several years.

One night I had a dream I was talking to her and she was talking slower than usual. I thought that was odd. I found out she wasn't living at home, but in an Adult Foster Home. I called and talked to her. She was talking slower. She had had a stroke. She said she fell at home, and was there for a day or two before anyone found her. She had had a stroke. At this time, she also told me she had one leg taken off as well. This was to be the last time I talked to her before she passed.

Being a big fan of music, especially the group Cheap Trick. They were playing at the Hedgecock Fieldhouse in Marquette on March 17, 1981. I talked Fred into going and we went up there. It was winter time, but not bad of weather there. Cheap trick was touring for their latest album “All Shook Up” and put on a great show as usual. I remember I bought a poster of theirs while we were there.

It was in 1983 after seeing Scott McFarlane, who also worked for the Goymeracs at the time, working with a little black box computer called a Timex Sinclair 1000, that I decided to order one. 

 With this computer, you had to type in all the information that becomes a program or game. Sometimes it was many pages long and took awhile. It was my real start into computers, but nothing like what became the Internet years later. My brother Clyde learned of it, and subscribed me to a Timex Computer magazine called T/S 81.

Sometime in the 80's as well, Basil got a computer for me that someone else was selling. I paid him back in installments whenever I could. This I believe was a Commodore. And with this we could play many different games, and you didn't have to type them in, they were already set up and ready to play. Such games as Golf, and Space Taxi, and so many others. It was a lot of fun, and I found my brother John even enjoying the games. In fact John was able to get to some higher Levels in Space Taxi, something I was never able to do.   Basil would be finding me computers for years to come, until 1999 when I got my own. 

It was around 1984 or 1985 that Terry sold me a 35 millimeter camera he had. It wasn't the best camera compared to the later ones I would have. It did give me a chance to capture some great moments to have for my memories and this story. Thank you Terry!

Back in 6^th Grade I met a boy named Pete Frecchio. He had just moved here to Escanaba from Norway Michigan and lived with his Mom on North 11^th Street. He would always be walking by my house, which was close to the School traffic that walked to Washington school. I saw something good in Pete and hung around with him when we weren't in school. What I do remember is, he could be very rude at times and blurt nasty things at people. But it was that goodness inside him that kept me hanging around with him. I believe he stayed here in Escanaba during 6^th Grade at Washington school, and 7^th Grade at Junior High. He moved back to Norway, but I'd see him occasionally when he came to Escanaba for Sidewalk Day sales. He seemed pleasant and kind, but we just said our hellos and then would go off and see the other sales going on that day.

After U.P. Music closed on North 10^th Street, which I had been getting most of my music from, The Record Emporium opened on South 10^th Street across the alley from what was once Wally's and Red Owl. Mike Felten and 

                                his wife Gail ran the store.

 I walked in and was greeted by a heavy set man with glasses, and a mustache and beard. He was pleasant and friendly. We started talking about the Beatles and other music and other subjects. When I asked his name, he replied, Pete Frecchio.

 I didn't recognize him as the same person I knew back in 6^th grade. He was a totally different person. I finally confronted him about it, and he thought about it and then said “My parents were going through divorce and I was probably lashing out more than I thought I was.” As well as working at the Record Emporium, he was a radio announcer at WBDN and later WDBC.  He also delivered Dominoes Pizza at one time. 

We became good friends through this time. He moved around, to Pennsylvania and then to Norway. I would visit him, and we would stay in touch through the years. 

He came down to visit me when I moved into the Harbor Tower. He passed away in 2013.

It was around 1973 in an Archie comic book that I found a name of a girl in Southfield Michigan, and decided to write to her and find out more about her. Well, she instead handed me over to one of her friends from Birmingham Michigan, named Judy. So it was then that Judy and I struck up a friendship through letters. She always liked to call me Clay, instead of Clarence or Bud. She was about my age. We wrote letters back and forth until we both graduated in 1978 and she went off to get married soon after.

Then it was in the 80's while visiting my friend Pete Frecchio at the Record Emporium, that he suggested I write to his Pen Pal Alejandro in Mexico City. Being as he was into The Beatles and other music, so I did and we got to be good friends through letters.

I collected a lot of Comics in my life time, the late 70's through the 90's. Loved the Super heroes! Also loved Doctor Who. It was in a Doctor Who comic that I saw a listing for Pen Pals. My first three pen pals were associated with it. Ellen from Oklahoma was listed in the first issue. Peter from Illinois saw my name in the last issue, and we got to be good friends. He loved the Go Gos and we shared a lot. Deby was someone I found in a Doctor Who Fanzine called “Whovian Times.”

These people would be sending out little books called “Friendship Books” where you put your name and address and what your interests were. And soon I was picking up many Pen Pals from all over the USA, Canada, England, France, & New Zealand. It was so much fun to share my ideas and life with them, and get their letters in the mail. I looked forward to mail every day. Living in Escanaba, the letters were my gateway to other places through these people.

Some of them that stayed writing for many years, were some my favorites. Avril from Liverpool England was a dear friend. It was always fun to get her letters in the mail. I would always read the letters to Mom, and Mom got to know and love my friends as much as I did.

 Leslie (KY)

 and her friend Beth (OH)

 were two I would write to. They would send me stories they wrote and so many other things. I never knew what to expect in the mail from them, but it sure was a great surprise to look and see what they sent each time. We would even talk on the phone now and then.

 Sue (PA) loved the Equalizer and I enjoyed the TV series as well.

 Karis (NY) would share with me her affair with a Mailman, not that I wanted to hear it. 


Marsha from Florida became a really close friend of mine. Her letters were supportive and always she knew advice to give for anything I was going through. For her wonderful friendship, I was able to help her find her Biological Mom and sisters, and she got to meet them before she passed away.

 I recall her Husband calling me and crying saying at the burial her biological family showed up, and the sun came out, and it was dark moments before. He wanted to thank me for being such a good friend to her. 

 Margaret from New Zealand would write me and also send me Cassette tapes of some of the top songs in New Zealand while she was growing up. I got to enjoy so many of the ones she shared with me. I would never have heard of them otherwise. She would also send me Doctor Who books to read. Sue from Ohio had health issue, and I got to know a really wonderful woman. I had several pen pals and looked forward to their letters every day.

At this time I also joined the N3F club. In this club it had a large variety of topics. Each topic had something called a Round Robin, which had several members in each one. What you would do was receive the Round Robin for that subject and everyone in that Round Robin had a letter in it, you would respond to each member with your own letter. When it came around again, you would read each of their responses to your letter and take yours out and add a new one and mail it out to the next person on the list. I got to know some really wonderful people through N3F and the Round Robins.

The 80's were fun. I collected comics, had pen pals, played games with my family, and so much fun. Looking back it was surely a fun period in my life. But if I were to look over my entire life as I am telling you my life's story, I made it a point to always include fun in my life. I am sure I got that from Mom, who would always have a habit of putting some sort of makeup on her nose and face and come out and get some sort of a response from her kids.

In 1985 another Record shop opened up down by the Michigan Theater.  It was called The Record Rack, run by Steve and Sue Seymour.  When I first went in there to look over their albums and other music formats, I noticed Steve was a bit crabby or unsociable.  The next time I went in there, I talked to Sue, and she told me he's been busy working two jobs, and I needed to be patient with him.  I was patient with him, and over the next 30 years of going to the Record Rack in its three locations over that time span, Steve became a very good friend of mine.  They were very helpful in helping me to keep up my music collection, but even more so, they were good people.  So glad they happened to be part of my story.  

They made it to The Record Rack's 30th Anniversary, and then retired.  30 years of great music, and a great place to stop.  

   Backtracking several years.  Mrs Hivila ran the Canterbury Book Store for many years.  At first she worked there, and not long after she bought the business, and ran it for many years until she retired from it and new owners took it over in 2018.  I always stopped there starting in 1967, and it was always fun to visit with Mrs Hivila.  She was always helpful in finding just the book you were looking for.  If she didn't have it, she would order it.  She never liked her picture taken, but I did take pictures of the store she worked at for most of her life.  Her husband Roy, would stop in and it was always nice to talk with him as well.  Wonderful people as well, so glad they were in my life and in this story.  

So what was I going to do in 1987. They were taking applications for jobs at Classmates restaurant, which was the old Sherman building. I applied and got a job as a dish washer on July 1, 1987. Dale Gartland was the boss, with Robin (Danforth) Coyne as second in command. 

 Jerry Boudreau was the cook, 

and Greg Rogers was his assistant.

 I was the dish washer. 

 The waitresses included Julie Aiken, Sherry Hurthibise, Rhonda (Danforth) Polowski, Kim Grohl, & Judy Anderson. (Rhonda and Sherry in picture below)

 Julie Aiken in picture below

Greg and I would always play out parts when it wasn't busy

At a Halloween Party we had there, I dressed as a Clown.  Thanks to the Artistic work of my Mom's. 

At another party we had there, all the waitresses would get me to go up there to dance.  I told them I couldn't dance, but they made sure I could.  And I did.  

 The Restaurant only lasted a few months and so did my job. It ended on December 1, 1987. Then it became just a bar. Not long after, it burned down. There is still a big space there. I remember years later pointing it out to my future wife, that I worked there. She looked at me and said, “Bud, there's nothing there.”

On May 5, 1988 a young man who had been in an ATV accident was looking for help. My friend Basil was in town for a few days at his parents house. I didn't want to start working in case I needed that time to spend with Basil. So when that call came through from Bob Miller, I explained that I could start working after the weekend. He said that would be okay with him.

 So I started working for him on June 1, 1988. He had this woman named Marlene teach me how to transfer him from power chair to bed. There was one time when I couldn't transfer him, possible due to a spasm he had. I had to let him down slow to the floor. He was swearing at me. Years later we both looked back on that day and laughed.

This care giving job and friendship would last for many years. The ATV accident caused him to be paralyzed from the waist down. He was in a power chair. When I started out, I would help him out at different times. When I made it clear I wasn't a morning person, I became a regular at night, helping him to bed. I would also come in and help him with his supper. Bob first lived over on North 19^th Street between 2^nd avenue and 3^rd avenue. A'lona Thrasher lived upstairs, and Edna Bourgouin lived in the apartment behind him. I got to be good friends with Edna as well, and would stop and visit her.

It was during these years I was to meet a Karen Berg-Pelky, who was helping Bob out at college and occasionally at home. Her role in my life was going to take some big changes in the future. But, for now, she was just someone who was helping Bob, and I opened the door to let her out as I was arriving. Looking back in conversation with her, she said I was so shy, she wanted to say “Boo!” to me. Karen shows up later in this story.

A year after I started, another Caregiver became a regular worker for Bob, Donna Caron. She would become his Morning worker, and I would be his supper and bedtime caregiver. It worked out well that way.

    I remember one night at the very beginning when I was helping him to bed and I couldn't quite make it, so I had to set him on the floor. He swore at me and said he couldn't feel his legs. We called on Marlene to help us get him to bed.

There were many times at the very beginning when I thought I would tell him, that it wouldn't work out and I was going to quit. He always came back with “Oh, you're doing great.” He learned how I was and always gave me positive feedback that kept me working for him. I believe that is why we got along so well in the years ahead.  

Later Bob moved to North 20^th Street, on the corner, and had a ramp built for himself. Rick Demski helped him out a lot. Doing yard work, and other odd jobs around the house. Nick Summers who was taking care of his Uncle Joe Summers across the street became a friend and caregiver for Bob as well. Helping him out now and then as well.

The 80's and 90's in a day in my life consisted of me Writing letters,

 going on errands for Mom and Dad, going to my job, and at night Nancy would stop by and we would play games. Some early games we played were “Spoons” and “Animal.” Terry would stop throughout the day and join us for games as well.

On Dec 1, 1989 we received the greatest gift anyone could give us. Nancy brought over a little 3 month old terrier mix named Toby.

 For the next 9 years this little guy would touch all of us in so many ways. He became my best friend. He became a big part of our family.

I remember taking a picture of him on the couch, and he came down to see what I had in my hands. It was the camera. I looked at him and told him to get back in his place on the couch for his picture. He went exactly where he had been and I took a picture. It seemed from that day on, we had a great communication. Growing up, I was always afraid of dogs. We had a dog in the early to mid 70's named Barney, and that was Cheryl's dog. After he got hit by a truck, we decided we wouldn't ever have another dog. Until now, when Toby came along and touched our hearts.

Toby was the best friend a family could have. Very sensitive and so caring. He was our dog that my sister Nancy had gotten from someone she knew in 1989, he was being abused by the child who lived at that house. Nancy brought Toby over and my brother John wanted it, Mom and I remembered how it was when our last dog Barney had passed. We weren’t sure. Yet, this little Toby was so cute and so lovable.

 We both decided it was time to say yes. Toby became loved by everyone who came around him. He became my best friend. He helped me through the passing of my Dad. And he helped me through some serious health problems when I had given up on eating and lost a lot of weight. Everyone thought I was dying. I was able to overcome anything because of this little guy’s love for me. 

The 90's

It was on January 13th of 1990, that Mom answered a phone call from a Dave Lemire of Texas, who was looking for relatives in the Marquette and Negaunee area. Mom couldn't tell him much, even though our Lemires were in the Marquette area. Mom gave him my Uncle Art Lemire's phone number, thinking he could help him better. On January 20, we got a letter from Dave Lemire explaining who he was looking for, and thanking us for talking to him. This got me wondering, who are my Lemire ancestors. I was very much interested in finding out who they were. I started calling up relatives in Marquette and looking at papers and I even asked Dad who was in the Hospital at the time. He said all he remembers about his relatives in Canada was that they use to smuggle down moonshine to his family.

Mom, John, & I had been taking care of Dad for 5 years since he had fallen and broken his hip. He was in the wheelchair. We had him set up with a bell to ring whenever he needed something. When we heard it we would go into the bedroom to see what he wanted. One of us, Mom, John, or I would help transfer him to his wheelchair and bring him into the kitchen so he could sit in his spot. He learned to maneuver the chair well and helped himself to food in the refrigerator, and would roll it around the house.

I remember one day when Dad was in the Hospital and he was in a lot of pain, and they had given up a bit too much Morphene. His eyes looked like Eagle eyes looking right through me. I thought for sure that was the night he was going to pass. I came home and was crying in a chair, and Toby came over and jumped up and was licking my face. He knew I was sad and I was so happy to have him there. He was a great comfort in sad times.

In 1990 he was having a hard time breathing and we all decided to bring him to the Hospital. He was there for a few weeks, and then they transferred him to Pinecrest in Powers. My sister Nancy would bring Mom & I up there to see him. We had just seen him 2 days before. Dottie & Jake saw him after us and said he didn't look good. I remember waking up in the front bedroom upstairs and Nancy calling and John handing me the phone, she wanted to tell me that Dad passed away. He passed away on March 9, 1990.

Here's a slide show of my Dad through the years

At Dad's Funeral I met many relatives, some I've known, and others I have never met. Several brought me papers they wrote for me on their families. Funerals are suppose to be sad places, but for me at this one, meeting and talking with relatives made me much happier than you could imagine. Tracking my ancestors and other relatives was going to be a big part of my life starting this year and spanning many years to come. I wonder if Dave Lemire of Texas could have even imagine what he started with that phone call he made to us. Many years later I did meet up with Dave Lemire on Facebook to find out if he found his ancestors. He told me he talked to his Mom before she passed away, and found out he was adopted. After that he gave up his search for his ancestors.

After Dad passed away I starting asking the question, “Is there life after death?” Sure, we all have our faith that we believe there is an afterlife when we pass, and it is called Heaven. It says so much about it in the Bible. I was never much for following the Bible. Sorry to say this. I did read it and enjoyed it as a History book. But it was a book written so many years ago, and who knows how accurate it was. Now if I was to talk with God or Jesus, I would get the whole story unabridged. But now, I had to find what spoke to my heart and soul truly.

Before I go any further, let me explain my earlier life in religion. Mom had raised her first family as Lutherans and they went to the Immanual Lutheran Church, even though my Mom & Dad were both raised Catholic. So Mom had us go there as well. We never liked church. I do have to admit I made some great friends there. Even had some fun at Camp Bird in Crivitz Wisconsin. We had some classes we would attend once during the week, called Confirmation. We would go there and be in a class and George Jensen would be the teacher. Anyone misbehaving would get the ruler on their hands. I was always afraid of him, but years later as he was walking down Ludington Street, he would stop and talk with me like I was an old friend. Anyway, Mon got tired of pushing us into going to Confirmation and Church, so she just told us we didn't have to go. So we quit going. We were so relieved, because we hated being called up front by Pastor O.K. Odland to sing. John & I would hide in the pews, until someone said, “I believe there are more kids that can go up front.” I wanted to shoot the one who said that. That was then, now let's return to the present. My Dad had just passed, and I wanted to explore the afterlife.

I got very interested in Mediums and how they can talk to those passed over. The first ones I read was about George Anderson. 

 To me, it spoke to my heart and soul. I truly believed that they could talk to those who have passed over. I got to enjoy James Van Praagh, John Edwards, Sylvia Brown, Rosemary Altea, John Holland, and later Theresa Caputo “The Long Island Medium.” We each have to have faith, and in my heart and soul, I believed in them. Of course there are always going to be those out there are not true or real, but these spoke true to my soul.

I remember one dream not too long after my Dad passed in 1990. I was looking out the back door, and I saw my Dad riding my red bike. I had to look again because I thought for sure I must have been seeing things. He pulled up in the direction of the side of the garage and right in front of the basement. I went out and went down to the basement. And there he was, my Dad! How could he be?! He said hello, and so did I. I asked him how he could be here when he had passed. He just smiled and seemed to avoid the question. He asked how I was and how everyone else was. I told him we missed him, but we were doing okay. He was tearing apart an old couch that wasn’t any good anymore. I asked him what he was doing here. I meant what was he doing here when he was suppose to passed away. He responded he was going to tear apart the couch. Not the answer I wanted. I woke up feeling good to have been able to talk with Dad again.

I had another dream with my Dad in it. Every winter I would walk from my home on North 14th street to the Latter Day Saints Family History Library On South 13th street. I would walk up South 14th street. Some days were freezing, and some days were snowing, and I had to climb snow banks or walk through snow on the way.

In this dream I was in a grocery store, when I saw some man pushing a wheelchair with a man in it that looked like my Dad. I saw them go down where the fruits and vegetables were. I followed them and it looked just like my Dad. The man pushing the wheelchair asked me if I’d watch the man in the chair while he goes across the room to get something else. I said I would. He said he doesn’t talk. I asked how it was that he was taking care of him. He said they found him face down in a snow bank on South 14th street, and he had spoken since.

As the man walked away, I looked at this man who looked like my Dad. He looked at me and smiled and said "Hello Bud" I know I smiled and said "Dad?!" He was smiling too. I know we talked awhile, but not sure what it was about. All I know is I had this good feeling in his presence. The man returned. He asked if everything was okay. I told him it was no problem. I want to say that Dad winked at me as the man wheeled him away, as it is in my mind and memory. I woke up feeling good that we had another visit, and that he is well taken care of where he is.

I remember one day I was feeling sick, and stayed in bed. I had brought up some soup and just couldn't eat it. John brought Toby up, and Toby sat on the bed as if to say “Bud you have to eat.” I shared my soup and crackers with him, and I did eat, with a great friend by my side.

Footprints In The Snow (Genealogy)

Back to genealogy, I went up to the Latter Day Saints Family History Library which at this time was located up in North Town at this time. Later it moved to the site of the old St Francis Hospital between South 13^th and south 14^th street and between 9^th Avenue and 10^th avenue south. Margaret Gilbert was the director of the library at the time and through the years. Several of the workers there who were on duty to help researchers were: Margaret Gilbert, Jan Lewis, Patricia Sundstrom, Richard Reiffers, Marguerite Larson, Sharon Ivory, Betty Zeni, Naida Standing, Camille Rabitoy, Theresa Jenshak, Nancy Polichek, and Diane Berragan. Some of the researchers who I came to be friends with were Marshall Benny, Beatrice LaPine, Don Brackenbury, Harvey Green, Connie Litchard, Jan Cutter, Charlie & Deb Meyers, Tom & Gladys Elegert, Lester Bazinet, Karen Peterson, Delores Pinar, and Cheryl Savage. There were many others. One was Ernie Bernard, who started Ernie's Party Story, which later became Ernie's Irish Pub. 


Margaret Gilbert

Pat Sundstrom

Peggy Scmidt

Naida Standing

Betty Zeni

Richard Reiffers

Theresa Jenshak

Harvey Green

Rita Miller

Terry Hampton

Camille Rabitoy

Theresa Jenshak

Lorna Hiney

I was stuck on my LEMIRE side of the family, so I decided to start on my Mom’s side. Her maiden name was JOINT, which wasn’t a common French surname. It was also a name she would have rather not had, as she use to be called Mary JOINT. Later, she took on her middle name of Lucille. Mom was able to give me each of her Grandparents first names and maiden names. Mom was the only living child of Adrien JOINT and Alma DUFORD. They had two children before her, but they passed as infants. One was a boy named Milton. My Grandmother Alma went in to a Hospital in Madison Wisconsin to have a goiter operation, and passed before the operation was even performed. She died in 1942 at the age of 37 years. My Mom was only 14 years at the time. My Mom was sent to live with different relatives. One was her Uncle Louis DUFORD and Aunt Virginia GAUTHIER-DUFORD who lived in the Iron Mountain area. They had a large family consisting of Ruby, Stafford, Chester, Viola, and the twins Tommy and Woody. She only stayed a couple of days. Then she stayed with a friend of her Mother’s named Mary SULLIVAN-BUCHOLTZ of Rudyard Michigan. She ended up living with her Grandparents Flavien JOINT & Mathilde BEAUCHAMP-JOINT. Mom said her room was all pink. Her Grandmother had nicknames for all her Grandchildren except Mom. She looked at Mom and said “pouvre Lucille.” This was French for “Poor Lucille.” Later, my Grandfather Adrien JOINT remarried a Cecile SORENSEN.

My Grandfather Adrien JOINT was the son of Flavien JOINT & Mathilde BEAUCHAMP. Flavien and Mathilde came from Quebec and settled in the farming community of Flat Rock, just outside of Escanaba.  BEAUCHAMP was a very common French-Canadian surname in Quebec as well as in this area. All the Flat Rock BEAUCHAMPs were relatives.

My Grandmother Alma DUFORD-JOINT was the daughter of Theophile DUFORD and Marie MARIEN. They also came from Quebec. They settled in the farming community of Schaffer, which is also just outside of Escanaba.

Alma and her younger sister Edna were young when they learned to play the piano and violin. They would play at THE STRAND (which later would become the Delft theatre) during the silent film days. They were known in this area as the DUFORD SISTERS. Later in years, my Grandmother would play at several of the restaurants around Escanaba.

I was glad out of all my Grandparents, I was able to meet one of them. Grandpa JOINT lived with us for a couple of years before he passed in 1972. I never met my Grandmother Alma DUFORD-JOINT, but I know I would’ve loved her a lot. Her love for music, family, and people was a trait I inherited. Although I don’t play an instrument, I love all kinds of music.

Many questions were going through my mind as to the history of all sides of the family. I found myself being pulled in all directions.

Dreams are one way that the spirits come through to us in our sleep. In 1990 when I first started researching my ancestors, I had a dream. As in all genealogical searches, there are many times when people are hard to track down. You find yourself asking the questions “where did they come from?” and “who are their parents?” These were common questions that kept going through my head. There was one time when I felt I had come to a block, stopping me from getting any further on my research. Until the night I had a dream. Not just any dream! This dream touched me in a very special way. It would be the start of something that would change my life forever.

“I was walking in the snow following some footprints. I must have been following them for quite awhile, because I was getting tired. And I wasn’t getting any closer to who those tracks belonged to. I noticed a log on the side of the trail I was walking down, and decided to sit down for a rest. I was feeling frustrated at not making any progress as to who those tracks belonged to. I threw my hands up in disgust. Letting my thoughts drift away, I found myself looking skyward. And there among the clouds was a woman’s face. She smiled and it warmed my heart. I had a good feeling inside. She was smiling. I’m not sure if she spoke out, or if the words just came into my mind, but she said “Don’t give up.” Followed by “You’re on the right track.” I looked up at her and asked if she was a relative of mine. She smiled and nodded yes. I wanted to ask more questions, but I was caught up in the good feeling of being in her presence. When I looked up to ask her another question, she started to fade away. I saw that she was still smiling as she faded. Then I look around at my surroundings and saw those tracks again. I stood up, feeling like I was totally refreshed and rested. As I looked at those tracks in the snow, they didn’t seem to bother me quite so much as before. And I started on my way down the path following them.”

I believe that woman in the sky who smiled down at me was my Grandmother Alma DUFORD-JOINT, who passed away back in 1937, several years before I was born. She resembled the photos that we had of her. Some people believe a dream is just a dream, I believe it was my Grandmother guiding me in my research. It also tells me there’s much more about death and the spirit of life that needs to be learned. The dream changed my life forever. Because of this dream, I’m deeply involved with genealogy, mind as well as soul.

After I was able to find many of my own lineages, I began to share what I had with others whom I had gotten in touch with. I also find that I get a reward out of helping others who are researching and having difficulty. Especially if it’s an area that I know about, such as French-Canadian. Since I’ve started researching my ancestry, I’ve met so many friends, several who turned out to be distant relatives. I’ve gotten in touch with fellows researchers from afar who are distant cousins. And I’ve become closer to many of my closer cousins also. It seems that my research has brought me all kinds of rewards.

When I first started researching my LEMIRE ancestors, I didn’t know exactly where they came from. I enlisted the help of my First Cousins Marie (Lawry-Goudreau-Stickney) and Don LAWRY of Marquette. They were real helpful, sending me several names and dates of as many relatives as they knew. Their Mom was Aurora LEMIRE, my Dad’s sister and my Aunt.. Over the years they’ve kept in close contact with our family, stopping by to visit whenever they came to Escanaba. The information they gave me, filled in many places on the family that settled in the Marquette area. Another First Cousin, Liz BUREAU, also helped by filling in her side of the family. Her Mom was Mabel LEMIRE, another of my Dad’s sister and also my Aunt.

My Dad came from the Marquette area to the Escanaba area around 1959. In Escanaba there had already been a LEMIRE family settled in the area for several generations. The first being Doctor William LeMire. This family were always listed with a capital M in the middle of their name. Sons and grandsons carried on the profession in the area, as well as some becoming lawyers. William LEMIRE 1 died from an electrocution from an X-Ray machine. I went to school with one of his granddaughters, Mary LEMIRE. In later years, we became acquainted enough to talk whenever we’d see other. In one conversation she told of our very first meeting, which I thought started in the seventh grade, being as she’s from the south side and I was from the north side. But it happened when we were about five years old, where we first met at Ludington Park. We were on the swings and when it came time to leave, we gave each other our names. We were each surprised to have the same last name. Later, she asked her Mother which cousin I was, being as all other LEMIREs were related. But her Mother couldn’t place me in any family. When I told my Mother this, she remembered that day also. She said I had asked her if I was related to Mary LEMIRE. Putting this all together, maybe my interest in genealogy started when I was five years old, but my actual participation didn’t start until 1990.

I wrote a letter to Ruth FASCHING of Portland Oregon. I was told she had researched the LEMIRE name. Her husband was the Grandson of Arthur PARENT, whose Mother was Sarah LEMIRE. These were the LEMIRE/LAMERE family that settled around the Minnesota/Wisconsin boarder (which were in Linda TURNER’s book THE LEMIRE/LAMERE FAMILY). One of these LEMIREs had even lived in the Escanaba area before moving on to Wisconsin. I wasn’t able to find my LEMIREs in this branch.

Next I asked the help of researchers who were familiar with French-Canadian records. I still had no clue as to where my LEMIREs came from. It seemed like most LEMIREs I came across came from the St. Lawrence areas of Nicolet, Baie Du Febvre, and St.Francois Du Lac.

There was also an area called Ste. Clothilde, located in Arthabaska county. I decided it was as good as any area to start. Before starting my research, I had never read French before. The handwriting wasn't the easiest to read. I recall I had just been in touch with a cousin of mine from California, Leo PINARD, and he asked me how my French was, as I will be doing a lot of reading of that language. I had to start somewhere, and sometime. I looked at the French-Canadian handwriting, and tried to duplicate it the best I could from the way it looked on the film. At that time I thought I had copied it down pretty good. But years later, after I had gotten much better at reading the handwriting, I couldn’t read what I had copied on that day.

It turned out that my line wasn’t to be found in the Ste. Clothilde area of Arthabaska. So I began looking over the LOISELLE MARRIAGE RECORDS. I found that the LEMIRE surname seemed to be everywhere in Quebec.

LOISELLE MARRIAGE RECORDS are little typed out cards, with typed out cards with dates and places of most Quebec and some Ontario marriages. It also had an occasional USA record on them as well. They’ve been real helpful with my family research. Following that, they came out with the LOISELLE MARRIAGE SUPPLEMENT, which were many more marriages that weren’t in the first series. These have been real helpful as well. The dates range from the early 1700’s all the way to the 1900’s. Other sources that have been helpful are TANGUAY, which lists French-Canadian families from the early 1700’s to the late 1700’s. These are a series of books, that can also be found on fische. Another source is JETTE. This is a large book, listing French-Canadian families, from the time they arrived in Quebec, to about 1730.

Getting back to my research. After looking over the LOISELLE MARRIAGE RECORDS, I noticed there were several LEMIREs in an area called Maskinongé. I do all my research at the LATTER DAY SAINTS Family Library, which was open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When I first started, they were located in the basement at 1500 North 19th Street (now they are located at the old St.Francis Hospital site 1021 South 14th Street (Escanaba). They happened to have had some films from the Maskinongé area, which is the area just below Trois-Rivieres, Quebec.

There were many LEMIREs there. I wasn’t sure if these were my LEMIREs or not, but I decided it would be nice to have anything on LEMIREs at this time. So I wrote down all the baptemes(baptisms), mariages(marriages), & sepultures(burials) from these films. It felt so good to have information on some LEMIREs until I could find my own. Many times, we, as genealogists, are just so happy to have found people with our name, that we start collecting everything everywhere on them.

None of these sources helped me at the beginning. So I did several things. Looking at IGI (International Genealogical Index) records on fische, I wrote to Salt Lake City through the LATTER DAY SAINTS Family Library to find out who sent in the name of the LEMIREs that was listed on the IGI fische. I wrote to several people who have researched either LEMIREs or French-Canadians.

I got in touch with a Lester BAZINET of Marquette, who sent me information on some LEMIREs who had lived and died there. He also sent me records on LEMIREs being married, baptized, or buried in Ontario. He had taken these from his large French-Canadian Library (which he later donated to The Delta County Genealogical Society upon his passing).

Alfred LEMIRE’s first wife was my First Cousin Frances LAWRY. She was the sister of Don, Marie, and Lucille LAWRY and also another daughter of my Aunt Aurora LEMIRE. Francis had passed back in 1970. Alfred had since remarried a Bernice PACQUET (who had been married to a PALMETEER). They lived in Lansing Michigan. My LAWRY cousins told me that Bernice had been working on Genealogy, and she might be able to help me. So I wrote her a letter. She sent me many pages of Alfred’s side of the family. She had Alfred’s Grandparents listed as Pierre LEMIRE and Julia MASSE (these were the ancestors of the Dave LEMIRE of Irving Texas who called us in January of 1990). I found this information to be wrong as my research continued.

Alfred’s parents were Henry LEMIRE and Barbara KRUMMEL. And Henry’s parents were Pierre LEMIRE and Olive(Rosanna) RACINE. Alfred and Bernice would visit the Marquette relatives every year, and two years in a row they had made a visit to Escanaba to see me. I had never met them before, but had heard my Dad refer to Alfred by his nickname “Pussy.” I’m not sure what it meant, but think maybe it was French for pushy (Poussee). I know Bernice didn’t care for it due to other reasons. When they came, she preferred I not call him that.

On one of those visits, Alfred told me about the time he was trying to get a job on the Railroad. The foreman who was hiring, had all the people standing in a row, and he looked them over. He asked each of them their name, and when he got to Alfred, he told him to go stand in another line. Next he came over to the other line and asked everyone their name as he went down the line. When he got to Alfred, he told him to go to the next line. Now Alfred was getting tired of being pushed off onto the next line, so he asked the foreman what was going on. The foreman looked at him and asked his name, and he said it was Alfred LEMIRE. The foreman told him he couldn’t hire him because he had enough LEMIREs already working there. The way Alfred told it was much funnier. It was true, there were several LEMIREs working at the railroad. My Grandfather Camille LEMIRE worked there, my Uncle Camille LEMIRE worked there, Alfred’s Dad Henry LEMIRE worked there, as well as several others. Alfred passed away after his last visit. He had a heart attack while playing golf. Bernice and I kept in touch for years after that, until she tragically passed in a car accident.

In a letter to my Uncle Arthur LEMIRE of Marquette, I asked him to tell me anything he could remember about my LEMIRE relatives. I received a letter from him and he told me this: “When I was twelve years old, I went with Mother and Dad by train. The LEMIREs lived on a farm about five miles out of the city of Joliette. We had to travel by horse and buggy to get there. On their farm they had a few cattle, but their biggest thing was growing tobacco. While we were there, they had many parties for my Dad. And attending were mostly sisters, brothers, and other relatives.”

Since Arthur was born in 1913, this trip must have taken place around 1925. I have a picture of my Grandpa and Grandma LEMIRE sitting next to another couple. They were sitting on a porch, while relatives were gathered all around, sitting and standing. Arthur told me that Pierre LEMIRE (Alfred’s Grandfather) was his Dad’s Uncle.

My next step was to find out exactly where in Joliette county that my Grandfather came from. So I ordered the 1871 CENSUS for Joliette County. I knew my Grandfather Camille LEMIRE would be around three years old on the census (depending on when it was taken). In a place called St. Ambroise de Kildare, Joliette County, Quebec, was the family of Pierre and Olive LEMIRE. Their youngest child was Camille LEMIRE at the age of three years old. Now I knew where all the Olives in our family got their names from. Cousin Alfred LEMIRE had a sister named Olive, and I had an Aunt Olive.

I ordered the film of baptemes(baptisms), mariages(marriages), & sepultures(burials) for St. Ambroise de Kildare. I knew from information given to me by my cousins, that Grandpa Camille was born April 21, 1967. When the film arrived, I found the baptism of Camille to be April 21, and he was actually born April 20.

 

 Many times people would celebrate their birthday as the day they were baptized. His parents listed as Pierre LEMIRE and Olive BEAUCHAMP. His godparents listed as Elzear BASTIEN and Olive LEMIRE. There’s another Olive LEMIRE! This Olive was Camille's older sister. I did it! I found my LEMIRE family! Once you make a breakthrough like this, you get a great feeling of overwhelming joy that moves throughout your body. A great feeling of accomplishment that most genealogists know about. My next questions going through my mind were “where did Pierre and Olive come from?”

I decided to try LOISELLE MARRIAGE RECORDS, now that I had a connection in Quebec. It showed a Pierre Leandre LEMIRE, son of Antoine LEMIRE and Esther PAILLE marrying an Olive BEAUCHAMP, daughter of David BEAUCHAMP and Genevieve LORANGER on the 17th of August in 1843 at a place called Maskinongé. The very same place I had just been researching before I knew where to look. I was surprised to find I also had a BEAUCHAMP line on Dad’s side of the family. As I have BEAUCHAMP on my Mom’s side. Further research showed me that this Olive BEAUCHAMP’s family went by the name of HAMEL dit BEAUCHAMP.

Most French-Canadians surnames have dits, which are surnames added to their original surnames to identify which side of the family they descend from. As I began my research, I was to learn quite a lot about dit names. In order to get everything on a certain family, you need to look up all the dit names as well. I was to find that LEMIRE had several dit names. GAUCHER, GONNEVILLE (GUNVILLE), MARSOLET or MARSOLAIS, and FOUCAULT. My lineage comes down from the LEMIRE dit GAUCHER branch. I called this, having “dit wit.”

I continued collecting all the LEMIREs from the St. Ambroise de Kildare area. Of the Pierre Leandre LEMIRE dit GAUCHER and Olive BEAUCHAMP dit HAMEL family. There was Olive (1844), Pierre (1845), Hercule (1847), Anonyme(unnamed 1849) born and died the same day, Marie Janviere (1850), Julie(1852), Gaspard (1854), Joseph Hormisdas (1856), Didace (born and died 1857), Joseph Hormisdas (1858), Joseph (1860), Leocadie (1864), and Camille (1867). The age difference between my Grandfather and his older brother Pierre, made it easy for my Uncle to mistake him for being my Grandfather’s Uncle.

My Great Grandfather Pierre Leandre LEMIRE had two brothers who also started their families in St. Ambroise de Kildare, Felix and Calixte. But they later moved to St. Gabriel de Brandon, where their children grew and married. Another brother Pierre Emile LEMIRE stayed and raised his family in the Maskinongé area.

Around the early 90's Basil bought a Packard Bell computer from his friend Dan David. This was to be my third computer. It didn't work at first, but a friend and fellow genealogist Charlie Meyers came by and he fixed it for me. It was at that time I added the PAF program to my computer to keep all my Family Information on. It was the same Family program they were using at the Jesus Christ Of Later Day Saints Library at the time. It was easier to submit my PAF Family Information to the main headquarters in Salt Lake City, so that everyone can see it. It could help someone else researching the same names.

My friend David Varino had meet a Joe Lemire from the Menominee area of Michigan. He was in Escanaba and mentioned that his Dad was Louis Lemire and had a brother named Clarence Lemire. I found the address of Clarence and Doris Lemire and wrote to them. They replied with a really nice letter. It was explained that Louis was nicknamed “Grouchy” and Clarence was nicknamed “Smiley.” I wrote back to them. They wrote back saying they planned a trip to a Play here in Escanaba, and wanted to stop and meet me. I was looking forward to meeting them. Then I got a card in the mail from them, saying they changed their minds and would not be coming to Escanaba after all. They said they want nothing more to do with genealogy.

After finding my Lemire Lineage, I decided to go a bit further back on Mom's side of the family. Mom was born Mary Lucille JOINT on July 1, 1922 to Adrien JOINT & Alma DUFORD.

Alma's parents were Theophile DUFORD & Marie MARIEN. They had a farm in Schaffer, and also at one time had The Theophile DUFORD General Store in Schaffer. Which was a building that they shared with the McCORMICKS. They had a store on the other side of the building. I recall years later talking to a neighbor who lived in back of us, and he worked at that General Store. He said Theophile charged him for an apple he ate on the job.

Theophile's first wife was Osine GIGNAC, and they had three children: Albina (married to Frank O' DESS). Adelard (or Edward) married to Rose SEYMOUR. Adelard had a farm in Schaffer. And Rudolph (married to Rose GIRARD). Osine GIGNAC passed away in Nahma, where they were first living before Schaffer. Theophile went back up to Quebec, to a place called St. Paul L'Ermite, L'Assomption and married Marie MARIEN on 18 Aug 1886. Marie's parents were Pierre MARIEN & Adelaide THERRIEN (or TERRIEN). Adelaide had two sisters who married NANTELLE men, and so we are related to NANTELLES. Theophile & Marie had four children: Louis (married to Virginia GAUTHIER), William (married to Rose SCHULTZ), Alma (married to Adrien JOINT, and Edna (married to Roland FRECHETTE).

Theophile's wife Marie MARIEN, came from Mascouche, L'Assomption. The MARIEN lineage was a bit different. As I tracked her MARIEN ancestry, it had the dit name of LEBEAU. It actually went back to an ancestor named Marien LEBEAU, and his Father named Marien LEBEAU . They took on his first name as a dit, which became their surname.

Now the DUFORD lineage goes back to DUFORT and BOUGRET in Quebec. BOUGRET dit DUFORT.

Theophile's parents were Theophile BOUGRET dit DUFORT married to Olive LOTTINVILLE dit LEMAITRE. Many of the BOUGRET-DUFORT families in my lineage stayed in the Repentigny area of L'Assomption. Some stayed in the L'Assomption County.

While Theophile, the son, had a farm in Schaffer, he had two siblings, Francois-Xavier (married to Anna ETHIER), and Exilda (married to Joseph CAMBRAY) who lived in Marinette, Wisconsin.

While tracking down the CAMBRAYS in Marinette, I wrote to a Lloyd CAMBRAY who lived there. He replied and said he had a sister who lived in Escanaba. A Millicent CAMBRAY – BERG. I had a really wonderful chat on the phone with her. Lloyd had come down and stopped in one day when I wasn't home and talked with my Mom. One day he was down at Millicent's home. I went over there and were talking with both of them, when in walks Karen BERG – PELKY. She said, “Bud, what are you doing here?” I smiled and said “Hi Cuz!” Millicent was her Mom. I had met Karen several years back when she was helping Bob Miller with college work.

I got in touch with Mom's DUFORD Cousins, and sent them each letters with Group Sheet forms for them to fill out. Mom had lost touch with her DUFORD Cousins. These Cousins are children of Alma's older brother Louis DUFORD, who was married to Virginia GAUTHIER. Of these Cousins there were Ruby DUFORD – FOSTERLING of Gwinn, Michigan. Stafford DUFORD, who passed away, and he had lived in lower Michigan. Chester DUFORD, who lived in lower Michigan as well. Viola DUFORD-KNAPP, who lived in Arizona. There were the Twins, that were Thomas DUFORD of California, and Woodrow “Woody” DUFORD who lived in Kingsford, Michigan. They all responded with information that helped me fill in their Family Information.

Ruby gave us a call. She talked with both Mom & I. I remember her saying that most relatives who get in touch don't stay in touch. I told her that I promised I would stay in touch, and I kept my word for the years following. Ruby would make a couple visits to see us and even stayed for supper one time. Woody Duford from Kingsford came by to meet us.

We were invited to Woody and his wife's Margy's 50^th Wedding Anniversary at Cowboy Lake, around the Kingsford & Iron Mountain area. Ruby, Chester, Viola, & Tom, and several of their kids showed up for their celebration. Mom and I were honored to be there to take part. She hadn't seen many of her cousins for many years. I took several pictures while I was there. I even wrote a poem called “Cowboy Lake.”

Mom's Dad was Adrien JOINT (husband of Alma DUFORD). He was born December 10, 1893 in St. Telesphore, in the area of Soulanges-Vaudreuil, Quebec. It's the little area across from the Isle of Montreal and is connected to Ontario. His parents were Flavien JOINT and Mathilde BEAUCHAMP. They came from the same area, in a place called St. Polycarpe. Mathilde had a sister named Martine who married Ambroise THEORET. Many of the BEAUCHAMP relatives settled in Flat Rock, the farming community just outside of Escanaba. Mathilde's Dad was Gatien BEAUCHAMP, and he had a brother named Arsene, who also settled in the Flat Rock area.

My Grandfather Adrien JOINT was the oldest of the children of Flavien & Mathilde. In order after Adrien were: Mathilde “Tillie” who married Sylvester SCHRAM, Bernadette who married Lawrence BOURDELAIS (these second two were born in St. Polycarpe). The following children were born in Escanaba. Joseph who married Sophie FUDALA, Agnes who married Lency CLAIRMONT, Aurelia who married Harold PIRLOT, and Lawrence who married Olivine BEAUCHAMP.

My Grandfather Camille LEMIRE was married to Delia PINARD. 

 Delia grew up in the area of Marquette county called Champion. Her parents were Louis PINARD and Emilie “Lea” CYR. Lea passed away and he remarried Emilia BRISSON – BELANGER. She had three children with her first marriage, Tom, Exilia (who we know as Auntie Fish), and George BELANGER. Delia had an older brother named Oscar, and she had a younger brother named Louis. From her Father Louis' second marriage came Cordelia & Flora. From Camille & Delia's marriage came: Aurora (who married John LAWRY), Camille “Mun” (who married Stella GIGUERE), Mabel (who married Alfred BUREAU), Olive (who married William ANTTILA), Clarence (my Dad, who first married Josephine HOULE, and then my Mom Mary Lucille JOINT), and Arthur (who married Irene BOLDUC).

In 1998 Toby wasn’t doing good at all. He’d go out and sit all night in front of the porch at the bottom of the steps. I knew something wasn’t right with him, because he wasn’t eating, and drank very little.

It was August 1998 I brought him to the Vets again, and they took tests. I left him there and came home. At around 12 Noon the Vet called. Said most of his enzymes were breaking down and decayed. She said the best thing to do would have him put down. So I told her "send Toby to Heaven." After I hung up the phone, both Mom and I cried all day. He had touched us very deeply, and would be missed very much.

It was about a month or so later that I had this dream. I found myself looking at this little dog surrounded by a bright white light. As I watched him, he barked at me, trying to tell me something. It was a happy bark. And then he came up to me and licked my hand. A warm feeling came over me when he did this. I woke up and thought about the dream I just had. It dawned on me that it was Toby. And that he was telling me that he had made it to the other side and was doing good. It made me feel so good to feel this way and to know this.

It was 1998 that Harold hooked me up with this box and this monitor that wasn't connected to the Internet, but I was able to send and receive e-mail from all my cousins and friends. Which to me was so very exciting to look and see who sent me e-mail. I'd reply right away.

One Cousin told me I should ask for donations to help pay for a computer that will connect me to the Internet. There were many reasons I wanted to connect to the Internet. One being, Genealogy and connecting with more Cousins. But that wasn't the only reason. I heard about the Chatrooms, where you could chat with someone and get a response right away from them. To me this sounded like fun. I wasn't sure if it was right to ask for money. Part of me thought it didn't sound right, another part thought, okay give it a try, you never know what will happen. So I threw it out there to all my e-mail addresses friends and cousins and family members. Soon I was getting many responses in the forms of checks in the mail. One cousin, Jean Lemire-Payne even sent me $500, and I was so surprised that I called her to make she sure she didn't mean $50. She told me that I have helped so many people, that I deserve it. I did however have one cousin who was upset, because she didn't think it was right for me to do that. Who has the right to ask for money? She eventually got over it. The envelopes and checks spoke for themselves.

On March 1, 1999 Harold set it up for me, and soon I was flying through the internet exploring. I was set up with an Internet Provider call JUNO. Who would have known it was going to turn out to be “Drama On The Internet” as I explored a whole new world on the world wide web.

I was chatting on ICQ chat with Cousins, and Family and meeting more people each time I was on there. A green flower was the icon.  Many found me, as I found many.  It was fun.  

People from all around the world. ICQ which stood for "I Seek You" (ICQ).  It was an “Oh Oh” sound and random people would page me. You could have a screen with their typing above yours and yours below, and their response would appear as you typed yours. To me it was like magic at that time.  I met many friends on ICQ. 

It was on March 27, 1999 that on ICQ I met up with “Shyling” who's real name is Dawn of Arizona. We chatted until 5 AM that first night I met her. She was pregnant with a baby boy named Micah, and in our chats things would come up such as the baby's Dad was causing problems. Smashing windows, and she called the Police and has a restraining order. I sent her a tape as our chats became more frequent on ICQ. She loved it. On April 26, I received a picture of her in the regular mail. One night she called when her contractions were getting stronger and closer together. On June 1st she told me she had a baby boy named Micah. On June 13th, she told me she was going through Postpartum Depression and took all the pills in her house. They admitted her into the Hospital. We had exchanged phone numbers and soon I was calling her at times. Her son Micah was at the Hospital.

On June 21st I received a letter from her saying “Been thinking of you, Micah and I are doing great.” On June 29th she wrote “I am okay, going to the Hospital a lot.” On July 17th she wrote, Micah has been keeping me very busy. On July 29th she told me Micah is on an Apnia machine because he quits breathing sometimes. But he sure is growing like a horse. I sent her flowers, and on July 21, she said she was still enjoying the flowers. On Aug 6, got a message from her saying she wishes me luck with my New Love (my New Love was her). This was a mix up, because I was talking about her. On Aug 31, she told me to go on with my life, because she's been too busy to come on the computer.

I met all sorts of friends on ICQ. One was “Popsicle Boy” who was Margy Watson from Australia. We always joked around and had a great chat. Another was “Gigie” Wijit from Bangkok, Thailand. Wijit even sent me a paper written in Thai with my name on it. She used something I did for one of her projects. I was honored. Also “Tigger Too” Linda Lace from Peter's Creek, Alaska, would show up often to chat. “Skins” Doris of Mississippi. “carla” of Johannesburg, South Africa who told me I did look French. “Flutterby” Jackie of California, “Cheri Cheri” Cherie of Australia, “Pyro-X” Roger Taylor from Fairfield, Texas (who later became “Raven” and later “Demetry” and later yet “falcon”), “Popsicle Boy” Margy Watson from Australia (her son Alex's name. She later changed her nickname to “Virtual Insanity”), “Lady Hearts” Cynthia Jean Williams of California, who loves the group YES, and she is one day older than I am. Pillywiggen (Julia Pooley) from Canada, “Sunsetzzz” Terry Daut from some other country but later moved to New York and married; “Smiles” Stacy Rainwater from Cinncinatti, Ohio (who was vacationing this year in Newberry, Michigan). Stacy and I got to be good friends and we would call each other and have a great conversation. On Feb 12 2000, Stacy learns about Cyndi and says goodbye (see below). March 19, 2000 Stacy told me she was getting married in December, and will be in Michigan in August.

On Nov 9, 1999 I met up with “Nice_gal1” Wanda (from Washington State) at the MSN Gaming Zone, and we played a game of Cribbage and chatted. After a couple games and chats she even changed her e-mail to “friend4bud.” We would write letters back and forth. Dec 28, 1999 I got a letter from her saying we had to quit writing each other and this was goodbye. On January 4th, 2000 on MSN Messenger she would pop up as “Pooh_37” and we would chat some more. She had gone off to marry someone.

On Dec 29, 1999 on ICQ I met up with “Smurfett” Cyndi from Ohio. On January 9, 2000 Cyndi called and we talked on the phone for 2 hours. She also goes by “Cyndi-blue_99.” On January 21, 2000 Cyndi had called to wish me a Happy Birthday. I was in bed at the time. In fact she called 5 times throughout the day. On Jan 29, Cyndi called again and we chatted for quite awhile. Feb 7, 2000 I woke up from my sleep crying and tried to connect to server (dial-up), and got a hold of Cyndi and asked if everything was alright. The Doctor today, said they found a tumor in her stomach. She said the specialist and surgery went well, lasers to burn the tumor. Feb 11, 2000 Cyndi received my Valentines Day card and flowers I sent her, and she showed one of her friends. On Feb 16, 2000 Cyndi sends me a picture of herself and she is beautiful. On Feb 17, 2000 she plans to come here with her girlfriend and stay here at the house. She sees a big white house and a store on the corner. Cyndi works at Rax's Restaurant.

On March 2, 2000 Guy from Ashland Kentucky was in Rax's Restaurant. Cyndi only chatted a short time with him. Cyndi sat down with him and told him she loved a man in Michigan. He said the man in Michigan might kill her. He showed up at Noon and Cyndi only knew him as Thurman. She told him she loved me and was going to marry me.

It was 1999, and just a half year earlier I had found out that my Mom had given up a baby girl in 1942 in Detroit. She didn’t know she’d be marrying the baby’s father, and they had to go down to Detroit to hide the news of her pregnancy.  Mom had named her Delores before giving her up.
       Nancy and Cheryl had known about it, and Cheryl was saying she saw someone where she lives in Maryland, who looked a lot like she could be our sister.
    .  

I was researching at the Latter Day Saints Family History Library when Pat came up to me and handed me a piece of paper that she had found as a query on a local online website. This woman was adopted and looking for her Mother Lucille who’s maiden name was JOINT. Pat asked me if I knew who this was. I looked up at her and said it was my sister, and explained the story to her. My sister was born Delores, but the adopted parents named her Jeanne, and I called her Jeannie. On the paper was her e-mail address, so I wrote back to her. She responded and we kept writing back and forth. She would call me Christopher Robbin in the letters. I asked her to call so she could talk with Mom. So she did, and I talked with her also. My sister Nancy also became close with her. Jeannie planned a trip up to meet Mom. I remember the first meeting. I was to be at work, and Jeannie was to be all alone with Mom. Mom often joked about this, saying…."maybe she wants to kill me." While I was at work, my thoughts were on how the reunion was going. I always liked music while I was working on Bob’s range of motion exercises. The radio was on and the song that came on was Paul Simon’s "MOTHER AND CHILD REUNION." It fit my thoughts exactly. When I got home later, Mom & Jeannie were looking over pictures. Jeannie gave me a big hug and held my hand as we got acquainted. Later Nancy showed up too. Everything went well, and the song made it even better.

Jeannie & Mom

Bud, Mom, & Jeannie (Below)

Jeannie & Bud (below)

Jeannie & Nancy (below)

Mom, Jeannie, & Nancy (below)

Terry & Jeannie (below)

The 2000's

I met a woman from Washington state named Wanda at a Cribbage site. She and I got along well. She even talked to me on the phone a few times. We had a sort of connection. But she told me she was about to get married. So she disappeared for awhile. Then I got a phone call from her. She said she found my name and city from a Genealogy forum, and found my phone number. She said her marriage didn't work out and he was in jail. Wanda had a daughter named Aunja, who was half Korean.

There was a chat place called Pal Talk on the internet.

 A place where you can go into a room and if you have a microphone, you can talk with people from all over the world. The subjects in these rooms were so varied. They had many spiritual rooms where you get a reading. Music rooms where you go and play music. They had so many to pick from, depending on what your interest was. I loved music and started off visiting them. I was also interested in the spirit world. Ever since my Dad passed away in 1990, I’ve enjoyed reading books about Spiritual Mediums who speak with those relatives of ours who have passed over into the spirit world.

Going into the spiritual rooms I met many spiritual friends. I had Pal Talk before my trip to Quebec. And I recall some room where someone was giving readings. She was an Australian woman named Chrissie. I use to listen to her, and she was good at what she did. She seemed to describe the people who passed for everyone she read for. They all found her to be very accurate at what she described. It was in one such room where she was reading that I found myself. Which is no surprise, because it was my room called “Bud's Spiritual Place.” Many people would come, who were of spiritual mind. Many times I would be up all night meeting people from all over the world. I thought it would be nice to be read by her. I typed in that I wondered what would come through to a genealogist. She agreed to read me and see what would come through. I had my tape recorder on hand and taped the entire reading. Many various relatives came through. She also said someone was showing her that I was going away to a place I’ve never been to before, to meet many people I’ve never met before, across some water to another place. She saw a bridge and this meant over some water. Some of the things that came through I verified with my Mom at the time. Many things were accurate and had to be for me. One was a relative who said she had big feet. One of my Mom’s Aunts had big feet, so it was her coming through.

On Pal Talk I also visited some poetry rooms and in one such poetry room, I met up with many friends. One such friend was Stella. She was from New Zealand, now living in the Netherlands. Little did I know that something would happen that would effect each of us.

But it wouldn’t happen until the night I met up with another friend named Robi30 (Robin) from Ontario Canada. We somehow felt drawn to each other, and we’d meet up in various spiritual rooms, and chat in private messages also. It was one night on January 15th 2002 that her touch would forever change my life and awaken me to my spiritual side. She told me she’d like to try something, and she wouldn’t hurt me. I didn’t know what she was going to do, but I felt safe with her and trusted her. All of a sudden I could feel something tingling at the top of my head, then I could feel something throughout different parts of my body. As I followed what she was typing on screen, she described exactly where she was feeling me and asked if I could feel her there. As she went through each part of me, touching me. When she was done, the feelings were gone. I asked her what she had done. She said she saw I had the gift of spirit and she enhanced my gift by making the flame higher. Her spirit had entered me and touched the places that needed to be enhanced. Afterwards she told me to hold out my right hand. I could feel the warm air there. She said her spirit was there. Then she asked me to hold out my left hand, I could feel her spirit there. Years later she said she saw I was lonely and sad, and she knew my gift needed to be felt by others.

It was the next day that I was to experience something very wonderful. I met up with my friend Stella, and we began chatting and sharing life experiences. She started telling me about her childhood, playing in the streams and having fun. As she was telling me this, I had a vision. I saw this beautiful woman with long dark hair bathing in a stream. She was naked and I was off to the side in the tall grass watching her. I must have made a sound, because she noticed me, and she walked slowly out of the stream and over to where I was. I could not move. She took me in her arms and the next thing that happened was so wonderful. It was something like I have never felt before. I told her what I was seeing and feeling in the vision. We shared what we were each feeling as this vision kept going. In the vision she took me in her arms and made love to me. Unlike anything I had ever experienced up to that point. Not as you would think as human love, but two energies entwined together as one. We each kept floating higher and higher as this was happening. Our physical bodies were feeling the effects of everything that was going on. We kept floating higher and higher with this feeling, and it kept getting stronger and stronger. She said we must be so high, we must be very close to Heaven. I couldn't have agreed more with her on that one.

We went on to explore many aspects of our spiritual connection. We explored the voice. One time I found her humming along with the song she was playing, and I asked her to do it again. I found myself very strongly floating from her voice and her humming with the music. I told her I wanted her to feel what I felt. So I played a song and hummed along with it. She was amazed at the strong feeling that overcame her and made her float from my humming. She said it made her feel so good all over. It's that hum that Mothers do when they are having their babies go to sleep and they want to calm them. It was quite an experience I'll never forget.

Then there was Michelle from Maine. She sent me a Private Message when I visited a Genealogy room on Pal Talk and we became very close. I could feel her energy all through me. Whenever she would come online, I could feel her strongly. She wanted to call me on the phone. I recall when she did, the energy was so strong I had to change phone hands. At that very same time, she mentioned she had to change phone hands. We had the strong energy feeling going through our phone hands. I told her I did that also.

She would often have dreams about her Grandmother who had passed. She said one night her Grandmother told her she was so happy she had a friend like me. Michelle asked her who she was talking about. Her Grandmother responded, your friend Bud. Another night Michelle said she woke up suddenly and saw me sitting at the foot of her bed. She was so happy to see me and got up to go sit with me. When she got there I had disappeared. At the time, we felt each others energy strongly.

When I first started on Pal Talk I heard so many talk about feeling energies, but never really believed it could be felt the way I was experiencing it. I thought it was very strange at that time, and now here I was feeling what they were feeling then.

I was to find out since Robi30 touched me and enhanced my gift, miracles would happen quite often. One such incident which I found very interesting was a time when I was very low on money and really wanted to have a little spending money to go downtown with. Maybe say $5 to $10 at least, just in case I wanted to buy something. I had logged onto the internet and was going to check to see who was in the chatrooms. But as I was getting ready to chat, I was disconnected from the internet. The phone rang, and it was the Vets calling to say we had $8 leftover in our account. We had a dog named Toby, and over two years ago he had passed away. He was a special friend of mine. But that was over two years ago. Why now of all times, right after I had just wished for the money, did this happen. I found this to be quite interesting.

At this point in time I decided I should stop sleeping on the couch and put my faith in miracles and know the spirits were watching over me. Too much was happening that seemed so spiritually involved in my life. So I slept in my Mom's bedroom. I was to find out that my connections to my spiritual friends online could reach across and pull at me when they needed me. I recall just lying in bed, when all of a sudden I felt a warm pressure on my chest. Like a warm presence pressing down on my body. I had this strong feeling inside that someone online needed my guidance. I got online and sure enough, there was a friend who was upset and sad and needed someone to talk to who knew what she was going through. She told me she was thinking strongly of me, and was surprised to see me. So I do know when connected, those thoughts really do effect the other. Thoughts do make a difference!

The spirit knows no boundaries as far as distance is concerned. I recall one night when I had opened my room on Pal Talk. I called it Bud's Spiritual Place, because it gave people a chance to share spiritual things in the room.

There was someone in the room, she had a foreign accent. I was to find out she was from a small country called Slovenia. She spoke English well enough to understand. She felt drawn to me, and as I saw her on my list, I felt she had something to say to me. Her name was Misa, and she was from that place called Slovenia. She said she felt my sadness, even without me saying a word about it. She was to become a very special spiritual friend in my life at that time. her input into my life would help me make some decisions later as my journey in life continued. She could see things about people and know what was ahead in people's paths of life. She had told me much about my life at that point in time, and it helped me understand my journey and myself and how we all follow life's plan. Things became clearer to me.

There came a very special friend, who touched me very deeply. I met her on Pal Talk. She went by the nickname of Yazza at the time. She lived near London England. Her spirit could touch and see things nobody else could. When we met we became instantly connected. Her voice was always so calming and cheerful. She seemed to know what people's problems were, and knew they needed to be reassured and comforted. She was an only child, and her parents had passed away long ago. Her Dad was Australian and her Mom was Native American. We played music together, and we sang songs together. We shared poetry together. We helped people together. She would often come online and send me a message and ask me to open my room because she felt someone would stop there who needed our help. I never doubted her, as she was always right. Someone usually did stop by and needed both our help. She seemed to be able to help those who had lost children.

She and I always shared poetry. I had written three poems about life, and she responded with a response poem with her words. I call these poems part two of the ones I wrote. She gave me her permission to use them if and when I should ever put out a poetry book.

She'd often tell me I was a Healer, and she saw green all around me. She could see many things. She said someone who had passed at an early age was guiding me from the spirit world. From what she told me, it would have to be my older brother Gary who passed near birth. She also said that she saw me as a monk. She saw many things, but she said whenever she was with me, she'd see the baby's face and it would express the mood I was in. If I was sad, the baby was sad. If I was happy, the baby was smiling.

I was sitting there one night and we had just met and she had to answer the phone. I could feel she was crying. The weight of sadness crossing all the way from England to Michigan. She said she was looking out the window thinking about life. The phone call was to tell her she had cancer. She had some tough choices ahead of her. To have chemotherapy or not. She really didn't want to, but she knew in the end, it was the only way. I recall many times she would just come on Pal Talk briefly and then go off, being weak as she was. In January 2003, life had taken me away from access to Pal Talk for awhile. I returned in October of the same year. Nobody had heard from her in a long time.

One of her online friends named earthangel told me on October 16, 2003 she had seen all these beautiful butterflies all around her house, and it was really strange as they never came around like that all at once. Then about the same time, she spotted two doves on the roof. She didn't want to believe or accept it. I believe butterflies as being the sign of transformation, and doves being the sign of peace. These signs meant that our dear Yazza has transformed into spirit and is at peace.

Her voice is still in my ear and whenever I think of her, I feel a wonderful feeling come over me. She was very special in my life. As long as I live, I will always be thankful that she had come into my life and touched it as much as she did.

So many interesting things happened while spent time with friends on Pal Talk. One of my friends, "OutofCntrl" was her nickname. I called her Lisa, and she lived in the area of North Carolina. I found myself drawn to her, and before long as most people I am drawn to do, she opened up and told me about her painful past. We formed quite a strong bond, and would page each other every time we would be online at the same time. She’d always call me sir, and because one of Charlie Brown’s character called Charlie Brown sir, I decided to call her Marcie. I’d e-mail her my poems, and we’d chat briefly online every time we came on. I remember one night I had come online and I was in a Private Message with her, when an overwhelming feeling of sadness came over me. I started crying, and the tears ran down my face. At this point in time I was just beginning to realize that the spirit has a certain way of getting messages across. I also realized I wasn’t sad before I came on, so I must be feeling someone else. Since I was chatting with her, I figured it was her. So I asked her if she was sad and crying. But she didn’t come right out and say it, and didn’t respond with any words that gave me a clue she was sad. I next told her to go off and have a good cry and she would have release and feel much better about herself. She went offline right away. I wasn’t to find out until the next day when she told me that she was very sad and in pain, and she went offline and had a good cry and the day after, she was feeling very much better. She thanked me for my advice.

Another friend of mine I had known from my frequent visits to the poetry room, had sent me a message. We were chatting away for awhile when all of a sudden I felt a sharp pain in my right arm and down to my hand. I had to ask her if she had pain in these areas, and she told me she had some disease that effected the muscles in her body and that what I had felt is the exact same area where most of her pain was the worst at this time.

Many times when this happens I have to figure out is it me or is it them. Did I feel this before I came online, or did I feel this when I came online. It makes all the difference. Sometimes little things will come to you, and you need to be aware. Sometimes you’ll be chatting away with someone and just know certain things about them without ever having talked about it before. Like the color of their hair, why they are feeling sad, or some other thing. The thing is to never be afraid to say something even if you feel you might be wrong. Most times I have said something, I had been right.

The connections one can have are endless. There are so many people one can connect to when they are open to the spirit, and awake to all that is happening around them. I have connected with people from many different countries. Countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Slovenia, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, South Africa, England, Brazil, Turkey, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines (just to name a few), and all over the USA.

I’ve learned that the spirits are guiding us much more than people would think. One incident that relates to this is while my Mom was in the hospital just before she passed. My sister Nancy had gotten her a stuffed dog. Mom didn’t really want it, and thought it would be better if my niece Lori’s daughter Monét had it. This was around the first couple weeks in July 2001. Monét never got the dog, because Nancy kept it for herself, because she liked it. Mom passed away July 20th 2001.

Late April 2002 I was upstairs looking over all the stuffed animals that my Lemire cousins Karen and Brenda had sent me. I was trying to decide what I was going to do with them. I had to get rid of some of them because I was going to be moving out. I needed to have less stuff in the move. I picked up one of the dogs that Karen had sent me. I had so many stuff animals that she had sent me. This one was one I could part with because I didn’t think it was one I could love. I thought it was rather unattractive in a way. I still had the Angel dog (dog with Angel wings) that Karen had sent, and that was my favorite. As I held this dog I thought "maybe Lori’s youngest daughter Monét would like it."

I had moved out into an apartment. At the old house everyone was still figuring out what to do with everything. Lori and her daughter Monét were there checking to see if there was anything else they might want before the Estate sale came. They had gone upstairs to look around. I had not yet told anyone what I was thinking, as I had been alone in the house for so long and kept to myself on my thoughts.

When Lori and Monét came down from upstairs, Monét was holding the very same stuffed dog I had planned to give to her. She was holding it very closely and smiling and saying "puppy." Lori asked if it was okay for Monét to have it. I then told her I had planned to give her that very same dog. I shared with her the account of all that had happened leading up to this day.

I do believe that my Mom had something to do with the stuffed dog being given to Monét, and that she is watching over us and guiding us all the time.

Being a genealogist, I was always looking through newspapers and at the obituaries for anyone passing away who was a relative of ours. One day I came across an article on a Rose OLSEN who was celebrating her 101st birthday. I noticed her maiden name was NANTELLE, a name in which I found tied in with our family on my Grandma Alma’s side of the family. Many of the NANTELLE cousins settled in the Escanaba area, and so I decided to call Rose. I called her and we had a very nice talk on the phone. She told me that my Grandma Alma, her cousin, had given her lessons to play the organ. We talked about different relatives and her parents. We closed off by saying we’d have to meet soon. She agreed to it and we ended our chat.

Bob the quadriplegic I had been taking care of for several years, knew some people who helped Rose at her house. I was given the news that the next day Rose was taken to the hospital. And two days later, she passed away. A couple days later I rode my bike up by her house, and got to meet her daughter. I handed her some papers on the relatives I had collected. She seemed somewhat interested, and said she’d be in touch.

One night I showed up at work to help Bob to bed as I usually did. He told me to look on the dining room table. There was a big bag of pictures. Bob told me that a guy who use to help Rose at her house saw all these pictures that were thrown out. Since Bob told him I was a relative of Rose’s, they figured I might be interested in looking over the pictures. And I was very interested, so I started looking them over.

I found communion pictures for my Grandma Alma and her sister Edna, and I also found a postcard style picture of my Great Grandfather Theophile DUFORD and his wife Marie MARIEN-DUFORD and Alma and Edna and others in front of the DUFORD GENERAL STORE located in Schaffer (farming community outside of Escanaba). It was small to see real closely, but I had it blown up and it turned out really well. I could see the faces much better. I wasn’t able to figure out all the other pictures, but I was happy to have found what I did. I do believe the spirits had guided them to me to have.

Quebec Trip 2001

Who would of ever thought I would be going on a trip to Quebec. Me, someone who has never gone on a trip alone, someone who has been away from traveling for so many years. Someone who really didn't feel comfortable traveling lately either. But there was more at work here that brought me to take this journey. I needed to prove to myself that I could do it. I also wanted so much to see the places I've been researching and see where my ancestors had lived. It was pulling at me. I'll admit I was scared in one way to travel so far from home, and yet knew it was something I needed to do. My sister Nancy volunteered to help watch over Mom, and so did my brother John and his fiancee Terry. The trip was arranged before, but some things went wrong, and I had to rearrange some of the trip over again. Doing this a week before the trip was not easy. But I had some help from a cousin who lives a half hour away from Montreal. She found me the hotel I was going to be staying at for my two days in Montreal after the Lemire gathering. My journey started out at 2:15 AM June 28, 2001 from Escanaba. It was a long tiring journey on the bus. To St. Ignace, to Detroit, and then across the border to Windsor. Through the Windsor Tunnel. The Canadian Customs boarded the bus and asked many questions. It wasn't that bad at all. A long ride through the Ontario countryside, and it was really nice.

Finally arrived in Toronto. It was a very big city. Seems like it took forever to get to the middle of it, where the bus depot was. I wanted something to eat, but the food counter man wouldn't take Travelers Checks. They told me to cross the street and get it changed at a Grocery store. So I did that, and I was a bit afraid. I finally got to the store and the woman at the counter was happy to take Travelers Checks. I picked up some bottled water and apple juice and a sandwich. Returned to the Bus Depot. I went to the basement to the bathroom to change over my liquids into my little jugs that fit in my little portable cooler. I returned back upstairs. I was to meet a friend I have been chatting with on the computer, along with her fiancée. I saw two people staring at me. I recognized Sandy from her pictures she sent me. The guy said "Clarence?" They came over and we started chatting after I hugged Sandy and shook hands with Neil. They thought they missed me, as they were looking for me. They gave me a Beatles Mirror, knowing I like the Beatles. So we found a place to put that in my carrying case. They took me to a restaurant in the depot and ordered me a Chicken sandwich and a juice. Then they took some pictures of Sandy and me, and then I took some of them.

 Then my bus was getting ready to leave. I said my good byes and got ready to board the bus.

After more traveling in the countryside of Ontario, we arrived in Montreal at 7:05 AM. I bought my ticket to Trois-Rivieres. Chatted with a woman going to Trois-Rivieres, and then we boarded the bus. I thought we'd be traveling by the main road to Trois-Rivieres, but I was lucky, we went through the little roads to pick up people. We went through Maskinongé, Louiseville, & Yamachiche. These are especially meaningful to me, because this is where my LEMIRE line lived for many generations. I wanted to stand up and ask if anyone was a LEMIRE or knew a LEMIRE from this area. But I kept quiet and watched as we rode along on our way to Trois-Rivieres. Upon arrival in Trois-Rivieres, I left the bus Depot to catch a Taxi. I wanted to get my money exchanged into Canadian money, because I couldn't do it in Montreal because they weren't open yet. So as I walked out, a taxi saw me coming and pulled up for me. I hopped in and showed him where I was going, and also asked if I could go to a bank. He didn't know English, so he brought me to the Delta Inn, and they explained to him what I wanted. So he took me to a bank and they exchanged my money into Canadian money,and then he brought me to Ville-Joie (at Pointe-Du-Lac). He was a really nice guy, and he waited until after the bank business was done, and then started his meter running. I arrived too early at the Ville-Joie site. The owner of the place told me some Lemires should be coming soon to get things set up. I was greeted by Levis Lemire first and he drove me over to where they were setting up all the books and tables for the selling at the gathering. Reine and Claude showed up shortly. And I got a tour of the place. Christian Lemire, a young man with a lot of energy and talent,was helping get everything set up. I decided to help also, since I was there early. So I helped carry some tables in, and move chairs around. They all had to leave to get more things, and left me to mind the store. Yves Lemire entered and spoke something in French, and I didn't know what he said. So I just responded with "sorry I can't understand you." And he got mad and walked out the door. I saw him sitting in his truck for a long time. I do wish I knew enough French to at least get by. But I didn't practice enough before I came. The others knew enough English to talk with me. I was to find out later that Yves is known to have a temper, and loses it quite often. Sounds like my family! My brother John and my Dad were known for their short tempers.

More people came and were getting more set up. It was getting closer to 4 PM, the time of the opening. I was feeling so dirty, having not shaved or showered since I arrived. Reine brought me over to the main building and I had to wait awhile for the cleaning crew to clean the rooms. So, I greeted people as they came in. There were many Lemires I got to meet and shake hands with as we looked at each others name tags and where we each came from. I was the only one from Michigan. I was finally able to go shave and shower and change clothes and then return. Met Robert LaMere (of California). Hey, he's got red hair, a Lemire with red hair, and he comes all the way from California; His wife Sally; Anita LaMere-Olds, Christine Lemire-Theoharis & her Mother Marie Simon-Lemire, Paul Lemire (Christine's brother), & Judith LaMere-Janz, Emmet Engstrom & his wife Jean LaMere (of Rice lake Wisconsin). Met Lorraine Lemire-Miville, (Manchester NH) & her cousin Larry Attoke, Michael Lemire(of Waltham, Massachusetts), Stephen & Mary Louise Schwab(Richmond, Virginia) Rene & Angele Lemire(of HintonAlberta), Claire Mire-Bettag (of Washington DC), she's from Louisiana and is descended from the Acadian Lemire line; William Lemire and his wife (of Missouri); Then the Lemire siblings, Levis(I met earlier), Bertin, Gerard, Marthe, & Nicole (all who knew some English and all unique in their own way and special also). Then there were the New Hampshire Lemire sisters of Belmont, Lillian, Lucille, & Janet Lemire-Leroux. Eric Lemire and family of France. Rodrigue & Therese Lemire of St.Laurent Quebec, Anita Lemire of Ottawa, Ontario, David Lemire, his wife Gloria, & his daughter Shelly Ann of Hinckly Ohio, Michel Lemire & his wife Claudette and their little black dog Mister Yes of St.Hyppolite Quebec, François Lemire and his wife Lise, and son Dominique (Dominique was taking many of the pictures) of St.Hubert, Quebec, Sylvio Lemire of Ottawa, Ontario (Edith LePage's Uncle,if I have it right); André Lemire (not Carmen's brother. This one is from Dorval Quebec), Andrée Lemire & her boyfriend Lucien Louvion of Trois-Rivieres Quebec; Sister Rita Lemire of Montreal Quebec; Gerald LeMire of Trois Rivieres, Quebec, Helene DeSerres-Lemyre & her sister Cynthia(who descend from the Maskinongé Lemires). Met a nice little man of age 93 who has written many books. His name is Armand Manseau and his Mother was a Lemire. He was a smiling little guy. Rene Lemire was there and he translated what he said. Armand's words touched me, he said "I am so happy to be here, is this heaven and I must be dead." Armand comes from the Baie Du Febvre area of Quebec.

Then I met Paul Fleurent (dit Pinard), Jacques Jutras, & Luc Lemire of Baie Du Febvre and Nicolet areas of Quebec. Jacques' wife was there and tried to get me to pronounce JUTRAS the French way. I kept trying to pronounce my O's the right way in the first part of the name, and they thought I was close, but still couldn't get it. They laughed at me for the sound I did make, and whenever I saw Mrs.Lemire-Jutras throughout the day, she'd laugh when she saw me. Met Reverend Jonathon Lemire of Ste.Monique Nicolet. His first words were, "I need to talk to you about something" and his final words were "meet me after dinner and we will look over some books." He was working on the Eugene Lemire & Denise Pinard line, who happen to come down to the local LeMire Doctors and Lawyers of Escanaba. I met Rachel Lemire-Bellemare of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec and her boyfriend Gilbert Thiffault, and her daughter Mary-Helene and granddaughter Talya. They descend from the Maskinongé Lemires and she was so happy to meet me. We had several pictures taken together. I met Rene Dubuc and Francine Lemire, Jacques Lemire of Yamachiche Quebec(Rachel's brother), Normand Landry & Andrée Lemire of Laval, Quebec, Professeur Michel Lemire of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. I met so many new relatives. The day went fast, and before I knew it, I was back in my room sleeping.

Saturday June 30, 2001, this was to be the big day. A day I would never forget. After breakfast,the afternoon came and this day went fast. I went over to the building where they were selling the Lemire Clothing and books, and met many people there(see yesterday, in the above paragraph). Then when I returned out in back of the Ville-Joie building, and I peeked around the corner to see why everyone was gathered in the back.  If you look closely at this picture, you'll see me peeking around the corner. 

 I met so many cousins (see listing above also). I took many pictures, and wrote down many names. Inside we sat and held a mass celebrating the 300th anniversary of the marriage of Jean-François Lemire & Françoise Foucault. A man dressed like Jean-François, & a woman dressed as Françoise stood up in front. Many songs were sung in French. I was sitting next to Michel Lemire, and he looked at me and laughed as he asked if I was singing along and following the words okay. I smiled and pretended I was.

Many priests were up front, one was a John Lemire who was 83 years old and he looked alot like Santa Claus. He shook my hand and laughed and said to me, "you're the Michigan Lemire." After the mass, everyone turned around and shook hands with everyone within reaching distance. And one of the priests came around and we shook his hand also. I found out later that Françoise Foucault was portrayed by Reine Lemire's daughter. Outside we met more cousins. And then they set up for the dinner. At dinner, we were first served Cream soup with salad. And then a big plate of meat and rice. The meat tasted like either Chicken (Poulet) or Lobster. I like both, so it didn't matter to me. Stephen thought it was Lobster, but Claire Mire-Bettag thought it was Chicken. She asked a waitress-host and it was Chicken. It was very good, and I think I ate more food this night than I had any other night while I was there. Then awhile following cake was served.

 Then the Association gave out awards to those members deserving one. It was a big poster of the Lemire Coat Of Arms. Singing a song was next, an old Quebec ballad set to words of Jean-François & Françoise. People would clang their glasses together and each time that was done, Jean-François & Françoise would get up and give each other a long passionate kiss in a dipping style. It was done throughout the dinner. The dinner lasted about 3 hours as we chatted and ate and took our time.

After the dinner, Michel Lemire gave a presentation on Lemires. I sat way in back and looked at a photobook that Sylvio Lemire was showing me, as well as some genealogical information on his Lemire family. I followed that up with sharing information with Reverend Jonathon Lemire also. It was dark now, and they were having a campfire outside, so I went to find that. In the hallway, I asked someone where it might be. The woman sitting there spoke to me..."Bud Bud Bud, talk a little slower please, so I can understand you." I think it was Nicole Lemire. So I spoke slower, and was on my way to the campfire. The campfire was set down the hill on the beach near the Lemire store at Ville-Joie...set on the beach of Lac St.Pierre (part of the St.Lawrence Seaway). many were singing songs and drinking wine. they were singing the "oui oui oui" song of the wine drinkers of Burgundy France. Michel Lemire was standing next to me, and explained it to me. It was a catchy song, and I enjoyed it. I joked around with the guy who played Jean-François saying I didn't think Jean-François had such a big belly like he had. Everyone was laughing and enjoyed the feeling of being there. I chatted with Eric Lemire(of France) there also. That night I was exhausted. Claude Rousseau's two daughters(very beautiful women) & son were helping out with translating for those who only basically knew one language. They helped me out quite a bit. Other times, I used my French knowledge in writing them down and got the message across to some. One of his daughters looked so much like my sister Cheryl when she was younger with brown hair, and the other had beautiful dark hair. I found myself staring at them often throughout my stay there. I woke up on the final day and wondered where everyone was. I was lead to the kitchen cafeteria and there was a meeting going on. They picked a new president. I believe the choice was Yolande (wife of Yves with the bad temper). We had brunch. I found myself chatting with several people at the table as I ate. I referred to Paul & Rene Lemire as brothers, and Rene's wife Angele corrected me. They live right down the road from each other and are close as friends, I forgot they were First Cousins in reality. Easy mistake to make. I had to catch my bus in Trois-Rivieres at 12:30PM to bring me to Montreal. Claire Mire-Bettag volunteered earlier, and later Reine said she would. Stephen said he would drive me, and he found out directions to the bus terminal from Claude Rousseau & Levis Lemire. I shook hands with many of the relatives I met there, as I said my farewell.

Stephen found the bus terminal and I was off, on my way to Montreal. Upon arriving in Montreal I phoned my cousin Suzanne DeCoste of Varennes, and her husband took a message. I took a Taxi to Lord Berry Hotel. It was a black man who spoke very poor English (and it wasn't French either). He tried explaining something about where he was going to drop me off. he knew I didn't understand him, and I got a bit upset at his reaction to me not understanding. I told him to just drop me off near my hotel as I raised my voice. I was on the sixth floor.

 Upon my arrival a message came for me after I checked in. Suzanne said she would meet me in the lobby at 5 PM. I was met in the lobby by Suzanne who gave me the traditional kiss on both cheeks upon greeting. And we walked down to Old Montreal. This wasn't far from where I was staying at. We walked for quite awhile around old Montreal. And later the wind got colder and I had forgotten my warmer shirt. Just me and short sleeves. We sat in old Montreal in an outside restaurant and ordered a chicken sandwich, as we watched performers performing on the street and a horse and buggy going by. It was a very big sandwich. I could only eat half. I saved the other half to bring back to my hotel room. then we walked to the Montreal jazz festival and listened to a few songs there.

 I'll admit our time together was cut short because I was getting cold and uncomfortable. So we headed back to the hotel. She kissed me on both sides of my cheek and said goodbye. I was told Michel Lemire had called me and I called him back. We arranged to meet tomorrow morning at 10AM for a day together.

The next day I met him in the lobby and we walked to a restaurant and planned the day together. Our first visit was to old Montreal and then to Pointe-a-calliere, a museum that took you on a tour under the city to explore the history of Montreal from the beginning. We took time out to go to another restaurant and then returned to finish the tour. Then we walked to old Montreal and Michel paid my way to the Mosaic exhibition. It was many shapes that were covered in floral. It was very beautiful all of them,to see the shapes and know that plants are growing on them and need to be trimmed and watered daily. Then Michel brought me on the subway to another restaurant where we each had a paté. It was very good, but once again, I could only eat half. The people who work there are bilingual and knew both languages really well. Michel trying to increase his English vocabulary, kept bringing out his French-English dictionary for words he was stuck on in our conversations. Sometimes I was able to find the words for him as we chatted. Then we took a subway to another part of town. We walked about 6 blocks on what Michel referred to as the poor side of town. It was to a French Canadian genealogical Library. It cost $10 to use, and I was greeted by a Monsieur Letourneaux, who shook my hand. They had every book in any part of Quebec there. I was overwhelmed while looking, and wrote down some information, but not as much as I should have. After 2 hours there, Michel brought me back near my hotel by subway. We shook hands and he said, "next time you come here, plan to stay 5 days." He later told me by E-mail that he never would have gone alone to the places he did, but he was glad I was there to accompany him to both, as he wanted to see both of them for a long time (Museum & Mosaic).

The long journey home started on Tuesday July 3 at 11:AM. I met two black women who were going back to New York City after a shopping spree. They helped me catch the right bus when our paths went different ways. At Syracuse New York, my bus was the same one all the way to Chicago. But when I reached Chicago,my Tote bag was not there. I went into the baggage room and looked, and it wasn't there. I went to the Service desk and they couldn't help me either. They said it was probably enroute to where I was going ahead of time. I knew there wasn't anything I could do at this time. I went to grab something to eat and drink at the lunch corner. A little black woman with a mop was staring at me. I noticed she was saying OH OH. And as I looked, I found my little portable cooler was leaking. It was all over the floor, and she came along and mopped it all up. The journey home was long and tiring and took a lot out of me. Seemed like forever to get home. And the baggage wasn't there when I arrived. My brother John and his fiancée Terry were waiting and they drove me to the hospital to see my Mother. She was taken there on her Birthday, while I was away(July 1st). Doctors say there were problems with her kidney not functioning well. And they found a growth on one. To this day not sure if it is Cancerous or just a infection. She also had a hernia. They want to do more tests. They can't do a biopsy because she is a high-risk patient, with her diabetes and pacemaker and overweight and age.

Monday July 9th 2001, down at the bus terminal, the manager said it would be hard to find my baggage, because Montreal is such a big place. I should have had more tags on my baggage, but someone messed up along the way. Not sure where it will go or be, but he will keep checking for me. The 15 days ahead will be important in the search. I have the film with all the pictures I took in Quebec inside, as well as the Lemire Association Cup I picked up for Cousin Karen Lemire-Hudson, and pins for Cousins Brenda and Karen. Also a Lemire Association shirt for me. I can replace everything except the pictures. I know there were many things I should have done differently. But with this being my first trip, and it being such a rush and confusion and more, I messed up. I thought for sure from New York state to Chicago my baggage would be there, because I never changed buses. But somewhere along the way, my baggage got off without me. I did have a receipt inside that read Clarence Lemire of Escanaba, Michigan on the receipt from the French Canadian Library of Montreal. It's among all my dirty clothes. I hope someone did open up the baggage because my dirty underwear was right on top. I still have my memories of the wonderful time I had there, and an experience I'll never forget. While I was in Quebec, I did call and talk to Mom. She did receive the Birthday Flowers I sent her while I was in Quebec (artificial).

I arrived back in Escanaba on July 4th 2001 and my brother John and his wife Terry picked me up and drove to the hospital here in Escanaba where Mom was. Nancy told me Mom had fallen out of bed, and she wasn’t feeling quite right. They gave her something to help, but in the end they thought it best to bring her to the hospital. There they found something growing on one of her kidneys. When I saw Mom, she gave me a big hug and said she was glad I had gone on the trip and enjoyed myself. Our family decided we were getting the run around on what was wrong with Mom. So we had her transferred up to Marquette hospital, which is about an hour north of Escanaba. Nancy stayed there to be close by when Mom needed her.

Nancy told me one day when she went in to check on Mom, a Nurse stopped her and asked her who Bud was. She told the Nurse it was her brother. The Nurse said she was up all night talking to Bud like he was in the next bed. Yet the bed was empty.

On July 20th 2001, with a final tear in her eye, she left her troubles behind and passed away into spirit. To rejoin the family and friends there. Nancy was so emotional and went out of the room and down the hallway. The rest of us who were there, waited for the priest to say some words.
In memory of my Mom, here she is through the years.  

At the Luncheon is the only time we ever had all of Mom's children together at one time.  And I knew it would be the only time every in this lifetime as well. Back row from left to right: Jeannie (she was adopted and not raised by Mom), Vernon (aka Clyde), Richard (aka Dick), Terry, Nancy.  Front row left to right. Jay, Jim, Cheryl, Me, & John.   

Not long after Mom's Funeral, we had a gathering of family at Nancy & Harold's, and then at John & Terry's

This is a picture Clyde took at Mom's Burial at the Gardens Of rest Cemetery.  

At home, I had trouble sleeping. I was restless and worried about my future. I had been sleeping on the couch, afraid to sleep in Mom's bedroom. John offered to bring my bed down from upstairs, and I finally agreed. I slept in Mom's bedroom.

Mom passed on July 20, 2001 and Jeannie said “She's left me again.” I stayed alone in the house until May 2002. Just trying to get by on what I could. Family members would help out. Many of my siblings wondered why I wasn't out looking for another place to live, or a better job to afford another place to live. They wanted to get things ready for an Estate Sale and put the house on the market to sell. My brother John and his wife Terry came by often and they always asked “Is there anything we can do or get for you.”

I spent the next several months packing up stuff and cleaning the house, and saying goodbye to the place I called home for thirty nine years.

 I realized right then and there, that the people who had made this place a home, weren't there any more. So it didn't feel like home any more. I realized that old saying was true “Home is where the heart is.” Since my heart was no longer here, I was ready to move on.

Not always do we remember our dreams, but when they involve someone who has passed, it is important to remember that they may be trying to get a message through to us. The message may be as simple as to let us know they are always with us and we can always be in touch with each other. It is always good to write down the details of all the dreams you can remember. I keep a Dreams Journal and it has helped me.

After my Mom passed I was hoping she would come through in a dream also. And she did. Mom, Nancy, and one of my brothers(whom I am not sure it was in my dream), and I were sitting around a table at some sort of a gathering of people. Mom wanted to go up front next, but the host picked someone else to go up before Mom. Mom was so upset, because she wanted to go first. She was causing quite a commotion. I tried to calm Mom, I asked her what she wanted to do. She said sing a song. I asked, what song? She said "Three Little Fishes" and started to sing the song that I knew because she sang it when I was younger. The host heard and said she could go up next. And then I woke up.

One time I had a dream I was lying in bed upstairs in my room. I was dreaming I was awake. All of a sudden these little funny looking aliens came down out of the ceiling. They just came through it as if they were a ghost. They wanted to take me away from here, and somewhere else. Not exactly sure what they wanted. I was considering going with them, and I think I had even gotten up to where they were waiting for me. I had a vision of the future, and in it I saw people and how my absence would effect them. I saw the pain I caused with my leaving, I saw the lives they didn’t have because I was gone. What I saw made me feel very sad. I had to stay, and carry on my life here on earth, and help those I love. Because I do make a difference. And my life did impact others around me. I woke up feeling very happy to be in my home with people I loved.

I recall another dream I had. I found myself gathered around this campfire with all these Native Americans. Mostly all were children as was I. What was I doing here? This one boy who was taller than I kept poking me with a stick, as if trying to get me upset so I would start a fight. I tried avoiding him, yet he followed me and kept poking me. I wanted him to stop. Then from out of a tee pee came this old Native American woman. She looked and yelled something at the young brave with the stick. I understood the words as "do not bother him, he is a relative of ours." I woke up and was wondering what that meant. Was it a past life vision? Was there a message in it?

I have been told by many spiritual people that I was a Native American in a past life. One Past Life Artist named Annette even drew a picture of who I was in a past life. I believe it was a Native American named Quiet Eyes. It was a beautiful picture.

Another friend named Casara, told me I was a Native American who saw my people raped and killed by the white man and I lead my people down the Trail Of Tears. I had entered a chat room once, and a Native American said he saw me as Native American who was a Horse Keeper, who watched over horses.

September 1, 2001 It was a special day in our family. My younger brother John was getting married. John has always been the wild one in the family, he sue to come home drunk all the time. I'm telling you this not to cut him down, but because he has grown up so much since he met Terry Winker, who became his wife on this day. 

 I am so proud of all he has accomplished to reach this point. I know how much an influence a good woman can have on a man. He listens to her and tries his best to please her. I know Mom & Dad are very proud of him, and are smiling down on him from Heaven. I do believe they were at the Wedding, and they were happy that it had gone so well.

I got my suit on, all except the tie and vest. Which I didn't know how to put on. But that would be taken care of later. My brother Jim and his Grandson Vince arrived to pick me up. They were a bit early. We then went to pick up my brother Terry, and he was ready. We arrived at St. Anthony's Church in Wells (a little area just north of Escanaba and before the Escanaba River). Not far from the Gardens Of Rest Cemetery where Mom and Dad are buried. We arrived earlier than expected. We waited for the earlier church service to finish. Jim helped me put my tie and vest on. He also put the collar the way it was suppose to be warn, but it was too tight and uncomfortable for me. He said it really didn't look too bad, without the collar up the regular way, as long as I had a pin to hold it together.

Downstairs, one of Terry's sister-in-laws thought I should wear it the right way, but Terry's Mom looked and thought it looked good. So they added a safety pin to hold it in place.

I was summoned upstairs for a little rehearsal. The photographers were Harold (Nancy's husband) and his friend Don Allis. Don was taking pictures of us Groomsmen backstage.

 With a nod from the Priest, we all came out. First the three Groomsmen, then Best Man, and Groom. We stood in the center aisle, when each of the Bridesmaids came up. They were escorted arm in arm to the front pew. When they reached the front pew, the Bridesmaids would turn left, and the Groomsmen would turn to the right. 

 After I, being the Best Man, escorted the Matron Of Honor to the front pew. John was standing at the very front, when Terry's parents walked her up the aisle to the front, and John took her hand. Terry's parents took their place in the second pew from front, behind the Bridesmaids, and right next to Terry's Grandmother. My brother Terry was an Usher, and a friend of the bride named Joe, was an Usher also. They came up and placed a chair behind Terry and John, and they sat in the front of the main aisle. The Wedding Ceremony began. I was feeling quite nervous for the first twenty minutes, but after awhile it wasn't so bad and I started to relax and felt much better. The Priest Father Parrotta started by saying some words. Then Terry's sister in law Mary (married to her brother Jim), went up and read some verses from the Bible. There were some song sung by the choir that was there, and then Father Parrotta said a few words about the religious impact on marriages, and said he is retired and hasn't preformed a marriage ceremony in quite awhile, and was honored to be there. Then he came down and stood before John & Terry. He went through the regular marriage ceremony, and then Trevor, who was the Ultor boy, brought the rings, they were on a pillow, up to Father Parrotta. He blessed the rings, and then the vows were taken. There was more singing if I remember correctly. John and Terry went over to the side where all the Groomsmen were. Up there were three candles that were lit. Terry lit one for one soul, John lit one for one soul, together they lit two for two souls joining together to become one. They returned to the middle, where Father Parrotta was standing to finish the vows. Then the Matron Of Honor and Best Man was called up to sign the Marriage Documents. I moved one of the chairs out of the way, and the Matron Of Honor moved the other one as we arrived. Right there next to Terry and John to sign the document. There were two copies to sign. After that we returned to our places. Terry and John, arm in arm, walked down the aisle to the back door. The Matron Of Honor and Best Man (Me) walked down the aisle arm in arm. Each of the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen did the same thing with each other. When we got to the back, John and Terry shook hands and talked with people as they left the Church. I was behind them as they came out shaking hands.

Jim then drove brother Terry and I over to the Flat Rock Hall. Flat Rock is a farming community just outside of Escanaba, where many of my Beauchamp ancestors and other relatives lived at one time.

The Bride and Groom, and Bridesmaids and Groomsmen were located at the table at the very front. To the left were the Bridesmaids, and to the right were the Groomsmen. They had my brother Terry who was an usher at the end of the table, on the side of the Groomsmen. To the left was a very big table, where the Brides family sat. To the right was a table where the Grooms family sat. 

 Father Parrotta blessed the food, and went to serve his food first. The Bride and Groom's table went next to get their food. After that each table were called to follow. At each of the tables, candles were burning, and wine and champagne. I ate as much as I could. The Bride and Groom had given each member of the Wedding party two gifts. The Bride wanted us to open it. This was a gift for helping out at the Wedding. One was a glass mug filled with candy bars for me. Each mug was personalized to fit the individual. The box contained a pocket watch that had a picture of a fish on it.

John and Terry went to cut the cake. The cake was very nice, it had one part that had water pouring over the sides like a waterfall. It tasted very good also. 

 Some more pictures were taken of the Brides family.

The Wedding Party's table was cleared to make room on the floor. John and Terry went out and danced a slow dance. 

 After they were done, Terry's parents went out and danced. I was suppose to dance with the Matron Of Honor, but I told her I never danced before. She said to watch John, and just do what he was doing. John never danced before either. Then we went into the same order as the Wedding. We all had the grand march out onto the dance floor. I found myself slow dancing with the Matron of Honor. It wasn't so bad. We were told to switch partners. I danced with my Sister In law Colleen (she had just gotten done dancing with my brother Terry). I danced with Terry's sister in law Mary (married to Jim Winker). Then she took me by the hand to dance with the Bride. That ended the dance ceremony.

I wasn't going to drink because it's been about eight years since I did. I decided to try one glass of beer for this special occasion. I visited with people throughout the rest of the night. Photographer Don Allis tried to get a picture of me dancing with my camera, but a light came on saying low lighting. The batteries were dead, and Harold tried to figure out why it didn't work. I am guessing the film got stuck.

Later they threw the Bouquet and the Garter, but I didn't catch it. My brother Terry had quite a few drinks and was out there dancing with quite a few women. I never saw this dancing side of him. He later said he had a lot of fun. Colleen asked me to dance again. I told her I would if they had a faster song. But they mostly had slow songs. So I went up to the bar and visited with people there. Later, Nancy and Harold drove Terry and I home. I changed and rode up to Bob's house. And he didn't even notice that I had two beers. Thankfully my mind was still working quite good. All in all, the day came to an end. My brother John is now married to Terry. Everyone is wondering who will be the next one to marry. Me? Terry? Cheryl? Clyde? For the answer to that, continue reading.  

My sister Nancy and her daughter Rhonda had found a place I could move into. It was the white Apartment building across Ludington Street from the Lakeview Cemetery. I moved there, with help from family members. I moved there from my home of 39 years, in May of 2002.

One day I was looking out my window across at the Cemetery and wondering where Pat Sundstrom was buried.

Patricia SUNDSTROM was a very special friend of mine. She started out as a volunteer worker at the Latter Day Saints Family History Library in Escanaba, but later became director when Margaret GILBERT stepped down due to failing health. Not only was she a wonderful teacher of researching in genealogy, she was also a friend who was very spiritual. We could share our views on spiritual matters and it was always a wonderful thing to have so much in common. She was my moral support also in so many times. Her presence was always appreciated and loved.

It was a sad time when we found out she had cancer. All her friends gathered and gave her and Margaret GILBERT an Honorary tribute at the Latter Day Saints. Pat passed away.

I had been living in an apartment right across from the Lakeview Cemetery, where I found out from Family History Library volunteer Richard Reiffers, is where she is buried.

 On June 18th 2002 I had a dream. I saw her appear at the front door of the apartment building I was living at. No words or messages came through. With her appeared a rather large sized black dog. They stood there a few moments, and then they left. I woke up and thought about what I had just dreamed. I felt pleased that she had visited me. There was no message spoken or in my mind. Maybe it was the message that she had made it to the other side and was with her black dog and was doing okay.

About a week later, after going for a bike ride, I decided to stop by the cemetery where she was buried. I rode my bike down many roads and looked at many graves in hopes of finding her grave. But the chances of finding her grave among so many, would take a very long time. I came to a point where I thought I would just leave and call up someone to find out exactly where her grave was located.

I was riding down the last road, and I saw this red truck pull over up ahead. A woman got out and went about her business. As I arrived I said hello and she looked at me with recognition in her eyes and voice as she responded with "hello, and how are you doing?" I can’t recall if I asked her how she knew me, or if she could see it in my expression. Whatever it was, she went on to tell me how she knew me. She said about seven years ago, Pat had given us each a ride home from the Family History Library. Her name was Pat Jones. She asked if I was looking for Pat’s grave. I told her I was.

She said as soon as she put some flowers on her parents and brother’s graves, she would show me where Pat’s grave was. As we continued talking, she told me her Mother’s maiden name was NANTELLE. I knew we were related then, because I am related to all the NANTELLES in the area. As she gave me her Grandfather’s first name, before she could finish, I gave her the last name of her Grandmother. A name I had remembered from my years of researching my ancestors and relatives.

As she planted and watered the flowers, I told her about the dream I had. She told me that Pat did have a dog that fit the description of the dog in my dream, by the name of Mac. I followed her as she got in the truck and drove, I followed on bike. She drove to the area where a hill was. I followed her on foot to the top of the hill, and there before us was Pat’s grave with beautiful flowers surrounding it. She continued talking to me and telling me the childhood years she shared with Pat. She also went on to tell me the times they shared up until her passing.

I felt very warm and honored to be there next to her and listening to the life of a woman I had grown to love, and who had done so much for so many people. Not only was this Pat JONES a woman who shared a common friend with me, but we also shared common ancestors.

I told her this was so amazing that she would be here on the day I was looking for the grave. I went on to say that the spirits were truly guiding us. She smiled and said she believed that too.


  During my time in the Apartment across from Lakeview Cemetery, we had the Estate Sale at the old home on North 14^th street. I sold all my comic books, many of my books, videos, etc. Family Members would meet up at the old house and fix it up so we could sell it. I helped washed walls, John painted. 

I was at the crossroads in my life. I was unsure where my life was going to, or what I wanted from life. I still had an online relationship with Kristina from British Columbia, and yet I hadn't heard from her in a long while. Back in 1999 I had met a wonderful woman named Wanda who lived in the state of Washington. We met up in a Cribbage room and we really enjoyed chatting with each other, more than playing the game. But she was engaged to be married, and even though we tried to close off our meetings there, we kept meeting back at the Cribbage site to chat. She went off and got married, and I continued to take care of my Mom until she passed on July 20th 2001. She had called me once before when she had lived in another part of Washington state. She said she found me by looking at a genealogy website and found my name and e-mail address there. But it wasn't until May of 2002 that she called me from a place in Washington called Gig Harbor. Her path had lead her down a very hard and sad journey. We then started chatting on the phone everyday for hours and hours. We lived on the phone! She sent me breads and clothes and candy through the mail.

We arranged to meet in early July. She'd fly to Escanaba to spend a week with me. She called me from Minneapolis saying the plane had gone through some storms and the kids were screaming. My sister Nancy drove me to Wickert's to get pick up 5 roses to give to Wanda when she arrived. Nancy gave me a ride to the Airport to wait for her arrival. We sat in the truck until the plane arrived. We didn't know the plane had arrived earlier than expected. The week we spent together went so well and the time passed so quickly. It was wonderful! It was the first time I made love to anyone, and it was quite exciting. She made me Cornish Game hen one day, and made trays to freeze, so I'd have some for future meals.

 We went on bike rides, and once I recall she stopped to buy kool aid from some kids at a Kool aid stand. We sat by the Water Plant, and watched the boats go by. We were invited over to Nancy's, and she got to meet my family members.

 Bob's caregive Donna found Wanda a bike to use and we biked down to the Park to listen to the music at the bandshell, to Aronson Island, to Gardens Of Rest Cemetery to visit Mom & Dad's grave, to visit Pronase Goymerac and her sisters, to the Record Rack to visit Steve & Sue, and Canterbury Book Store to visit Mrs Hivila. We went through Lakeview Cemetery, played Dominoes at Nancy's house, to Bob's, and we ate at Schooners. We spent an afternoon and supper out at my brother John's and his wife Terry's. We both cried when we parted.

 John drove us to the Airport. The Airport workers said she should have been here 90 minutes before the plane took off. She didn't think it would have mattered at such a small airport. They gave her the okay, and she was able to board the plane. John and I watched her as the plane took off.

At that time I had a choice to make. Kristina hadn't kept in touch, and hadn't proved anything beyond promises. I wrote her a letter telling her I was done waiting and I was moving on. Not long after it was sent, she got online and paged me. She said she had heart problems and was in the hospital having surgery. I recall one night chatting with her for the last time. After I told her my plans to spend my life with Wanda, she told me she was also getting married, at Ocean Shores and then would be moving to Seattle to spend her life with someone. Seemed to me to be kind of strange that her decision would come right after I told her mine. I wondered how much of what I knew about her, or any of the previous ones were true. I'll probably never know, even though just to satisfy my curiosity, it would be great to know.

Getting back to my Slovenian friend Misa. She told me she could see me in a place that was in a valley(an area between mountains and hills), and that the woman I'd be with loves planting and loves dark colors. This was all true about Wanda and the area she lived in. Washington state has many mountains. Between my heart and my soul, I knew my choice to be with Wanda was the right one. Wanda had always been true and very up front with me on everything she said. And from Michigan to Washington, I could always feel her heart beating faster, and knew her love to be true.

I remember riding by Margaret Gilbert's house, and seeing her sitting outside in a chair. I stopped to talk with her. She lived just a few blocks east of the Family History Library. She told me this: “I was so proud of you. To see you come in to research and you were so shy, hardly spoke to anyone. Now you are all I hear about. Helping so many people all the time. You have transformed into a Master Genealogist. You’ve come a long way!” She asked me to send her a card to let her know I arrived safely. I sat in her yard and chatted with her for a long time. I did send that card when I reached Washington, and it wasn't too long following I learned of her passing.

When the place you knew most of your life, is not a home anymore, it is time to move on. I love Escanaba, but I feel like a need to explore the world a little more. Wanda's offer to come live with her, gave me a perfect opportunity to do that. I was going to take it.

I packed away all my boxes, and packed up my stuff, and kept my CDs and other boxes in the basement of the Record Rack. Steve & Sue Seymour had become friends over the years, and had offered to do this for me. John & Terry kept some of my boxes of books. Bob had kept my albums and my some of the comics that I hadn't sold to the owner of Green Dragons Comics, Tracy.

After a restless sleep, I woke up in Nancy and Harold's basement. In their bathroom there, I shaved and showered. In the kitchen I got things set up for the long journey to the State of Washington. Tried eating some Frosted Flakes, but couldn't eat much. The sky got really dark, and it was pouring rain. Hail came, some an inch thick. It didn't seem to want to let up. Wanda called and I talked to her a bit while the storm continued.

The rain let up a little, so Nancy and I made a run for her truck. Ludington Streen was flooded, as well as some parts of South 19^th street. Arrived at the Bus Depot, that also served as JN Taxi headquarters. Years ago it was Dairy Queen. Made a run for it inside. The bus arrived and we boarded.

In the bus depot met a young couple. This woman who was at the Latter Day Saints Library Tuesday night. Her maiden name was FOURNIER. I knew her sister Bobbie Jo “Sweet Pea” from the CB days. This man is from Salt Lake City, Utah. They met on ICQ. Toni & Erin GOULD.

Got off the bus at Green Bay, at 11:15 AM. The Minneapolis bus arrived. Waited outside in the hot and humid sun, while those aboard got off and got their luggage. Finally aboard it, it is now 11:43 AM.

Across from me sat Mary Courchesne – Watermolen, who comes from Green Bay. On her way to Eau Claire Wisconsin. She's 33 and engaged to a Greg Brown of Eau Claire. At age 17 she was in a car accident that left her in a Coma for 3 weeks.

Behind her is Apiseh Ayakeh Ayafor, age 19 of Yaownde, Cameroon, West Africa. Apiseh means he or she accepted God. She was born in New York, but grew up in Cameroon. She's on her way to St. Paul to visit her Uncle. Behind me was a Jennifer Jankowski from Green Bay, going to Eau Claire. We were delayed a half hour earlier in Wausau. Passed by the Prairie View Cemetery in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin. Mary and Jennifer got off the bus at Eau Claire.

After running a half hour late, I wondered if we'd make it to my Minneapolis to Seattle transfer. I was told Gate 3, and there was the Seattle bus. I got on the bus, but there were no empty seats, except the ones reserved fro the handicapped. I sat there, until some lady with a German accent said there was a seat empty for me. I started up a conversation with a Bruce Williams. He had his digital camera and was taking pictures with it of his travels. He's been on the bus 48 hours from California. We had a nice chat about genealogy, his family, etc. At Little Falls, Minnesota, he picked me up a big Sprite in a cup. He got off at Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. I spilled the Sprite when I woke up suddenly from a nap. The bus unloaded at Fargo North Dakota, for maintenance. I stayed inside the terminal until it was done. Needed boarding pass, which was issued when we got off.

It got dark and I spilled more of the Sprite on my pants on the right side. As it got lighter, North Dakota started looking prettier. I saw fields of green and yellow. Picked up a couple at Fargo. Bruce and Nicole, he's from Wyoming, and they met on the Internet.

Now it's Friday at 8 AM Central Time. Almost ready to enter Montana and go into Mountain Time. North Dakota got more beautiful near the Western end of the state. Picked up some more passengers in Billings Montana. One was a young oriental woman, who asked for a dollar. She wore a white cap, and attached to it was a handkerchief. In exchange for the dollar I gave her, she handed me the cap with the handkerchief attached, which I said, I didn't really need that. She insisted I keep it in exchange for the dollar. I placed it on a spot on the back of the seat in front of me.

We picked up an older couple in Billings, from California, who were at their daughter's Wedding in Billings. She waved and blew kisses as the bus set off to go. He had an oxygen tent with him. He loved fish, and said his daughter cooked him a Browning from the Flathead River. He said he worked many years in the Rice Mines. He got off the bus at Butte, Montana.

At Butte, we went and ordered a grilled cheese sandwich at the Joker's Wild Restaurant.

 Wanda wanted me to call her from there, but the Calling Card didn't work. We picked up an oriental man from Arizona named David. He was being dropped off at Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. He was going to his Sister's, who lives North of Coeur D'Alene.

Got to see many beautiful Mountain scenes in the Western part of Montana, before it got dark. David got delusional a couple of times, and petted me briefly. Once I awoke. He said he was dreaming of his dog. Also wondered how I did the trick with the window. It was dark. Before it got dark, I saw a deer and baby deer cross a stream. Also a herd of buffalo. Montana had some beautiful Mountains just before it got dark. At St. Regis, Montana, we switched Bus Drivers. Fell to sleep on and off during the next leg of the journey. It was dark as we dropped David off at Coeur D'Alene. Then I sat alone for the rest of the trip.

Woke up just before Spokane. We stayed there for 35 minutes. I picked up a Peach-Papaya drink for the rest of the trip. We left Spokane, and I must have dozed off. When I woke up, we were at Moses Lake. After that we crossed a bridge as the sun was coming up. Looking back it was the most beautiful scene and I would have loved to have captured it with a camera (this was a time before I had a digital camera). We were just arriving at Ellensburg. After Ellensburg, we rode through the Cascade Mountains, which were simply beautiful with mountains all around us. The sun was coming up more.

On August 3^rd 2002 at 7:25 AM I arrived in Seattle. As usual, I found it breathtaking. Another big city that is so big with its tall buildings. The view of the waterfront and the boats upon it, were the best! Arrived at the Bus Depot and got off the bus. I looked towards the place where all the people waited for the passengers. As I looked, I saw Wanda in the distance, slowly walking towards the bus. She came up to me and gave me a big hug. We waited for my suitcase, gave them the ticket, then walked across the street to Wanda's black car. She gave me a vase filled with six roses in water. She had paper towels on the seat, because she had spilled the water there. Then we stopped by a place and she went in and bought some apple juice and two donuts for me. Leaving Seattle, she drove me through Federal Way, Tacoma, Fyfe, and across the Narrows Bridge to Gig Harbor.

The Washington Years

In Gig Harbor, 

On Skansie Avenue, it was a two family apartment complex. We lived on the right side. 

 It went uphill behind the place, and there was a church there. I sat down and ate the donuts with strawberry filling, and drank the apple juice. She showed me around the place, and then had to go to work. She worked at Albertsons in Gig Harbor. I called Nancy to let her know I arrived. I went up to bed and fell to sleep. It was a long journey, but here I was at my new home.

I remember Wanda always wanted me to walk Aunja to school which was behind our house across the road at the end of the alley. She wanted me to take the long way around and behind the church and down the alley and across the street. I remember coming back one time from walking her, and seeing all over the ground what looked like cigars. “Hey that Cigar moved!” They were big slugs. Okay, so anyway after school I took the long way to pick up Aunja from school (called Discovery Elementary), and she would be home already. She would come down the hill behind the complex where we lived. One day I decided to meet her there and so I started going up it, and she was coming down it. Another time I got caught in the Blackberry bushes that were hanging nearby the hill where she came down. Those thorns hurt!

Wanda use to love to pick Blackberries and would spot them as we were going to other places. She had containers in the back to put them in. She even made up a coat hanger to hold the branches from hitting her, while she picked them. It was well worth it too, because she made Blackberry Cobbler, and it tasted really good.

   I recall taking the bike down the steep hill to the Waterfront.  I had to have the brakes on all the way down.  Coming up, I had to walk the bike, and it was tiring.  At the bottom were all the stores and the marina.  Beautiful!  On a clear day you could see Mount Rainier.  

Our first trip was to Tumwater Falls, which is right outside of Olympia.

 I also got to see Camp Kopachucka, which was right at Gig Harbor.

We would take trips to Point Defiance and watch the Ferry unload and load people. We would feed the ducks there, and walk the Beach area.

 We took a trip to Long Lake, which is near Lacey. Down by the Marina I found myself taking a Sunset picture of the marina with Mt Rainier showing in the background. We'd work on a Thomas Kinkaide jigsaw puzzle and also Aunja and I made some snicker doodles cookies. Aunja's black and white cat Whiskers, was bothering me one night while working on the puzzle. She would get on the table, and I would swipe her down with my arm and she would land on the floor. She would get back up, and I would swipe her down again. She would do this several times. I believe she was enjoying it.

Wanda would always plan something, unknowing to me, and then all of a sudden say we are going on a picnic or a trip somewhere. I grabbed my pretzels, and mints, and sometimes my SoBe Tea and would head for the car. On this particular day she had planned a picnic at Belfair State Park (Aug 13, 2002). At this point in time, I truly don't remember it, but I have it in my Journal, so I know we must have been there. Belfair State Park is just down the road South West of Port Orchard.

On August 19, Wanda had planned a trip to Seattle. I hadn't been there since my arrival. We ate Tunafish sandwiches on the way there. We had to climb a ladder to get to where Pike Place Market was, from where the car was. 

 Down below there were many little shops, some selling records, tapes, and CDs. So many others, and we just glanced at. When we got to the top level, it was like a grocery store. They sure did have some really big fish there too. I wanted so badly to get one, but we had just arrived, and planned on other places today, and that fish would smell up the car sitting in it. So I had to pass on it. I did pick up a book, and we got some postcards as well. We walked across the street to a Shirt place and Wanda and I got matching Dolphin shirts with Seattle printed on them. We got Aunja a Kitty Cat shirt. We changed into them right away. Wanda and I took a ride on the Merry-Go-Round. We ate at Red Robin, which was right close to the water. I had a Cod fillet, which was really good. Wanda had a big Portabella mushroom burger. Then we drove to the Dock, and waited for a Ferry. At 9 PM we boarded the Ferry, parked the car, and then walked around on the upper levels. It was a beautiful sight to see all the buildings lit up in Seattle as the Ferry took us away. We got off at Bremerton, and drove home, by way of Port Orchard.

Wanda was always good at making sure we had sweets in the house. It was always good to eat Peach Cobbler, Blackberry Cobbler, and Cherry Cobbler.

I remember her making Meatloaf and I enjoyed it. Next time she made it, something was missing. The third time she made it, it was awful. I had to ask why it wasn't very good the last time. She said each time she was getting the recipes off the internet. If I had known that, I would copied down the first recipe, that was the better one.

I remember one day I was home, and Wanda was at work. She had started a three bean soup in the slow cooker, and asked me to add water if it needed it. She had pork hocks in there as the meat. It cooked all day, and when we ate it, it tasted great!

Here we are at Priest Point Park

Many times our travels would take us past Port Orchard, and Bremerton, to Silverdale. Sometimes to go shopping, and sometimes to see the Dentist, and sometimes to just enjoy the day by the water. 

On September 3, 2002 we took a ride to Bremerton to catch the Ferry to Seattle. I remember on one of these Ferry rides, going by a Vashon Island, which interestingly enough was on a Calendar, just before Wanda came to visit me in Escanaba. 

 We had one of Wanda's friends, Kim's son Ethan with us. The Ferry we were on was called the Walla Walla. Too pictures of Aunja and Ethan as they fed the Seagulls on the deck. Our destination in Seattle was the Woodland Park Zoo. We saw Zebras, Giraffes, A Hippo, a baby Elephant, a Tapir, an Orangutan, A Snow Leopard, A Kangaroo, the Lemur, the Gorillas, Snackes, bugs, and we even went through the Butterfly tent. Of course birds of every color and size. Took several pictures. 

 Aunja & Ethan feeding the Seagulls on the Walla Walla Ferry

 When we got back to Gig Harbor, we dropped Ethan off, and headed over to Office Depot and got a Hewlett Packard Pavillion mx70 (monitor) with a tower hp Pavillion 542X with CD Burner and DVD Rom. Also a printer hp deskjet 3820. We also got a computer desk, and I helped her put it together.

On September 6^th we headed to Puyallup to play Miniature Golf. It was fun, but many balls went into the water. We played 18 holes. We stopped by Baskin Robbins on the way home. I ate baseball ice Cream (Raspberry swirls with cashews).

On September 13, Wanda's divorce to her last husband, became final, and that means we could move ahead with our plans.

On September 14, we picked up Ethan and were on our way to Elbe. From there we took the train to Mineral Lake.

 It was a very small town and we got the picnic tables set up for the family picnic. Family members showed up and we had a picnic. We had pictures taken of the whole family in front of the Locomotive. 

 The kids were getting restless and wanted to go swimming. So they went to the water. There was a German Shephard who kept jumping in the water with the kids. Wanda's Mom took a nap on a log near there. 

It had to be small.  Look at her City Hall.

 Later we returned to the picnic area and watched for the Train. The Train took us back to Elbe. Wanda stopped at Spanaway at McDonald's and Wanda and I shared a Fish Sandwich.

Besides all the places Wanda made sure I got to see in Washington state, she also surprised me every now and then. She knew I liked Sobe Tea, and got me a two 12 packs of Sobe, one was Green Tea, and the other was Zen Blend. It was really nice of her to do that.

I still kept on working on my genealogy now and then. I heard from a Beverly (BELL) LOVE who had a PINARD line. She goes back to the first Louis PINARD who was a surgeon in Quebec (so do I). Bev had sisters Elaine & Nancy. In the years ahead, we would e-mail each other back and forth. Bev lived in Ottawa, but would come to the West Coast to see her daughter Kimberly who lived in Richmond British Columbia, and her sister Elaine who lived in White Rock British Columbia.

I would also keep in touch with all my Cousins who have helped me, and who I have become close to. I called and talked to Robert “Buddy” LEMIRE of Vancouver, Washington. He is Karen LEMIRE-HUDSON'S Uncle.

We went to Tacoma on Oct 21, 2002 to get our Marriage License ($54), and then on November 8, 2002 we were on our way to Tacoma to get married. I remember having to clear out my pockets before going through the Metal detector. Judge Kensworthy invited us to his Courtroom. He was real nice to Aunja and let her sit in his Judges Chair, and said he would write her a note for missing school. Wanda's Mom and sister Annarae, took pictures. Wanda and I said our marriage Vows. Wanda's Mom and sister Annarae signed as witnesses on the Marriage license. We paid the Judge $40, and more pictures were taken outside with Annarae's camera. We went to C. I. Shananigans. Wanda's Mom treated us to lunch at this restaurant by the water.

Then we headed to Montesano, to her parents house. We were to drop off Aunja there, and then head off to our Honeymoon. Aunja and Annarae put about 15 cans on the car and a sign reading JUST MARRIED, with toilet paper on the antenna. We headed out at 6 PM. Over the Astoria Bridge over the Columbia river, and it was raining as we arrived in Seaside Oregon. We took a walk downtown and then along the shore.  We found a place that took antique pictures, so Wanda and I got our picture taken.

 There was a big statue of Lewis & Clark in the downtown area. Of course wouldn't you know, I would get a toothache.

A black cat appeared on the roof outside out window, and we petted it. After breakfast we went to a Mall, and we found a place called Warehouse Bargain Books, and I found some books to buy there. Then we went through several cities on our way to Tillamook (Garbaldi. Wheeler, & Bay City). At the Tillamook Cheese Creamery, we saw them make cheese and we bought some cheese, butter, & cheese curds.

Next we went to the Cape Meares Lighthouse. 

 We also got to see the Octopus Tree.

 We went through Cannon Beach on our way back to Seaside.

 The next day went to the Shilo to eat. I had pancakes because it was easier to eat. We had our picture taken in front of the Lewis & Clark statue, but not sure what happened to them. We went to an Antique style picture place, and had our pictures taken as a Confederate Soldier and his wife. Bought two hoodies at one shop with a Lighthouse on it. We added Seaside Oregon to it. We also managed to the Aquarium and fed the seals that splashed on us. Saw Octopus and many kinds of fish.

On November 11, we were on our way homeward. Over the Astoria Bridge,

 and we stopped to see the North Head Lighthouse, 

and visited the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.

Upon our return we got many Wedding gifts from family and friends. Wanda made Apricot and Blackberry Jam, and we put them in jars and sent them out as Christmas Gifts.

The day after Thanksgiving in Aberdeen with Wanda's Brother Keith and other family members, we headed to the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. We took a 3 Car Tram around the park. Saw two Bison butting heads. We saw Elk, and black tailed deer. Then we walked over to see the Owls (Snowy, Horned, & Barn).

On December 2, we drove out to the Fox Islands to pick and cut our own tree for Christmas.

On December 25, 2002, we celebrated Christmas by opening our presents in Gig Harbor on Skansie Avenue. For Christmas, I received George Harrison's “Brainwashed” CD, a black pair of jeans, black pair of dress up pants, A black sleeved dress up shirt, bedroom slippers, and Dean Koontz' “One Door Away From Heaven.” Aunja got a Pogo Stick and she used it quite a bit.

Then we got ready and headed to Montesano to spend Christmas at Wanda's parents with other family members. WE opened presents again. I received a large “Beatles Anthology” book from Annarae, plus some Beatles bookmarks she made. We ate Turkey and Roast beef for our meal, along with many other foods. We played Spoons, and that was fun, and then everyone went home, except us, we stayed there that night.

On January 2, 2003 we headed to Point Defiance to feed the ducks. We also fed the squirrels some pistachios from the ground.

On January 10, 2003 we won tickets to the IMAXX theatre in Seattle. Elmer Fudd would give us the lyrics to a song, we would have to guess. Wanda called, and I told her it was Tommy James and the Shondells “My Baby Does The Hanky Panky.” It was on KBSG97 Oldies.

Wanda had worked at Albertsons in Gig Harbor, and later they transferred her to the Port Orchard Albertsons. Not long after, she was fired. She found another job in Aberdeen at TOPS, as a baker who decorated cakes and made donuts.

On January 18, 2003 we moved from Gig Harbor to Montesano to live with her parents Ray & Ann. We had a nice bedroom upstairs, since they were renting the house, we shared the rent with them. Aunja went to a new school called Simpson.

Here's Blue, Wanda's parents Cat, and Whiskers, Aunja's Cat

On January 21, 2003 I celebrated my Birthday in Montesano. We invited Annarae over. I had Salmon for supper. Annarae came in with a bunch of balloons. It was a spice cake with added carrots, and I had it with Black Cherry ice cream. They sang Happy Birthday to me, and I blew out the candles. I got some nice shirts, some notebooks and paper, and from Annarae, “The Blue Day Book.”

In February, we would take a trip to Aberdeen Lake, and also drive along the shore of Ocean Shores. It was a long shore.

I was still interested in Genealogy and took the bus from Montesano to Elma, and across from the Rusty Tractor Restaurant was the Latter Day Saints Family History Library, up a little hill. Met some really nice people there, but compared to the Escanaba branch, they didn't have much films on French Canadian records. I would visit with Darlene Fillyan, Raiford French, Rhonda Springer, and Callie Hensley. I also met the Ericksons and the McEwans. Sometimes I would catch the bus back to Montesano, other times Wanda or Ray would pick me up.

Wanda loved to travel and we would be off to other places. On Feb 22, 2003 we headed down to Arctic, Raymond, Willapa Bay, Tokeland, and Westport. It was always nice to the see the many different places in Western Washington.

We finally got to go to Seattle to the IMAXX and we watched “The Bears” but the lightbulb went out on the projector, and we were given more tickets to come back another time.

On Friday March 21, 2003 we headed up to British Columbia to meet some of my Pinard Cousins (Elaine, and their friend Dot, & Bev).

 When we got to the border. They wanted to see Wanda's Birth Certificate, and she didn't have it. We did show them our Wedding Certificate, and after a long pause, they came up and said “Okay, Have A Nice Time.” We drove to the first light, and just past it was a plum colored car (Dot's car), and three ladies got out and they were holding signs. One said “Genealogist Bud Lemire” (Bev), “Pinard, etc.” (Dot), and the last one said “Bud, Wanda, & Aunja” (Elaine). We took turns hugging them. Then Elaine got in their car and we followed them.

We followed them to the area called Richmond. To a Bank called Canada Trust, where we exchanged $150 US into $220.05 CANADA. While Wanda and Aunja went in, I stayed in car and chatted with the women in their car nearby. Then we followed them to Bev's daughter Kim's house. This is where we'd be staying at. We visited awhile and then took pictures of us wearing the signs.  But they might not have shown up as well with the mirror in the background showing the flash. 

Kim gave us a tour of the house. We were off again to a little downtown area to some little Thrift stores. Then to a large Mall, where we went to a Dollar Store. I picked up some postcards and candy there. Next we went to Safeway for groceries. I picked out some tea (Mandarin Orange peach). Wanda and I bought some grapefruits at a fruit market, which was right next to Safeway. We headed back to Kim's house.

Bev's husband Garry showed up as we arrived. He was bald and loud mouthed, and reminded me of Don Rickles. He liked to tease people. He cooked us hamburgers for supper, and we put them on buns and had them with chips. Later, Kim and her boyfriend Kirk came by. They were off to a night out party, and they left.

We chatted in the kitchen awhile.

On Saturday March 22, 2003 we were up early and after breakfast, we headed off to the King's Highway. We parked our cars and purchased tickets. We boarded the SkyTrain (which is operated by computer), It took us from Coquitlam and Burnaby, to Vancouver.

 Then we caught the SeaBus that took us across the water. 

We looked through shops. Aunja got a horse painted on her face. I bought some Wellness Tea at the Blue Teapot. After looking through shops, and eating, we headed back across the water on the SeaBus, and boarded the SkyTrain back to our cars. Wanda found the headlight lens missing. We returned to Kim's house and watched some TV. We drew pictures, Heads, Bodies, and legs. It was fun! Later Kim returned, and we all chatted with stories about Bev's Mom, and my relatives.

On Sunday March 23, 2003 we went off in the morning to Tim Hortons to get some donuts (2 dozen) and returned. After everyone ate their fill, we all left for the big Flea Market in Surrey. We hugged Kim goodbye with a kiss, and were on our way. The Flea Market was two buildings of people selling their stuff outside. I found many Dean Koontz books.

Next we were off to White Rock. Dot took her car and headed home. Elaine got in her red car and we followed her there. It was a windy cool day when we arrived. Walked out on the long pier, and took some pictures. 

 Then we visited the Gift Shop. Then we gathered outside of Charlie's Turf and ate Clam Chowder (the kids ate pizza). Then we met Elaine's husband down at the Visitor Center, by the cars. Took some pictures, and we hugged and said our goodbyes.
Here is Elaine and her husband and Bev & Garry  Love

 We took the Passenger Lane across the border, and they didn't stop us at all. We were on our way home.

One of the places we liked to go to occasionally was Friends Landing, which was not far from Montesano and we would ride our bikes there now and then. It was on the Chehalis River. It was a nice little area, and people would picnic there, or even fish sometimes.

On April 4, 2003, we made it back to Seattle to visit the Science Center, the Butterfly House, and at the IMAX Theatre, we watched the Lion King.

On April 19, 2003 we celebrated Easter a day early. Baskets were hidden, and Aunja found a note saying I was to look for my Easter basket too. Aunja found hers, and I found mine, filled with candy and a Beatles Book (changing faces on the cover). 

 We headed over to Keith's for a family gathering there, in Aberdeen. For me, they grilled Halibut and it was really good. The eggs were hidden while the kids were at a nearby park. They came back and looked for them. Nighbor Yvonne took pictures of us on the porch.

The next day we met up with Wanda's Mom and went to Ocean Shores. We ate a restaurant called Alec's By The Sea. I had grilled salmon, Mom had red snapper, Dad had steak, and Wanda had Neptune salmon. Aunja had shrimp salad with onion rings.

On May 1, 2003 Wanda and I headed to Lake Quinault Rain Forest. Took pictures, and walked down a trail. First we had our picture taken by two couples, one was from Normandy France, and the other from Nebraska. Later we went to Queets, and had a picnic by the Oceanside. We rode down a road by Queets and saw two funny looking birds, and Wanda yelled and they took off.

On May 2, 2003 I went to the Friends of The Library book sale in Montesano. They told me with a box, I could fill it up with as many books as I could. I got many, but wasn't sure how I was going to get them home on my bike. A woman named Alice Hutchensen said she would bring them to my house. I gave her $2 to be a member of Friends of The Library, and mentioned they need help taking down the tables tomorrow. I told her I would be there. I went there on Saturday May 3, 2003 to help take down tables and box up the books. Found some more books and magazines, and bought them. I was working side by side with a Darryl Ronholt (he was retired from Forestry). I started walking home, when Marge Johnson came along and gave me a ride home.

On Monday May 5, 2003 I went for an interview for a job on North River Road called the Autumn House. Patti Grah interviewed me, and I filled out papers. Need a lot to have done in order for me to get the job. It cost me $15 for my Nurse's Aide Registration. After returning it to Autumn House, I had two days of Orientation. Heidi was the one working who introduced me to the Residents of this home for people with Dementia. They were: Mike, Alfred, Budge, Gussie, & Betty. I assisted Heidi throughout the day. Then I went for my Food Handler's Test, watched a 30 minute video and read a big book, and with 36 questions, I only had one wrong. On Friday May 9, 2003 I helped Heidi at Autumn House for the second day. I had my TB shot read, and it was negative. My first day on my own at Autumn House was Monday May 12, 2003. Everything went good, but when I had a problem, Patti would be in her office in back and would come in and give me a hand. They had other houses, The Serenity House, The Trinity House. Betty was a woman who I chatted with at times. She didn't want my help at first, but later on remembered that I liked the Beatles. Budge was a very nice guy, who often got confused. Alfred's daughters would come and often bring some sort of baked treat, and made sure I was to have some of it, despite the rules.

On May 15, 2003 Wanda and I took a ride to the Wynoochie Wildlife park, and dam. It was a cloudy rainy day with sun coming out now and then. Saw a deer that watched us from a hill. And later it was still there when we came back.

Have you ever been thinking of something or someone and have the radio come on and play a song that would describe exactly what you needed to hear, or something that fit the occasion perfectly. I believe spirits have a hand in it. It’s happened to me.

I have also had visions of the near future or present happenings. In May 2003 I had a vision I was at the old house in Escanaba (while in Washington state), and I saw the rooms inside were very bright there. Brighter than I remember them being. I talked to my sister Nancy on the phone, and asked her if Rhonda, her daughter who owns the house now, had done anything because I saw the inside much brighter. She told me Rhonda had painted the inside cupboards that were brown to white and that the walls were painted white for now. But later may be changed to another color. She was surprised that I knew this, and asked me how I knew. I told her I had a dream of it.

On May 29, 2003 I trained at Serenity House at 603 E. Broadway. April from the Night Shift helped me at first, and introduced me to the residents. Karen had to bring her son to court, and would return. I worked until 3:30 PM.

On June 3, 2003, Wanda & I along with Aunja and her two friends who are sisters, Candice and Crystal went to Lost Lake, where the girls went swimming.

On June 5, 2003 I received in the mail a check from the sale of the house on 222 North 14^th Street in Escanaba for the sum of $3, 346.30 from Jim. The next day Wanda cashed the check and bought a car from someone down the block from where we living. It was a Cadillac Coup De Ville. Wanda's 41^st Birthday and we planned a trip. At Lost Lake Wanda was looking for the Frosts and we stopped but they weren't home. I pointed to two people walking down the road, and said we should ask them. As we got closer, I pointed and said “They are the Frosts!” We talked to them. Then to Shelton, and Yard sales along the way. It was a beautiful day and the scene along the Hood Canal was very beautiful. At Port Townsend, we visited Point Wilson Corner. Stopped at Port Wilson.  Took some pictures of the Lighthouse there. 

 Ate our lunch at Chetzemoka Park. Drove by Point Hudson. We returned and her family were there ready to celebrate her Birthday with cake and presents.

Wanda told me I would be driving the Ford Tempo and she thinks I will like it better than this big car. Which she is right about. I did like it better. And I would drive it to Autumn House every night that I worked. Whenever I had any trouble with the car, and even when I didn't, Wanda's Dad Ray would look it over and make sure it was working good.

On June 15, 2003 We celebrated Fathers Day out at Friends Landing. Ray, Ann, Keith and Family, Annarae, Darren, & Dena. We had a cake describing the three fathers there, A Truck for Ray, weight lifting for Keith, a guitar for Darren, and a book for me. 

 Wanda and Keith's family went fishing. It was a good picnic and I played music by The Grass Roots.

  On June 18, 2003 we made a trip back to Gig Harbor to visit Wanda's friend Kim.  We ate out and had a good time.

On June 28, 2003 Ray, Ann, Wanda, Aunja, & I went up to Hurricane Ridge. We went through Port Angeles on the way. It cost $10 per car to go up the Mountain and around and around and higher and higher. It was beautiful there. From one point we could see Mt. Baker, and Mt. Rainier. You could see so many Mountains in one direction. 

 We stopped in the tourist building. We ate at a picnic table across from all the Mountains. After coming down from the Mountains, we stopped in Port Angeles. Down at the pier we listened to the National Guard Band from Spokane. Then we walked down and around a couple of blocks. Took some pictures next to a bell. 

 Later, we went to Sequim Bay State Park for $5.

On July 1, 2003 (Mom's Birthday) Cousin Leo Pinard (son of Leo & Winnifred) showed up on his Motorcycle. He was on his way home, and it brought him this way. Leo and I chatted awhile and then we took some pictures with Aunja as well. 

 Wanda and Ann invited him to have supper with us, so he did. We had a roast beef supper and Strawberry rhubarb pie with ice cream for dessert. At 8:30 PM he headed off to Chehalis on his motorcycle.

On July 3, 2003 we headed down to the Portland Oregon Zoo. We took several pictures. We took a ride on the realistic Underwater Ride, with seats moving (I stopped mine). Took a train ride. Visited the Butterfly Garden, and also fed the Lorakeets some apple juice.

 Stopped and at Touttle on the way back for something to eat, and returned home.

On July 9 & 10, I got some CPR Training at Trinity House. On the 11^th, Patti gave me my CPR card for $20.

On July 16, 2003 We drove all the way to Packwood. We stayed in room 202 at the Cowlitz River Lodge.

 The next day, we loaded up our car and was on our way to Mt. Rainier National Wilderness Park. 

Having not seen any snow until we got here, I decided to touch snow with my foot. "Bud once again sets his feet in snow."  Of course I never did that in Escanaba anyway.  Of course it was never this warm and had snow at same time.

 First stop was Longmire. Stopped at Christine Bridge and Waterfalls.

 Then to Paradise. Then to Sunrise. I ate some ice cream, and a chipmunk ran really fast around me. After several pictures, and many hours of traveling and riding along the Mountains and snow stepping, being sunburnt, we returned to Packwood and our room at The Cowlitz River Lodge.

 I called Cousin Darla (Ross) Matchett, and we agreed to meet at Noon tomorrow for lunch at Peter's Inn.

The next day at Peter's Inn, Gary had turkey with mashed potatoes, Darla had a Taco salad, Wanda had a BLT & fries, I had some Clam Chowder & a turkey sandwich with chips. Then they paid for our whole meal.

Then we followed them to their home and took some pictures there as well. 

 We visited for a half hour, and then shook hands and were on our way home.

On July 25, 2003 We went swimming and for a picnic at Mayfield Lake. 
 Aunja had her friend Candice and her sister with her. They had a aired up snake of some kind, and after they weren't using it, I did.

 I was a bit embarrassed, because my bathing suit was so skimpy and light. There were others on the beach. Wanda was sitting down on shore in a lawn chair reading, she just dove in once. Later, we headed home by way of Onalaska.

On July 26, 2003 We watched the Montesano Parade. Later, after supper, we went to watch the car races in Elma. Wanda's brother Joe was racing in them.

On July 29, 2003 We went swimming at Elma Pond. Wanda's family all went in to swim, and I stayed in quite awhile because it was warm. For picnic I had chicken, potato salad, chips and some SoBe Green Tea.

On August 7, 2003 While looking out the front window, I saw two deer walking down the road. I sure would have liked to have had a digital camera at this time.

On August 21, 2003 We went to Ocean Shores. Stopped at this Games place. Aunja and I played Air Hockey, Wanda played Tip The Quarters. Later we played Miniature Golf. I won by two points.

On August 29, 2003 We were on our way to Redding California for a Family Reunion on Wanda's Dad's side of the family. As soon as Darren, Annarae, Dena, and baby Patrick arrived, it was 3:30 AM when we headed off on our way to California, with Annarae and family following us. We made some short stops in Portland, Eugene, near Azelia, Medford, & Yreka. As we got closer, we had a great view of Mt Shasta.

Upon arrival at Redding, we went to check into Motel 6, but we had the wrong one. We finally found the right one and checked in. Our room was #255. It had a Swimming Pool, and Aunja and her Cousin Julie went swimming in it. Wanda, Annarae, Dena, and baby Patrick, went looking for the park where the Reunion was going to be held. I went swimming as well. The water was cool, and the air was warm. I came out now and then to warm up. Everyone wondered where Wanda was. She had gone off to get Kentucky Fried Chicken. Using my Calling Card I got for my Birthday, I called Ann to find out where she and Ray were. She said they were just past Salem. Wanda, Aunja, Annarae, Darren, Dena, Baby Patrick, and myself went to Denny's for breakfast and then came back to Hotel.

Then we went to Whiskeytown, and to the cemetery to look for Annarae and Darren's daughter Amy, who was buried there. We stopped by Allen & Dahl funeral home to ask, but they were closed. Later, Keith said he knew for sure where Amy was buried.

We went to Turtle Bay Park. Visited the Butterfly Garden, saw some Turtles, bought some postcards, a magnet, and a Turtle with a moving head. We ate at the Café there. 

 We returned to the Hotel and everyone was in the Swimming Pool. I didn't feel like swimming.

Later we all followed Joe & Shannon to Hometown Buffet. Joe & Shannon ate already, so they didn't come in. You go around filling up your plate I had Halibut, Dumplings, mashed potatoes, & Gravy. For dessert I had Cheesecake and Tapioca pudding.

We returned to the Hotel and found out Ann & Ray were at Aunt Pat's house. They were suppose to let us know. We were invited over. Wanda, Aunja, Annarae, Dena, Baby Patrick, and I went went to Aunt Pat's in Anderson. I met all of Aunt Pat's family and Aunt Bobbie's family that were there. The two Aunts filled in information on their families for the genealogical papers. Around 8:15 PM, we headed back to Redding. Wanda worked on sewing our matching outfits (Hers, Aunja's and mine).

On August 30, 2003 Wanda, Annarae, and I went to park to put up signs and balloons. Joe and Shannon came to help us unload and get things set up. We couldn't find water pressure to fill up the water balloons. Wanda drove us to her Aunt Tody's and we used the outside hose to fill the balloons. Terry held the hose. Aunt Tody helped us with them after were filled.

We went back to the park. Wanda got on the microphone and speakers and told everyone what we'd be doing today. First we ate. People could buy raffle tickets for the Prize drawings.

Started off with the Water Balloon toss. Then a surprisingly, you pulled a orange ribbon with a plastic spoon attached, and pulled it through your clothes. Everyone was laughing when it got caught in Joe & Ray's underwear.

Finally we had come to the Picture Taking Session. We started with the older people (Howard and Irene aka Hazel), We took several. 

 Ray's brother Gary left early. So did Annarae and family. I asked Keith to help us pack up, and he did. Annarae returned and helped us as well. Returned to our Hotel and all got into our swimming suits and went into the pool. Keith went with Annarae to find Amy's grave site. Ann & Ray returned and came in the pool. We played “Toss The Ball.” I stayed in the pool for over three hours. 

Aunja loved the pool! She didn't want to get out.  I'm sure that girl had fins!

 Wanda's Cousin Jeanette & Fiancé Nick or Mick, came by and ordered some Shasta Pizza for everyone. We sat around chatting until the pool closed at 9:30 PM, so went up to Ann & Ray's room and continued to visit. Later Jeannette left with Annarae.

On September 1, 2003 We loaded up the trunk. We were surprised to see our neighbor from Montesano there, she came over and talked to us. We went to Denny's for lunch, and at 8:30 AM we started our journey back. We stopped somewhere with Mount Shasta in the background to take pictures, but Mt Shasta was barely visible.  The mountain that could be seen, was once the top of Mount Shasta.  

We stopped at Hornbrook because Annarae and Darren's car was overheating. Wanda got some water and Darren poured it into their car.

 We had to stop a few more times to add water, in lower Oregon. Sometime after Roseburg, we lost sight of them. We stopped and waited and watched, but no sign of them. So onward we kept coming. We stopped at Albany for some food. And then we stopped at the Rest Stop just past Portland. Called Annarae's house, and their son Todd hasn't heard from them.

On September 2, 2003 At Aberdeen, we ate at The Potter's House, which is owned by a co-worker of Wanda's (Larry). I ate chicken and fries, a salad, and clam chowder.

On September 6, 2003 We went to the Loggers Playday Parade in Hoquiam. It started out with Motorcycles, clowns, 3 groups of bagpipes, Julie in her cheerleading group (Aunja's Cousin, & keith's daughter), Shannon on her Tanning float, and many people throwing candy to the kids by the curb.

On September 19, 2003 We headed off to Longbeach. It rained on the way there. At Longbeach we walked downtown and hit 3 book stores. Noted for the World's Largest Beach, and it was a very long way. There is a boardwalk and Wanda and I walked on it.

 Later we ate at the Crabpot. I ate Clam Chowder and steamed clams. Wanda had a shrimp salad, and I had some fish and chips. We stopped at Raymond at Dairy Queen and Wanda had a Chocolate coated ice cream and cone, and I had a strawberry sundae.
    I think it was at a Mall before going to Longbeach that I found a sweatshirt that said Upper Michigan on it, and it was being sold for $30.  I told the seller I was from Upper Michigan, and he gave it to me for $5.  Even though it was size too small, I wore it when we got to Longbeach.  

I must admit that Wanda was always finding ways to make me happy. When we found out Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull was performing in Seattle on September 22 at the Moore Theater on his Rubbing Elbows tour, she got online and got us two tickets to go.

On September 22, 2003 we were on our way to Seattle. We stopped in Olympia to get something to eat at Jack In The Box. We arrived in Seattle a couple hours early. We walked around the area after finding the Moore Theater. We stopped by a book store briefly. We went in Pike Place Market briefly. Then we returned to the Moore Theater. Before we arrived at the Moore Theater, we met a Pat Jasper, who saw my Jethro Tull T Shirt (Basil had gotten it for me some years back). Everyone was wearing a Jethro T Shirt. Pat worked in Hoquiam at a Bike Place and lives in Oakville. I had $20 and Wanda added $10 more to it, so I could buy a Ian Anderson Rubbing Elbows T Shirt. 

At 7:30 PM we found our seats, P7 & P8.   Ian started the show with “Life's A Long Song.” There was a radio DJ on the couch that chatted with Ian throughout the concert, and later he took questions from the audience. He played several from his latest CD “Rupi's Dancing” 

and several of his classics too. “Old Black Cat” was one that Wanda liked. He also played the flute for a local couple who came up. She sang a Russian song and he played the drums. There was an encore. Kazoos were passed out to everyone.

It ended with an alternative version of “Locomotive Breath” with everyone blowing into their Kazoos. Other than a loud whistling lady to my left (No, it wasn't Wanda), it was a really good concert.

On September 24 & 25, 2003 we had a picnic out at Stewart Park, and Schafer State Park. We had a family supper at Friends Landing on September 28.

On October 1, 2003 Wanda presented me with a Pastie, that she made herself. She said she got the recipe online from someone living in Houghton (originally from Ishpeming). Wanda even knew how to pronounce Pastie. I was impressed. At Autumn House after everyone was in bed, I put my Pastie in the oven and the Smoke Alarm went off. I couldn't shut it off, even after the batteries were out. I opened the windows, and Alfred said turn the fans on too.

At around this time in my life there, Wanda had just finished reading Nora Robert's and I wanted to try it to see what it was like. She was quite surprised that I, who mainly like Fantasy such as Tolkein, Goodkind, Brooks, and Koontz, would read something like that. It was the Chesapeake Bay series about the Quinn Brothers who were adopted. I enjoyed it, and years later, Nora put out a fourth book in the series.

On October 6, 2003 Wanda and I went to McCleary to the Mark Reed Healthcare Clinic(which I believe was on a hill), for my appointment with Jeanne Boudrieau. She has my medical history from Escanaba. We went over them. She did notice I had allergy problems by looking at my eyes. She gave me a toll free number where I can get free medicine on Tapazole & Aphex. She also recommends me taking one baby aspirin a day. Also Nasalcrom sprayed up my nose for allergies. Wanda came into the room and Jeanne explained everything to her. I went to the lab fr Thyroid blood uptake, and more blood for other check ups.

On October 17, 2003 Wanda went for her Orientation at Enterprise Rent A Car. She got the job!

On October 26, 2003 Wanda, Ann, Aunja, & I went to Schaffner's Pumpkin Patch. Took a Hayride out there, and we each picked out a pumpkin. I took some pictures. This same day when I arrived at Autumn House Joy (an Oriental woman) was busy. The dishwasher flooded with suds and water all over the floor. She had towels all over floor. Little did I know this very same thing would happen to me.

On October 26, 2003 I drove for the very first time in many years. It was a 94 Ford Tempo. I gave Ann a ride around town and then to get gas. Then out of town to Brady and Satsop. From this point on, I would be driving to Autumn House every night that I worked. I was on the Night Shift from 11:30 PM until early morning.

I remember one night I was at Autumn House. I usually kept the TV to watch MTV videos. I had it down low so it wouldn't wake the residents. I heard some music. I couldn't hear any words, nor bagpipes, but it sounded a bit Celtic in origin. I checked in every resident's room. Nothing on there. I thought maybe I missed a radio or TV somewhere. I opened the back door, no, not coming from elsewhere. I was a bit worried, so I turned the TV louder and sat down and watched it. The girl who came on duty in the morning, I told her about it. She turned to me and said, “didn't they tell you this house is haunted.” I looked at her and said “No.”

On November 8, 2003 Our 1 Year Anniversary. We loaded up the Toyota 4 Runner (Wanda rented from work, Enterprise Rent A Car). When we got across to Oregon, we stopped at several Water Falls.  

On of them was Multinomah. 

 We bought some shirts, magnets, postcards, and bookmarks. We arrived at our Hotel, The Meredith Gorge, which overlooked the Hood River.

We got dressed up and went out to Best Western Riverside Grill. We had Champagne called Mimosa. Wanda ordered a Bouillabaisse, which is sort of a tomato sauce with seafood in it. I ordered a Halibut stuffed with dungeness Crab and shrimp, a baked potato, and apple juice. We took dessert to go. We went looking and found the Hood Railroad and the Cinema.

On November 9, 2003 After a Continental Breakfast (berry & apple crescents with coffee for Wanda and Orange juice for me), we headed for the Mount Hood Railroad. 

  A one and a half hour ride to Parkdale. Aboard was a clown, a couple of balloon impressionists. One made Wanda a tree of hearts.

 We returned home, and later rode down by the water, and walked around. Then to the Cinema and we watched “Radio” starring Ed Harris. On November 10, we headed back home. Crossed the Hood River Toll Bridge that cost 75 cents.

 We stopped by Country Cousins to get something to eat, and then went home to Montesano.  

Some time in November we visited some lighthouses.  It was a windy day.  

On November 27, 2003 Had Thanksgiving with all of Wanda's Family at West Byles in Montesano.

On November 28, 2003, we went past the Southshore Mall to the Bishop Center For Performing Arts to see the Von Trapp Children, who are the Great Grandchildren of Captain Von Trapp. They did many songs, and I enjoyed it.

On December 7, 2003 Wanda and I went to the Beehive in Montesano to meet some online chat friends of mine who were in the area. We called Emma, and they were just pulling off the highway. Wanda directed them to where we were. Emma (Christina) had a bandage on her finger, because Stretch (Guy) accidentally closed the car door on her fingers. We chatted and ate, and afterward Wanda took pictures of us three together.

On December 13 2003 we went to the Courthouse to see Aunja's class sing songs from “The Wizard Of Oz.” Then later to the Festival Of Lights Parade, we were across from the Library watching it.

On December 14, 2003 We went to the Picture People in Olympia to get our pictures taken. One of Wanda, Aunja, & I, and one of Wanda and I. These were to be sent out at Christmas. I thought they turned out pretty good.

On December 25, 2003 It was Christmas in Montesano. We opened our presents. MY favorite was the CD Tower from Wanda (holds 1,000 CDs). My least favorite was from Ann, which was a Robert Ludlum book. The reason being is, she has never seen me with a Robert Ludlum book, or even knew if I liked his writing. She should have asked someone, and done her research better. But having said that, it was a warm family Christmas and Aunja enjoyed her gifts. Keith & Ray brought the Tower up to our room. Later the Family gathered around to have supper. Dena gave me a white Teddy Bear with Glasses (which I still have).

On January 18, 2004 the Family gathered at the home on West Byles in Montesano to celebrate my Birthday. They each brought me gifts and sang Happy Birthday to me. We had cake and ice cream after.

On January 19, 2004 I called Cousin Arthur Bourdlais of Menominee, Michigan. He told me last year at his Class Reunion in Escanaba, he got up in front of eighty to a hundred people and read my poem “Escanaba.” He said many people remembered all that I wrote about in it.

On January 20, 2004 I called Cousin Marie Lawry-Stickney of Marquette, Michigan. We got into spiritual things. She told me a vision she had while she was awake. Right after Grandma Lemire (Delia Pinard) passed away. Grandma came up to her room and told her everything would be alright. Marie watched as she went down the stairs and through the glass window doors.

On February 13, 2004 Val's Floral delivered Flowers and a balloon to West Byles for Valentines Day for Wanda from me. I brought them upstairs to her, and she gave me a kiss for them. Brought her up some pizza and pepsi that Ann had brought home.

On February 14, 2004 Wanda and I headed to Westport. We stayed at LeChateau Westport, in room 315. After bringing our clothes in, we took a walk on the beach. I picked up some shells and some white rocks. Back to our room, we rested awhile. Then later we went to Tokeland to the Old Tokeland Hotel And Restaurant. I ate a Grilled Salmon, a salad, and asparagus in cheese sauce, with a baked potato. Wanda had steak and some of what I had. For dessert to go I had Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie, and Wanda had Hazelnut Chocolate Pie. On February 15, we ate breakfast at The Islanders restaurant. We stopped by Brady's Oyster Shop for Jumbo Oysters and fish. Then we were homeward bound.

On February 24, 2004 We got a new resident at Autumn House and her name is Gladys. Real nice lady.

On March 13, 2004 I worked the day shift with Heidi so that I could get familiar with Betty B.'s care. While taking the toothbrush out of her mouth, she bit me. She clamped down and wouldn't let go. Her bite drew blood. Heidi talked to Patti, and she said I should go get a tetanus shot at the Emergency. Wanda drove me to Mark Reed Hospital and they said Work will pay for it. Got my tetanus shot.

On March 15, Patti watched as I took care of Betty B. Patti would talk with Betty and familiarize her with me. At the end of the week, I wondered if Betty would still be nice without Patti there. It turned out Betty and I got along great after that.

On Sunday March 28, 2004 I was on the stairs leading down, when I heard Wanda tell her Mom she was going for a ride. I told her I would grab my stuff and come along. She yelled back, “No you aren't coming! Just Aunja and I!” She head to the door and was gone. I came down and asked her Mom what that was all about. Her reply was, “you need to talk to her.” At this time I couldn't think that anything had changed. I know not long before when we had been talking to some people, she mentioned my parents as being invalids. I didn't say anything at the time, because I didn't know exactly what it meant. Somehow calling them that didn't feel right to me.

At just before 11 PM I confronted her, and asked her what was going on. She told me she didn't love me anymore. It's the last thing I expected to hear. She said I won't venture out, I'm one like one of her kids, I haven't changed much, I don't communicate enough. Tears came and the sun went down and my world became dark.

I drove the 94 Ford Tempo to work. Songs that were playing on the car radio were the Rolling Stones "She's So Cold," Genesis "Throwing It all away" and Gary Wright's "Dreamweaver" ...take me from this place. It was very interesting that the songs spoke for me.

I arrived at work and once my shift started I went into see Betty B. We had become friends now. She had her hands moving. I asked her what she was doing. She said she was crocheting something, and added “it gets pretty cold out there.” I was thinking “yes, it sure does.” I told her what happened and that I planned to move back to Michigan. I told her I was going home. At first she said “what is Patti going to do without you?” I said I had to go home, I can't stay here anymore. She looked up with a faraway look in her eyes and said “Home, yes.” I walked out of her room and had a very strange feeling come over me. Home also meant Heaven. I had this feeling Betty wanted to go home too. Not long following, I came into work and found her son and family gathered around talking. They told me Betty had passed. However she passed, there was blood all over the floor. I didn't tell them that I knew she was going home soon.

In the days ahead Wanda and I would talk. We'd go to Friends Landing to talk. No matter what I said, she always said the opposite. She said I was talking spiritually all the time. I told her I was that way when she met me, and she knew it. I asked if there was anything we could do to save this marriage. She just shook her head.

She talked about my friends online and how they used the word love at the end of each message. Love is a term that could be taken many ways. I love you my dear friend is one way that they used it. I remember once she had left computer on when she left the room, and I found a picture of a bare chested man, with some words of love. I wondered what was really going on. Once again she had made up her mind.

My revenge for turning my life upside down, I turned on my boombox and played the song by Kansas called “All I wanted” which goes like “All I wanted was to love you, that's all I wanted.” I had left the room when it played. When I returned, she was crying and told me I better not play that song again.

She had banned me from the computer. She had passwords put in. While she was at work, I found one, and got on. Her Mom came down and was surprised I was on. So of course the password was changed. I was passing by once and saw another password, and so next day, I was on again, and her Mom came down and was surprised again.

Not only was my computer privileges taken away, but I had been giving Aunja a ride to school. Now she stopped me from doing that.

On my last day at work on April 16 2004, I took pictures of the residents and me in them. The Boss Nancy came over to take pictures as well. Gladys said when I get home to send her a letter to let her know I made it there.

Gussie was 100 years old when I was there and I know she turned 101

 This is Gladys.  The latest resident of Autumn House.  She's the one who asked me to write to her when I got back to Escanaba, and I did.

 Below is Betty M., Gladys & Alfred, and Gussie.  I am there standing by Gladys.

 This is Gladys, Alfred, and I at Autumn House.

 This is Betty M.,  who always remembered me for liking the Beatles.

On the last day there (April 17, 2004), Ray came out to say he was sorry things didn't work out. Wanda drove me to the Bus Depot in Aberdeen, and the song playing was Shania Twain's "From This Moment on, Life has begun." All I could think of at that time, as I looked and saw my wife crying was. What does she mean life has begun. I didn't say one word as I got on the bus, and as we drove by the parking lot, her car was gone. And so was my life in Washington.

Synopsis: In the next month I did a lot of soul searching. I asked myself what I did wrong. I tried my very best. I gave what I could into our relationship. Why did it fail? As I went over everything, I realize I could have done some things better, but all in all I shared the best of my love. Then I got thinking. She blamed me, but she is just as much to blame as me. I was her third marriage. Maybe she was looking for that special man who was a twin to her soul, someone who made her feel alive. For a long time I was upset at her for doing this. Later on, I forgave her, because as you'll soon see, Escanaba was where I would grow even more, and come to do many things they people would like about me. I forgave Wanda and in my heart and soul, wished her luck in finding someone who would make her happy like I couldn't. And years later she did remarry, and Aunja Married too. All I can say is she came into my life, and gave me quite an adventure, and for the most part, it was fun.

On the Greyhound, our first trip was through Fort Lewis. I remember Terry talking about this place. Then we stopped in Tacoma and picked up a Jamaican woman named Shara. She was going to Portland. I asked her to sign my book, and she said she already had a boyfriend. She asked for a piece of candy.

We arrived in Seattle. Had an hour or more wait. Sat at Pete's Diner and ate some Chicken Chow Mein, as I chatted with Fritz Johnson, who was going to Spokane, and John, who was going to Colorado. On the bus, there was another man, and he was going to Moses Lake. (April 18) There was also a young Mexican man named Ricardo Garcia, and he had a translater, that would change Helicopter to Helicoptiere. Montana was a tiring state. Stopped and ate at Jokers Wild Restaurant in Butte. I ate some eggs and hash browns.

Stopped at Billings for over an hour. There was a little Oriental man and a bald headed black man, and a woman with two children along from Seattle and Montana. I picked up a fish burger and fries at McDonalds. Saw a beautiful sunset on the ride.

(Monday April 19) At Dickinson North Dakota, the time changed. Stopped at Steele. I slept most of the time through North Dakota. At 6:40 AM Central Time just past Moorhead Minnesota, there was a beautiful sunrise. An Amish couple got on at Sauk Center. At Minneapolis I parted with my usual Traveling Companions.

In Minneapolis, I got on the bus to Duluth at 6 PM. A five hour trip, but it was very peaceful. In Duluth I met Faye. A brown eyed and green eyed woman from Ironwood. She grew up in Minneapolis. To Superior Wisconson. Near Brule River the driver had to hit the brakes for several deer. Went through Iron River Wisconsin at 6:50 PM. Through Ashland at 7:30 PM. 8:15 PM Ironwood, Faye's home. We picked up a blonde. A half hour stop at Wakefield. I slept on the bus. Later picked up a Jamaican at Iron River Michigan. We passed through Iron Mountain. At 1:30 AM we arrived in Escanaba. In the Parking lot of the old Elmer's (now Mr Movies), Clyde was waiting for me. Went back to his place in Gladstone. Ate half a pastie that Clyde, Nancy, & Terry made. Fell to sleep on couch.

The family had talked about me coming home, and decided it would be better that I stay with Clyde, because he could push me hard to get a job. They figured Nancy would be too easy on me. Clyde could use some Tough Love on me and get me motivated. Also, Clyde was so use to living alone, and then along comes me. We both learned a lot.

Clyde had a bedroom I could sleep in, but I needed my own bed. So we went around and luckily I found one for $42 at Goodwill. 

 Fifteen Years later I am still sleeping in the very same bed. I just never thought of getting another one. As long as it worked for sleeping on, I was happy.

I did write a letter to Gladys of Autumn House in Montesano Washington to let her know I safely arrived in this area. Patti and Heidi wrote me to tell me that Gladys did get the letter, and even remembered me.

I applied at many places, because Clyde wanted me to apply anywhere and everywhere. What he didn't know is, I was selective.

Clyde told me he wasn't comfortable with me being on his computer. Which is understandable, that, like his home, was his private domain. He let me type letters and poems on his kitchen computer, and then I could transfer them from a floppy disk to his computer and send out.

John brought me somewhere and wanted me to drive, but I didn't really feel comfortable driving.

Clyde wanted to take pictures of our hands, back and front. He said it was a project he was working on. Really not sure what it was.

I had sent a resumé to Community Action Agency Personal Cares Services, and was called to meet them at the Senior Center in Gladstone, which wasn't far from Clyde's home. So I met Sandy Johnson and Debby Wiltzius there on May 17, 2004, and I was hired.

I applied for an apartment in the Harbor Tower on May 20, and was really hoping to get one.

On May 20, 2004 I took the community bus to Escanaba and walked around there. I walked down Ludington street and by the place where Pat Jones worked. Pat was the lady who is my distant cousin who was in the cemetery and guided me to Patricia Sundstrom’s grave earlier in this story. Next to the place where she worked was a guy standing outside. I asked if he knew Pat Jones, and he said yes. I decided not to bother her, and walked up south 14th street on my way to the LATTER DAY SAINTS Family History Library. I had just gotten up to 9th avenue to turn, when Pat’s red truck pulled around the corner. She said she saw me walk by and figured she knew where I was going. She said she had to tell me something. Before I went to Washington state, I stopped by her house and left my new address with her. Along with some genealogy papers on the NANTELLES that I had put together. She said she had been on vacation and while she was gone her daughter moved all the furniture around. When she returned from her vacation, one of the boxes had the piece of paper with my address on the very top. She wondered what it meant. She thought maybe she was suppose to get in touch with me and see how I am doing. It was when I walked by where she works, that her answers came.

My old red bike was given back to me. Nancy said it was sitting out at the Harbor Tower for awhile, because they thought Terry could use it. The weather hasn't been the best on it. But, it was better than nothing. I would keep the bike locked up at Bob's, and be dropped off at the Civic Center from Gladstone, and walk to Bob's and grab my bike and ride around on it.

I needed it because Personal Care gave me my first client. I was to take care of Matt Smith. Basically sit with him, while his wife Arlene did errands. They lived on Lake Shore Drive. A beautiful view of the water out the back. I think I even saw a Fox go by once. I could have used a really good camera at that time.

I thought having a job was enough, but Clyde wanted me to try for me and keep applying. I applied at Issues & Answers, but my heart wasn't into that kind of job. I hang up on people who push things onto me. I couldn't be the one who called people knowing I disliked the idea. It was too much like Telemarketers. I told Clyde I didn't get the job. After all it was my decision. He didn't need to know.

For staying at Clyde's he had me take care of the house for him. Cleaning the living room, dusting, and the dishes. I remember when I moved out, he said the dishes pile up quicker, without a dish washer.

On June 24, 2004 Harbor Tower calls, I have an apartment there, on the fifteenth floor. They were just waiting for the pay information from Personal Care Services.

On July 1, 2004 Mom's Birthday (Thank you Mom!) John helped me bring all my stuff up to my apartment on the 15^th floor. Wow! What a great view! I had a Harbor Tower View! Nancy spent $200 on buying housewarming supplies that were needed for the apartment.

On July 2, 2004 Basil & Laurie were in town and treated me to supper at Herefords & Hops. I had a really great tasting Walleye. Then we went to see “Spiderman 2” at the Willow Creek Cinema.

On July 3, 2004 Pete Frecchio stopped by to see me. It was nice to see him. He had an instant camera and I took a picture of him down in the pool room, and he gave it to me to keep. 

 Later, I went down to the Bandshell to see D.A.F.T. (Delta Area Folks Tradition) as they presented Music from Claudia Schmidt, Four Schillings Short, & Tangerine Trousers (from Lower Michigan).

My neighbor Margaret Feher. She's Hungarian, and has two cats. A really nice lady who lives in #1510, right next to me in #1501.

Bob's Mom brought a table and chairs for the kitchen, and a flat coffee table, as well as knives and pans. Nancy and Rhonda brought me a kitchen rug, toilet seat cover, and towels. Terry & Harold brought Love Seat to my apartment from someone else who lives here.

If I looked ahead from so many years in the past, I would have never seen me living here at Harbor Tower. But I don't see why not. The place I lived at in 2002 took me to another place (Washington State). That was quite an adventure! And now this place was going to take me on another adventure. My brother Terry had already been living here, on the twelfth floor.

One thing about living in a place like this, you meet many people. Some you like, and some you avoid if possible.

When I met Loretta Iverson, she was always a pleasant person to visit with. I would find her in the lobby or working on the jigsaw puzzle in the Computer room. I wouldn't just be staying to work on the jigsaw puzzle, I would be staying because I felt a friendship building between her and I. 

 We could talk together and share what each of us were going through. She always had a way of coming right out, and saying what was on her mind. When it came to friends, age really doesn't matter. Born in 1926, she was 34 years older than I am. We got along so well, and if we weren't meeting in the lobby or working on the jigsaw puzzle, we would be playing games in the Pool room. We would gather friends and played Greedy dice game. Occasionally we would play some cribbage as well. I would her more and more coming up to my apartment to visit with me. And before you knew it, we'd be eating together now and then. She would order pizza and we would split the cost. Then I decided to invite her over every Friday for Fish supper. I loved my Fish, and she came to look forward to it as well. I will let her serve her self and would always have Tea for her as well. I would play some light music while we ate, and we would talk a bit about our day or our days ahead.

She would often talk about the time we walked out to the island on a beautiful day, and on our way back the rain poured down and soaked us. But we had fun and I am so happy she came along into my life. She was a Senior Companion, and would talk about it now and then.
  Then I remember a year later, when we looked back on our first meeting, she would say she met my brother too.  I said, "do you mean Terry?"   She said "No, but he looked a lot like me."  I was thinking maybe she was talking about the skinny me, because in 2005 I gained back some weight that I was missing during my skinny years (1994 - 2004).  

There were many friends I met at Harbor Tower. One of them was Jim Newhouse. Many people considered Jim slow. Maybe he was. But that was no way to treat him any different than anyone else. I liked him the first time I met him. He always told everyone years after that I was a friend of his. He loved humor and laughed quite a bit. He later became a Senior Companion, and the people who he is around love him. I am proud to call him a friend.

Another friend I met there was Eddie Rodriguez. He was very shy when I first met him. I recall when he started coming around us more, and Loretta and I were so happy to have him around. He had a good sense of humor and good heart, just like Jim does.

As well as working for Personal Care Services, I found myself stopping by to visit my friend Bob Miller. He told me when I left, he had to replace me with three workers. I would stop more and more, and we found that in time, he needed me back working for him again. 

 Dedicated workers were hard to come by. So included with all my Personal Care clients throughout the day, I was once again working with Bob. I wouldn't want it any other way, because I have come to cherish the time with him, as I valued his friendship as well. I would help him with his supper meals at times, and later help him to bed.

When I left Washington, my Ian Anderson shirt could not be found.  Wanda and her Mom said they would send it when they found it.  And sure enough, awhile after my return to Escanaba, they sent it. 

Getting back to the Personal Care Services (Community Action Agency), I started working through them as soon as I was hired on May 17, 2004. First of all I must say, I have told many people I know who live around the USA and other countries, and they tell me they wish they had Personal Care Services where they live. It would have come in handy with their parents or other relatives who needed care. I must also say I am proud to be a Personal Care Aide, and have always done my best. Even though they wish I would take on more hours, I always take on only what I can handle.

I've met so many wonderful people through the services. Many who will forever be etched in my heart and soul. There is always that “law of aides” that you are not suppose to get too close to them. Yet, I have not met anyone who doesn't get close. It is what puts the “Caregiver” in who we are. It is also what helps us to do the best at our job. We care for these people. As humans, we know what they are going through, and are compassionate and feel what they are going through. I've worked with many wonderful people, and worked for many wonderful people.

Personal Care Services gave me my first client. I was to take care of a man. Basically sit with him, while his wife did errands. They lived on Lake Shore Drive. A beautiful view of the water out the back. 

 I think I even saw a Fox go by once. I could have used a really good camera at that time. I think I did get a few pictures, when I eventually got a digital camera.

One of my clients was a man, who started a popular store that I use to frequently go to while growing up on North 14^th street. Of course by the time I was going there, the ownership was switched. he had to sell it to pay something he owed.

He was now married to his second wife. A wonderful couple, and I was happy to have known them both. I didn't give him any extra care than I would any other client. Yet somehow we just got along very well. They loved my personality and the way I listened and knew what was needed to make things better. That's what being a good Personal Care Aide is all about. His wife told me, “He smiles every time he sees you walk in the door. He doesn't even do that for me.” Of course she had a good sense of humor too. I had met him several years back when he was in the Latter Day Saints Family History Library, but we had never met before that. Now, I was the one who made him smile.

I got to like them, and was glad they were my clients. She and I often brought him out for a ride in his wheelchair. We go around the blocks and end up in a place where someone had a really Big flower Garden. I know she loved it, but I'm not sure he did. But it made her feel good to be bringing him out on a beautiful sunny day. I believe being out was good for each of us. They had a Cockatiel named Louie, who she use to take out and put by him occasionally. 

 He passed away on February 24, 2007, but she stayed in touch with me.

She would call and invite me over to show her how to use the computer. She realized she wasn't a very good student. So we ended up, eating out together. At Hereford & Hops, & Delona's. She had Rick Demski helping her out with odd jobs around the house. Rick also was the one who helped Bob Miller with odd jobs as well. On April 1, 2007 Rick would drive Mina and I up to the Rapid River Boat Launch, down country roads, and we stopped in Gladstone and ate at Deb's Home Cookin. I still recall what I had and it was really good, Cornish Game Hen in Orange sauce.

Mina and I would eat out at Swedish Pantry, Jack's in Rapid River and then go to Rapid River Falls, Van Cleve Park in Gladstone.

On June 1, 2007 Rick drove us up to Hamilton Lake, Norway, & Strawberry Lake, and we ended up eating at Knight Owls. Mina and I would picnic in Ludington Park.

On June 15, 2007 Rick drove us up to Munising. We visited some Waterfalls,

 and then went on the Pictured Rocks Tour.

 It was a lot of fun. Then we ate at The Dog Patch.

I would go up and visit Mina at her house and we always had a great visit. We would eat out at Elmer's Restaurant, go listen to the City Band, then back to Mina's (June 27, 2007).

Mina and I would eat at the Ford River Pub, and then go down country roads to look at the scenery (July 20, 2007).

On August 24, 2007 Rick drove Mina and I up to Marquette.

 I got to visit one of my cousins there, Don Lawry.

 Visited the Lighthouse there at Presque Isle,

 went to the Seafest, 

and later ate at Perkins Restaurant. It was a great time!

On September 22, 2007 Mina, Rick, & I went to the Island Resort to see the Little River Band (not the Original), and had Custard after that.

On October 9, 2007 Mina, Rick, & I went out around Rapid River and Gladstone, and I took pictures. We ate at a Truck Stop called The Pantry. On October 23, 2007 Mina and I ate at the Buck Inn. I'll never forget that, because she kept trying to set me up with the waitresses. She kept telling them I was single. Then we went to Jim's Dairy Cream for raspberries and vanilla ice cream. After that, Mina was off to Florida for the Winter. We would keep in touch by letters.

On April 8, 2008 Mina called to say she would be coming home soon. On the phone we would talk about what was happening this coming summer.  Loretta, and I met up with Mina at the 8^th Street Coffee House on April 24^th 2008. On May 4^th 2008, I went to Mina's house and she had a Walker. She showed me pictures she took in Florida.

On April 11, 2008 I went to see Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, and Shooter Jennings at the Island Resort.

On June 14, 2008 with Rick as the drive, Mina, Loretta, and I went to Rapid River Falls. An Osprey dove at me. We all ate at Jack's in Rapid River. Went by the Gladstone Golf Course, the Escanaba Dam, and the Wells Boat Launch.

On June 24, 2008 Mina and I ate at Delona's, and on July 1, Mina and I ate at Deb's Home Cookin in Gladstone.  
We went to Saunders Point In Gladstone. 

 Then we went to Pioneer Trail Park, (hmmmm, must have been a different day, as I have a change of shirts)

then by the Wells Boat Launch.

On July 11, 2008 Mina, Loretta, & I met up at the 8^th Street Coffee House to see Four Schillings Short. I would visit Mina at her house. On August 5^th, Mina and I went to get some tacos at José Tacos. We ate them on Aronson Island. Then to Jim's Dairy Cream for fresh raspberries in vanilla ice cream. This was one of Mina's favorite and it was really good.

On Aug 12, 2008 I went to the Fair, and took pictures. Rex Rubenzer drew a Characature of me. I colored it myself later.  

On Oct 2, 2008 Mina brought me to Wal Mart to pick out some clothes for me to wear when I escorted her to Ernie's Grandson's reception.

On Oct 17, 2008 I went to see Merle Haggard at the Island Resort with Jim Newhouse (a Harbor Tower resident).

On October18, I escorted Mina to her husband's Grandson's Wedding Reception. But she couldn't eat much and wasn't feeling very good. So we left early. On November 9 she told me Doctors found the problem. Small opening between stomach and colon. She had plans to go to Florida for the winter.

On January 30, 2009 I went to see the Styx concert at the Island Resort.

On June 11, 2009 I got an e-mail from Mina's son, telling me Mina passed away.
She had this set up like this in her house, with my picture in the middle.  

Another client I had seemed a friendly man and I worked with him from September 1 to September 22, of 2005, I was told he liked me. I recall he had a gray cat named Bud. One time they were to let Bud out, and they turned to me and said, “The cat, not you?'

Another client of mine was a nice. Three days a week I would help a co-worker give him a bath and wash his hair. But on Saturdays we would alternate with each other for the whole day job. Kathy, Cheryl, & Debbie were good co workers and as in any job, they got to be friends.

His parents would come by often to visit their son. As time went on I came to know these people as wonderful people. They were caring people who loved their family members and made sure they knew it. Over time I got to know these special people as well. Our client's Dad would give me a ride home from work in the colder months. We would always talk and got along great.

He lived with his girlfriend, who was his care giving when the rest of us weren't there. They had two cats, Spicy and a kitten named Sugar. I loved taking pictures of the cats. Here are some of Sugar from 2008.

 I recall on the day before he passed, he turned to me and thanked me for all I have done for him. Many times with people we take care of, just before passing, words of reality are shown, letting us know our clients know exactly what is going on in their lives. I knew right then his was getting ready to pass. As usual I was right.

Sometime later, his Dad passed. His Mom would write me letters. I had helped her with her French Canadian Ancestry and she shared some of her Mom's poems with me. I shall not forget these wonderful people and wanted to include them in this part of my Life's Story.  I left out their names, due to the privacy act.  Even though this is a great tribute to them.  Those who read this, and have worked with me there, will know who I am talking about.  

In October of 2007 I started visiting a man named Lawrence. A very smart man, and he loved music. I would always make it a point to make CDs and bring them over for him to listen to. We would spend the afternoon listening to songs from the 40's and he knew almost all of them. He loved music and so did I and we enjoyed listening to the songs together.

Often time we would sit out by the garage on a nice day and enjoy each others company.

 I remember one time we were sitting inside and I was helping him do a few things inside, and he said to me “Bud, I should call your boss and tell them you deserve a promotion.” It made me feel good that he thought that highly of me.

One day I went to his house, he wasn't quite himself. Something made him uneasy. He couldn't sit and listen to music, and had to get up and leave the Living Room. He came back and apologized and told me “Hell Bud, let's listen to the music.” I turned it on, and it was then I knew something wasn't right with him. That would be the last time I saw him, because he passed soon after that day.  Lawrence was a wonderful man, who also had some wonderful children as well (Sally, John, & Gayle). I am so glad I had a chance to share some wonderful music with this great man.

My next client, I remember the first time I was at their house. I was scheduled to sit with him overnight, because she was in the Hospital. After that I would occasionally sit with him while she went to have her hair done. Later on, he passed away. She agreed to let me come in to sit with her around supper time. Because I was so quiet when I arrived, she called me “Sneaky Pete.” I got to know her very well, and she loved it when I made her a grilled cheese sandwich. She loved them! 

 We would sit and visit and she loved “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Family Feud.” She was a woman who said exactly what was on her mind. We got to be great friends while I was there.

 Personal Care Services has brought many wonderful people into my life, and in return, I made sure they got the best care they could.  My current client is a wonderful person, very bright, and we get along great.  Thank you Personal Care Services for giving me a chance to be a part of their lives.  

Backtracking to November 2006. At the time I would frequently stop into this one Spiritual Chatroom. I met a woman named Linda there. We got to be great friends and felt we had a lot in common. Our love for each other grew. She was also very spiritual, and we would chat often together.

I told her it would be good for her to get away from her present situation, which was very stressful. She agreed, so we planned on her taking a trip from Vermont to Escanaba on Saturday July 11, 2009. She had a friend's cell phone and would keep in touch with me through that. I planned her road trip from a map I had,

 and she planned to follow it. I also had bought her some roses and planned to give them to her when she arrived.

Which took her out of Vermont, and through Ontario, and down into the Upper Peninsula to Escanaba. I have never done this before, and have never gone on any sort of road trip by myself. There was one place where she thought she missed the bridge to get her over to the other side. But it turned out there were two of them, and she missed a different one than what I told her. She went to the next one, and was able to cross. Another place, she thought she was lost, but told me the cities she had gone through, and I told to just keep following that route, and she did. This lead her through Ontario and to Sault Ste Marie. At the border, she was running very low on gas and asked one of the guards there if there was a gas station nearby. A mile across the border there was, and she was happy to get it all filled up, and she said it cost a lot, so it must have been very close to empty.

She arrived in Escanaba at 1:15 AM on Monday July 12, 2009. I went out to meet her as she drove down Ludington street. There were two cars and I went to the one in back, and Linda saw me and was in the car in front of the one I went to. She gave me a hug and a kiss. She was quite exhausted, and when we got to my apartment, she went right to bed After I presented her with some roses,

 and a blue Michigan magnet.

We always

had a day planned for something, and she was always ready to go.

Later in the day, we went out to Aronson Island for a picnic.

Then over to Mina's house. She had recently passed. Even though Linda would never meet her in person, she wanted to go there, because I had talked about her so much. It was a beautiful day and it was peaceful, and I could feel Mina's presence as we were there.

While Linda was here, everywhere we went her car would stall, and we'd have to wait awhile before it would start.

We also rode down to the Water Plant

And then to the Municipal Dock to watch The Sun set

And then home for some Love.

On Tuesday July 13, 2009 Linda and I planned a trip up to see my Cousin Ruby (Duford) Fosterling in Gwinn.  Even though her address was Gwinn, she was closer to Little Lake.

When we talked to her, she was saying that she needs her window washed, but nobody does it. So Linda said she would, and she did.

We had a nice visit with Ruby.

We walked around outside her house and took a few pictures as well.

From there we went to Marquette and we visited Cousin Don Lawry there.

Don showed us his garden out in back.

Then he gave us some money to go buy some Jean Kay's Pasties, and we did and went out to Presque Island. The Seagulls as usual, wanted some too.

We took some other pictures while we were at Presque Isle.

Then we went to visit Dottie & Jake, who lived in the Tourville Apartments.

On our way back to Escanaba, we saw some deer.

On Tuesday July 14, 2009 Linda and I took a trip to the Big Springs (Kitch-Iti-Kipi)

Then to Fayette

Then we went to St. Ignace to get some pictures of us and the Mackinac Bridge

On Wednesday July 15, 2009 We took a ride to the Park, and got our picture taken in front of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria (two out of three I think).

Here Linda is doing the dishes

Stopped by to see Mom & Dad's Grave at Gardens Of Rest Cemetery

and later went to Saunders Point in Gladstone.

On Friday July 17, 2009 We took a ride to the Wells Boat Launch and saw this deer

On Saturday July 18, 2009 My friend and co-worker Kathy, took Linda out to lunch at the Hong Kong Buffet. I was working all day, so I couldn't join them.

On Sunday July 19, 2009 We did a little cuddling

John & Terry invited Linda and I out to their house for supper.  Before going there, Linda wanted to get some pictures of us behind Wal Mart. 

  After supper at John & Terry's
.

And a little tour around the yard

After that, Linda and I went to visit Clyde at his house in Gladstone.

On Monday July 20, 2009 Linda, Loretta, and I went to the DeYoung Zoo

After dropping Loretta off at home, we took a ride around the Park. 

 And then home again, to see what was happening on the Internet

On Tuesday July 21, 2009 Linda and I stopped by The Latter Day Saints Family History Library, briefly for a picture in front.

Then we headed off to Menominee. Where we visited Cousin Arthur Bourdlais and his lady friend Ellen. 

Then down the road we went.

On Our way to Green Bay to meet up with Basil & Laurie to eat at a Restaurant called Mackinaw's. I remember having Salmon there. After that, we followed them to their home in Denmark. We visited with them awhile.And Laurie gave us some Lemon Bars.

Later we took some pictures outside of their house.

On Wednesday July 22, 2009 We went out to visit Kathy at her house. And took several pictures.

When we got home, Linda made Chicken Marsala. We ate it over potatoes and French bread, and it was really good.

We took a ride by the Water Plant and saw Bob, The Great Blue Heron 

Then to Aronson Island to catch the Sunset

On Thursday July 23, 2009 Linda and I picked up a Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwich at Oven King, and saw Terry walk by, and introduced her to my brother Terry. We went down to the Pier by the Water Plant and ate it. We each had half. 

We went to visit Cousin Belle Nantelle - Lancour at Christian Park.

In The Afternoon we headed over to Stonington and had a great time there.

Back in Escanaba, we caught the Sunset at the Municipal Dock

Saw Bob The Great Blue Heron by The Water Plant

and saw more of the Sunset from Aronson Island 

 and Sunset by the Water Plant

On Friday July 24, 2009 Linda and I went downtown and we stopped to see Steve and Sue Seymour at The Record Rack, and then Mrs Hivila at the Canterbury Book Store. We went to Culver's and had a Caramel Cashew Sundae.

On Saturday July 25, 2009 we had another BLT by the Water Plant 

Went to visit Richard Reiffers over at the Latter Day Saints Library.

On Sunday July 25, 2009 Linda and I had another BLT at the pier by the Water Plant.

Here's Linda in the elevator

We did some Cuddling and just enjoyed our time together

Cousin Art Bourdlais and his lady friend Ellen came by.

They treated us out to the Great Northern Buffet. Later, Linda and I went around the park taking pictures in different places.
  We spent the rest of the day around the Park.

On Monday July 27, 2009 Linda gave me a ride to work. She was going to wait around to give me a ride home. I told her she should start her long journey back to Vermont. It was a sad farewell, as we had such a wonderful time together. 

After graduating from Senior High School, I went on to get as many good jobs as I could, but felt somehow, I could have done better. I felt insecure at not doing well in life as I should have. I knew Brian Lancour from Immanual Lutheran Church where we went to as kids. Whenever I saw Brian, he would always ask me to come to the next Class Reunion. I didn't think it was for me. I didn't have many friends in my Class. And because I was still shy. So I always told him I didn't feel like going. Several years later when Facebook became a big thing on the Internet, I joined in with it. Dan Veseth, a Classmate of mine who I also knew from Immanuel Lutheran Church, messaged me and said it would be nice if I opened a group for our Class Of 1978. I told him I truly didn't feel like it and I didn't think I'd do a good job. Not long after, another Classmate Jan Kidd-Dahn started a Class Of 1978 group. She invited me and was trying to get everyone she could from our class to join that group. I took it upon myself to ask her if I could take care of the pictures. So I did that. Before long I found myself involved in the Class Of 1978 on Facebook. This was around 2010.

We got to know many Classmates and where they lived now, and what they were up to, and also what they looked like today. I found it more interesting than I thought possible. With this being our link to all of our Classmates on the Internet and especially on Facebook.

We'd have little gatherings down at the park and other places. Here are some pictures of some of us gathering in Ludington Park

May 21, 2011

"The Class Of 78 Turned 50" Turned out pretty good tonight at the Northtown Crown Da bar. I met many wonderful Classmates, some I knew, some I met on Facebook, and some I didn't know. I took many pictures, some turned out, and some didn't. Met up with Classmate Ray King and wanted a picture taken with me. In the background middle is Connie Mongrain, Sue Rogers, & Missy Sayklly (as we know them). I think the one to the farthest left background is Ann Timler. Correct me if I'm wrong. I met so many people.

July 4, 2011

I Got together with Dave Jewell, Craig Albright, Bren Van Effen, Jan Ryan, & Connie Shracta tonight at Herefords & Hops. Only Bren is not pictured, he didn't want his picture taken (I did try).

After starting out on Facebook in 2010, sometime following, Cousin Karen Berg-Pelky and I added each other. She lived over at West Highland. After returning from Washington State, we would always run into each other and she would invite to stop by. We were 3^rd Cousin, but she went to school with my sister Nancy. Over the years we have gotten to know each other very well. She not only became a great friend, but she taught me a lot about many things in life.

I also found out she was very spiritual. She could see spirits of those who have passed. In fact many times when I stopped to see her, she would tell me later that she was smiling because she saw spirits surrounding me. You see, we are never alone. Our loved ones are always around us. We do take them with us wherever we go. Karen has given me many messages from relatives passed over.

One day I was in the Lakeview Cemetery Taking pictures. I always try to get some of me there as well. I try all different positions and if I don't like them I delete them. So, I get home and upload them and post them on Facebook.

Karen is looking at them and then asks me what happened to the one where I am hugging the gravestone. I looked them back over and realized, that was one of the pictures I deleted. How could she have known I hugged the gravestone. I called her up and told her all about it.  Here is a poem I wrote about it called "The Picture That Wasn't There."

There was a picture that wasn't there

It seemed to have vanished into thin air

Where could it have gone, I wonder where

For I'm quite positive I saw it there

I was in the Lakeview Cemetery, taking a picture of me

But liking each picture, is always the key

I deleted the ones that didn't quite fit

Even though Autumn colors were sunlit

I returned home and posted them on Facebook

So they would be there to see, and people could look

My Cousin who is spiritual, was looking for one

But she couldn't find it, and my posting was done

She went over them until her eyes were sore

I told her those were all, there were no more

The next morning she said “It was the one where you're hugging the stone”

She shared with me, what she saw, what was shown

She saw me and my true love, in the clouds in the sky

For my Cousin you see, has what is called a Third Eye

I deleted that picture, it never got on a post

Yet she saw me there, with the one I love most

That's not the end, days later I returned to the Cemetery

Another picture was deleted, where she saw my brother Terry

Why is she seeing people in the pictures I delete

Whatever the reason, it's a blessing and a treat

  

It was late May 2011.  I remember the day very well when I answered the phone call from my brother Clyde. I picked up the phone and was even more surprised to hear my older brother Clyde's voice at the other end. The first thing I remember hearing, although there could have been more, was “Terry's dead. Our brother Terry is dead.” I could tell Clyde had been drinking, but I also tell that he seemed upset and emotionally imbalanced at this time as well. He told me Rhonda found him on the floor in his home, in some blood. Clyde went on, venting his frustration, sadness, and anger at such an event happening. He went on in his state of mind to say he believed that possibly Terry was murdered. I talked to him and joked around and stayed calm, and soon Clyde seemed a lot calmer as well. He said he had been calling our brothers and sisters and still had some more to get a hold of. I asked him if he called Terry's best friend Mike Frappier yet. He said he hadn't and added that Mike is where this all started with. I let him go so he could call Mike and let him know what happened.

As the pieces came together, it was Terry's best friend Mike Frappier who hadn't heard from Terry in awhile and asked Rhonda to go check on him. The report came back that he was dead for a day and a half to two days, of an apparent heart attack.

The next morning we met over at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home at 118 South 12th street with Jeremy Davis. He gave us all the costs and options we had concerning the Funeral. Terry could be covered because he was a Vet, but we'd have to find his discharged papers. We went over the obituary and was told to look for a picture for the Obit for Saturday's obituary. John's wife Terry, and Jim's wife Colleen were going to go to the Floral shop for some flowers, and I found out later that they went to Terry's and found his discharge papers, so things were looking good. Also Terry #2 (John's wife), as my brother often called her, works at OSF Medical and had known Terry's Doctor, and called to ask if he'd be able to sign Terry's Death Certificate as soon as possible. I went home and started gathering as many pictures as possible to add to the Picture Bulletin Board that was being put together by Terry #2 and Jay's wife Marge (Jay and Marge were camping in Wisconsin when they got the news of Terry's passing). After I gathered all the pictures I could find in a limited time, I started writing a poem. As the words came out and I wrote them down, I realized I was writing a remembrance of a brother I would never see alive on this Earth again. I would never be able to talk to him and get his responses. His life here was over. I let the tears flow as it all sunk in for me. I had finished the poem which I named “My Brother Terry,” and printed it out. I also sent Jeremy at the Funeral home a copy of it to add to the Memorial Cards.

                                    

     

As the news of Terry's passing went around, time passed as well.  Sunday came along. I was all ready and the time was drawing closer for the Funeral to begin. I called my brother John, but it was my brother Jay who took the call. He said he and Marge would be coming to pick me up within an hour. Marge called about a half hour later to say they were on the way. We still had time before the Funeral started, so we took a ride around down by the park and then headed over there. Jim and Colleen were already there waiting for others to arrive. Soon the others arrived, John & Family along with Clyde, Rhonda and Terra, and then Nancy and Cheryl. Then we went in.

The Funeral started at 2 PM, but for the first hour starting at 1 PM would be our Family hour. I don't usually bring a camera to a Funeral, but thought I would this time. My sister Nancy's husband Harold, also had his camera with him. We were both thinking the same.

There was a bulletin board with his pictures across from the guest book, and near that was a big Green Bay Packers flag. Next to that a Green Bay Packer shirt with Terry's name on it. Also a picture of Terry in the Pool League. Up front where Terry's ashes lay in a brown box, there were little flags, a cribbage board, and many bouquets of flowers from various family members and people who knew him. The Family's was on the table, and surrounding were flowers from others, Jeannie and family, Classmates, and several others.  To the left of there was another bulletin board of pictures of Terry, along with his Army Yearbook turned to the page with his picture on it. Also a picture of him using trick photography at that time, where he is in the four corners of the picture. There were other pictures scattered around the room, one of him when he worked at the U.P.State Fair. Terry always loved the Fair. I believe he even traveled with some people he helped at the Fair, down to Florida, at one time.

The first guest to come in, came in forty five minutes before guests were suppose to come.  It was David Grenier. I've known David for many years, as his sister Barbara use to live next door to us on North 14th, and when they moved across the alley, David moved in with them years later. I was also friends with his brothers Fred, and Jerry. We were sitting down listening to Jeremy go over the routine today so everyone understood. When it was over, Cheryl turned to me and I told her it was David Grenier. She was surprised he was still alive. I got up and walked over to look for David, and found him over by the guest book looking down. As I arrived by his side, he looked up with tears in his eyes. He asked “what happened to Terry?” All I could say was “apparent heart attack” is what we were told. The same question that many ask, “He wasn't sick was he?” I said “not that I know of.” I left him with that as I rejoined my family. Not long following, Clyde went over and shook hands and introduced himself, and had a nice conversation with him about Terry and how he knew him. I thought this was very thoughtful on Clyde's part.

The Memorial for Terry was good. Mike Frappier showed up with his brother. Many of his Classmates showed up as well as old friends of the family, and those who either served in the Army or National Guards with Terry. Several showed up from Harbor Tower. Among them being Loretta Iverson & Jim Newhouse, Bob Hasselbom, and another one as well. Old friend of the family Janet Ferarri showed up.

She use to live across the alley from us. Bob “Booby” Corbett showed up. Booby use to live next door to us, and Terry use to bartend at Boobies at one time. Terry was friends with the Currans, and one of them showed up. Mike and his Mother Martha Thompson showed up, as they knew Terry when he lived at the Tower. Nancy's first husband Marvin (Tom, Rhonda, & Joe's Dad) and his wife Mary Ann showed up. Nancy's friends Audrey and Ben Heroux were there. Friends of mine and Terry's Steve & Sue Seymour from the Record Rack stopped as well. Terry would often stop and visit with them. Many others showed up to pay their respects to a wonderful human being and gentle soul, my brother Terry.

The American Legion veterans put on a great service in memory of Terry. Doing their March. The song that was played while they were up there was Ray Cahrle's “America The Beautiful.” Clyde was in the front couch to receive the flag. John & Terry's oldest daughter Amber sat beside him. And I sat in a chair right next to her. One carried Terry's flag over and handed it to Clyde, in which Clyde responded with 'Thank you” very softly. The others would stand before Terry's ashes in front and then walk to the couch shaking Clyde's, Amber's, and my hand as well.

Then Jeremy played a song that was put together for this occasion by John's wife Terry. In memory of Terry. The song was Tim McGraw's “Old Friend.” The quality and volume wasn't the best on their stereo system, and wasn't heard as well as it could have been.

Then Trisha was called up to read my poem “My Brother Terry.” She did quite well, considering she only studied the poem throughout the Funeral and being in front of people.

Next, people were asked to stand up and tell a story or incident in remembrance of Terry. Mike Frappier walked up to the podium and told the story when Clyde and Terry were hitchhiking as kids. Clyde told Terry there were bears in the woods around there. Terry got scared and flagged down a car for a ride.

Clyde stood up and told a story, and later Jay asked Clyde to tell another story he remembered so well. One guy who was in the Army or Guards with Terry stood up and said he was surprised Terry had a family, as he never talked about them and was always alone when he saw him anywhere. Another guy recalled Terry being the cook in the Army or Guards, and this man was put on a strict diet of Bananas and milk and had to go see Terry. When this man left the building, forgetting to grab the bananas and milk, Terry ran after him to see that he got the bananas and milk.

Whenever our family got together to play Penny Poker, Terry would always tell John's wife Terry that he was Terry #1 and she was Terry #2. Terry #2 told about how she was Terry#2.

There could have been many stories, because Terry was a special part of this family all of my life.

We ended with a song called “American Hero” by Bonnie W. Daniels.

Out at John & Terry's house we gathered for the Luncheon, and afterward we took family pictures.
    Terry's Brothers and Sisters (Richard & Jeannie not in picture)

 Terry's Nieces and Nephews

 Terry's Great Niece and Great Nephews

 Terry's In-Laws

In 2011 at their Step-Father's Funeral, Franny Marcotte, I met up with my childhood friends Bryan and Pam Fletcher. It would be the last time I saw Bryan, as he passed away not too long after.

 

On January 5, 2012 my client and friend Bob Miller passed away. I've been taking care of him since 1988 (Excluding the time I was in Washington state).

Everyone has a mission while they are here on Earth. Bob's was to show us how to smile no matter how hard life got to be. He showed us how to live life to the fullest and make all your dreams come true, whatever they might be. He did! If you knew him, you were always happy to see his smiling face come rolling down nearby in his Power chair. On this day, his smile shall always be remembered here on Earth. But he's gone to share his smile in Heaven as well.

Wait! Don't stop! I'm not done yet. He's not done yet either, because his journey continues in Heaven. But at least there he can shed his power chair and gain his feet back. Of course they are just light beams there, because we are just light beings anyway.....deep down to our soul. Bob was always polite. Every night after giving him his bedtime care, he would holler "Thank you" before I walked out the door. He knew all my worries and problems better than many here in Escanaba. But he also knew my strengths and how far I've come as well. He was one of my best friends. Being dedicated to him was because of him. He was a true down to Earth man who was unique in his own way. He shall be in my heart forever.

They say when you pass over you have some family member or friend greet you. I bet one of them was his Mother who he was very close to. Maybe his friend Mickey Salmon met him there too. Maybe a surprise guest appearance by Elmer himself. And countless others such as Bert Lamberg, and his Grandmother.

Back in the early to mid 80's my brother Terry gave me my first camera. In 2004 when I returned from Washington state....Bob shared a digital camera with me. He said "Bud this will be yours and mine, but you use it and take pictures for me." I did that until the camera went bad. I guess I wore it out. ha ha ha. I told him I was getting one just for me so I wouldn't ruin his. He had another one for awhile, but in later years he just had me take pictures for him. Thanks Bob for helping me get started with the Digital Camera. Now I'll be looking up at clouds for his smiling face.

I remember one night when I was taking off his pants for bedtime, and he said, "Bud check the pants for change." You see he can't use his hands so why would they be in his pants. They were never there. I looked and he started laughing. I paid him back the next night by coming in without my glasses on. He said "Bud, where's your glasses?" I told him I am now wearing contact lenses. I couldn't hold out too long and halfway throw his bedtime care, I told him I just had my glasses off, not contact lenses.

I remember back in 2002 and I had just moved out of the Family Home on North 14th street and moved into those Apartments across from Lakeview Cemetery. I had spent all my money on Rent, and didn't have any money for food. I was worried. Bob came by and knocked on my window.   I went outside and he had a bag of hamburger and Hamburger helper. He said “this should help.”

Bob had one of the biggest hearts when his accident put him in the chair. He's be buying many of his friends little gifts to show his appreciation to them. I didn't know what to get him that Christmas and saw he had a Michael Bolton CD there on his counter. So I decided if he likes Michael Bolton, I would buy him another CD by Michael. Anyone who knows Bob, knows he likes Classic Rock, and Country music. I thought, Maybe he got into Michael Bolton. You should have seen his face when he opened it. Trying to hide the emotions of not liking his gift. Years later we still laughed about it. “Hey Bob, should I get you another Michael Bolton CD this year?”

One thing about Bob, he always appreciated my help. Before leaving every night, as soon as I called out, 'Goodnight Bob,” he would reply with, “Thank You Bud.” Before I came up there he would always call me to see if I left and was on my way up there, and that was his way of knowing if I didn't answer the phone. When I got home from Bob's, there would be a message on there saying “Bud, just wanted to thank you for all you do for me, I really appreciate it.”

Back in 1992, I took care of two quadriplegics. Bob had taken in a younger man named Mike Lanaville, and I had taken care of him as well. You don't know fussy until you know Mike. Bob alone was enough for me. Not that it was hard, but it did take some time. So I enlisted the help of my brother John to take care of Mike.

I told him when I first worked for him, I was wild and crazy, he said

listen, I know wild and crazy and you arent. But when I went off to

Washington state for 2 years. He told me, now you are wild and crazy.

Bob always wanted to walk again....he'd joke with me,"Bud I wish I had

walking pneumonia, so I could walk again."

Back in the beginning of my time with Bob, I made a cassette tape of music I thought he'd like. He had such performers as Dr.Hook, America, Neil Young, and many more. He loved it. I tried making more, but none could replace that one for him. It was his favorite. Years later I put them all on CD and brought it to him. I called it “The Cover Of Rolling Stone” after the first song on it. I have it on my computer right now. As well as another CD with songs that remind me of him and remind me of his new life in Heaven. They didn't play it at his Memorial, but some things are best between the people who shared it. But if anyone wants copies of both or either CD, just bring me the blank CDs and I shall make you a copy.

When Bob became a quadriplegic in 1987, many of his friends didn't know how to approach him. Didn't know how to react. Or didn't treat him the way he was before. But being a quadriplegic doesn't change a man mentally. Just physically as it was in this case. But still it was like losing friends, because over the years they distanced themselves from Bob. Near the end when he had his left leg amputated, I asked him how people are handling his leg off. He looked at me and said “It's like it's all over again.” His situation never stopped him from smoking, drinking, hunting, traveling, or going anywhere he wanted to be. He did the most for himself, because like anyone, he liked his independence.

One Friday not long before he passed, he picked me up a Whitefish at Elmer's. He knew I loved my whitefish every weekend. It was really thoughtful of him.

For years I would tape Buck LaVasseur's “Discovering” for Bob every Monday night. Several times he was on the show. Monday night Jan 9, 2012, just 4 days after Bob passed, Buck paid tribute to Bob. This time I wasn't taping it for him, I was taping it because of him. This time it was for me. I wanted to be able to stick it in anytime I wanted and hear his voice.

For you see, Bob will live on forever as long as we keep him in our hearts.

On September 4, 2011 I showed up at Bob's house ready to transfer him to bed, after getting his supper started. I was in for a big surprise. I was thinking everything would go as usual. As I was transferring him, I felt something wet. Yes, I thought he had diarrhea. Looking at my hand, it was red, it was blood. The old me would have been in a panic. I said “Bob, your bleeding!” He told me to give him his supper and then call 911. After he had his steak, Rampart arrived and brought him to the Hospital to be stitched. Apparently he had a hunting knife and didn't realize it had pierced his skin, having no feelings in his lower part of the body. He was stitched and brought back and I helped him get ready for the night.

Around 2011 to 2012, he had been having trouble breathing, and also had an infection in his leg. In the end, it was decided that it should be amputated. So it was. I seemed like after that, he wasn't the same anymore. He always felt uncomfortable.

He told me, “Bud, I want to pass. I don't tell many people, because they always make me feel guilty and it is my choice.” I told him I understood and knew the pain he was going through. I also knew that Heaven is a really wonderful place and he wouldn't have any pain there.

I remember on the night before he passed, I showed up at his house. Some of his friends who were friends before his ATV accident, came by to see him. He always wondered why they didn't stop to see him more since his accident. He was the same person he always was. Bob was drugged up on Morphine to stop the pain. His sister Donna was there spending the night, and turning him from side to side to make him more comfortable. He looked up and asked his sister if I was there, and she told him I was. It was a January night, and as I walked home I thought of all the great times I had with Bob.

Later in the early morning hour. I knew Bob had passed, because a Spiritual friend of mine told me her vision. Del said “Last night I had a vision, and saw a tall man and he called my name. There was a mist when he appeared. He said to tell Bud that he was okay. Del said, “I knew it was Bob.”

The next day Donna and Don were clearing out stuff of Bob's and of course I made sure I got what Bob promised me.

On Sunday January 8, 2012 they had Bob's Memorial at Great Lakes Sports Club. Nick Summers picked me up to bring me there. Many showed up. Among them, Buck LeVasseur (he was bent over pretty bad) of “Discovering,” Ken Bucholtz, and Pastor Lewis Hague.  

Buck LeVasseur & Donna (Bob's sister)

On September 25, 2012 an old friend, Craig Woerpel,  the Radio announcer at WDBC Radio interviewed me about my photos. He said his Mom enjoyed my pictures and wanted to know more about them. 

I had been visiting Spiritual Chat places, because I liked being around people who had the same beliefs as I did. One was a place called MediuMystics,

 which was based in England. I loved to meet new people and discuss what we were experiencing in our lives, and on a daily basis. They had readers there, that would pick up things on the other side. They had classes to improve what you picked up on. Many called them Psychics, but I call it Spiritual. You've heard of Mediums, who speak to those passed over to the Other Side. I don't consider myself a Medium, but I do pick up on things from living people. As I mentioned earlier in my story, there is a vibration for each of us, and if we are in tune with it, we can feel others. I call it the Soul, which we each have.

I would go there and post my poems in the forums, to share with others. In 2011 I posted a poem called “Death And The Other Side” on the forum.

~

Death is an event that is very misconceived
But like anything, it depends on what is believed
Many believe our lives go on when we reach the other side
Others may think our lives totally stop when we have died
I believe we live on and death is not the end
And that God is truly our very best friend
He listens and watches our walk here on Earth
And he’s been with us since before our birth

I don’t believe it’s an endless night
A friend or relative leads us to the light
When we get there, there’s many people we know
The ones we thought we lost so long ago
We may think they’re gone forever and dead
They’re with us often and hear every word that’s said
They know and see what’s happening here
And they try their best to calm our fear

When we’re in tune with the Universal Harmony
We feel their presence, sometimes we hear and see
For the ones we loved the very most
Are “Spiritual Beings,” not an Earth bound ghost
They come around to let us know
Their love surrounds us everywhere we go
“Why can’t they see or hear us?” the spirits say
It’s because we’re caught up living the human way

~

She said she loved it, and wanted to frame it and put it on her wall. I loved that response. I'll call her Angel for the sake of privacy. We were not to meet online until the next year. We met in MediuMystics.  I was talking about how people can feel and touch each other through the soul. Even if you are far away. That connection is amazing. She had entered the room at that time. Later we added each other on Facebook. Then she called me. We talked for awhile. After that, I couldn't figure out why she called. The only thing I could think of is, she needed a friend to talk to, who had similar beliefs. She was helping a friend run another Spiritual Chat Place. I was invited to go there, and I would stop in there every so often.

It was at this time, Harold had taken my computer home to fix it for me. I was having trouble, and he always helped me out like that. I would get on the computers they had for the residents in the lobby. I went to visit this new Spiritual Chat place she helped run. I read over the forums and saw she was alone in the chat area of the site. I entered and it was just her and I there. I wondered what she was doing there by herself. We started chatting, and she wanted to know more about how the souls connect. I was starting to tell her about it, when I felt like I had entered someone very wet and warm. My heart was beating very fast, and she was talking to me on screen, asking me questions about me. I was lost in the feeling that was so real, it was almost as though she was sitting right on my lap and I was inside her. Like she was facing me as I was submerged inside her, and she was looking into my eyes. I tried to concentrate on what she was asking me, but it was hard to do, with my mind on what I was feeling.

After that I came up to my apartment and I couldn't get my mind off of her. I couldn't stop thinking about her and what happened. More importantly, I had to feel it some more. I wanted to know what she felt and how she reacted.

I couldn't get a hold of her for awhile, because her dog had gotten loose and she was out looking for him. She told me later, that she wasn't afraid even though it was dark out, because she felt I was with her.

We found out that the connection we had was called “Twin Flames.” Which is a very deep connection between two souls. Two people from far away who can connect and it is a deep love beyond words. I put that love between us into many poems, but even then it goes beyond that. I would go to bed at night, and she would come to me. I want to say I was inside her all the time, but many times she was inside me. We were a part of each other, as One. It was an amazing love. You almost had to experience it to believe it, unless you have a open mind.

Many people always asked why aren't we together, because they only know the physical connection. It's hard to explain to them that she is with me throughout the day and night. They would not understand.

In one of the readings that Angel had in one of the Spiritual Chat rooms, my Mom came through and knows all about her and I. In fact she said she was the one who helped in bringing us together. Even my friend Bob, the Quadriplegic, came through in Spirit and said Angel and I are like “Two Peas In A Pod.” 

Angel and I were very close and would spend many hours together. We would talk on the phone, and in later years we want spend time on Skype. I started reading to her Terry Goodkind's “Sword of Truth” Series, which started with “Wizards First Rule.”

In the years ahead I would go onto many popular Fantasy series including “Lord Of The Rings.” We got to enjoy many great authors in the Fantasy realms, as well as some in the Spiritual. Here are just some of them we have read. 

 We even got into Diana Gabaldon's “Outlander” series, which I enjoy in book form as well as the TV series.

She was always thinking of ways to make my life a little easier. She sent me a container for liquids that kept my drinks cold all day long. She sent me some winter shoes, that are as comfortable as bedroom slippers, to keep my feet warm. She also sent me a Chef's hat, because she thought I would look better with it on, for my Friday Fish Meal pictures.

Not only that, but when I am looking for something online, she would always find it for me. She has a wonderful heart and I love to hear her laugh. I love reading to her every chance we get, because I love my time with her.  I'm so happy she came into my life. 

In 2013 we had our 35^th Class Reunion, and I decided to show up for that. That same night was Escanaba's 150^th Celebration Parade.

I met up with Classmates Jan Kidd-Dahn and Louie Dart over 6^th Avenue North by the Daily Press as we waited for the parade to start. It a while before it got down to the East end of Ludington street.

 Then as we patiently waited for it to be over, it was. Jan's cousin Stacy Kidd came by as well. She was going to the Eagles, and I told her Mary Schmeltzer- Daugherty should be there, as I am getting a ride to the reunion from her. As the parade finally came to an end, I headed over to the Eagles. Everyone was inside, and Stacy Kidd said to go in. I went in but could not find her anywhere. Came out and found Stacy again, and she said to go way back and to the left and around to the new room. That's where I found Mary. After stopping by the bathroom, I thought I lost her again. But she came out and we went the back way to the truck. She was using her brother's truck.

Arrived at the Class Reunion at Ford River Pub N' Grub as the sun was setting. 

 Mary and I went our separate ways. After signing in and being given a name tag with my first name on(from Jayne Pendergraft and Sarah Cassidy), I wandered off to see who was all there. They were giving out Eskymo Drinking Glasses, but didn't buy one for $5. I kind of wished I would have later on.

I walked around getting familiar with the place as I looked at faces all around. Trying to recognize some. Some I did, some I didn't. Dale Pasino, whom I didn't think was going to make it for the Class Reunion, appeared at my side by the Pool Table as I stood there figuring out where to go next. He was wondering how big the bin was that he was bringing back East for me. I described it with my hands. Then he disappeared again.

I looked around some more near the bar. Some may have been Classmates, some may not have been. Kim Cossette-Haveman spotted me with her big smile and came over and held me in a strong embrace and kissed me on the cheek and said she was happy I could be there. She bought me my first drink, a Sierra Mist.

I met several people and shook hands with them and then walked out on the deck in back. Met up with Tina Gafner and Barb Summers and told them about my idea of getting all the Washington School Classmates together for a picture. So I went off gathering all of them, and had a hard time getting them all to come down to the yard for the picture. I got back to Tina and she said she would help gather them. Finally we had them all together and Dana Montgomery's wife Barb took the pictures. I was hoping the pictures turned out with my eyes open, as the flash did go off and my eyes tend to be shut often when the flash goes off. Later I did find out my eyes were open. I just wished I had removed my cap for that picture. Well, at least my eyes were open. In the photo were: Me, Paul Crowe, Rick LaForest, Tina Gafner, Angela D'Antonio, Barb Summers, Back row: Bill Corriveau, Dana Montgomery, Ray King, Mike Bizeau, & Mike Derusha.

Dora Perryman Skradski came over and chatted with me and Connie Mongrain awhile as Fireworks went off behind the Pub and over the Fence in the sky. We chatted about taking pictures.

I headed inside and saw that Jan Kidd and Louie Dart had found a table to sit at. They had just finished eating something they ordered. I sat down there for awhile to visit with them.  Connie Mongrain joined us there as well.

I'd wander off to take pictures only to return to the table a short while later. I'd take random pictures and even got some requests. Dave Jewell who was talking with Mike Harris, asked for a picture of them together. 

 Also Missy Sayklly came over and asked for a group picture of her and the girls (Diane Moran, Missy, Laurie Pascoe, Linda Kemink, and Julie Cloutier). 

                           

 I went around and took more group shots. One of Kelly Curran, John Anthony, & Sue Mongue.

Someone from the committee came over and handed me a Eskymo glass, saying I forgot it. Wow! How did they know I wanted one.

I took several pictures around the bar. Paul Crowe and Debbie LeBlanc

 Dana Montgomery & Connie Shracta

 Ray King & Connie Shracta

I walked out on the deck again taking random pictures. . I did take a picture, but didn't think it best to post. Took pictures of Mikey Dagenais and his wife, and Mikey and Cathy Casey.

Then I returned to the table with Jan, Connie, and Louie. Had pictures of Louie and Jan, Louie and I, Connie & Jan, Jean Van Effen and Jan, Laurie Pascoe and Jan. Brian Lancour with the Gun from the arcade game behind us. Took pictures of Jan, Mary Schmeltzer, and Connie. I called Dana Montgomery over and he and his wife Barb got in on some pictures with Jan. Paul Crowe came over and got in on some pictures separately with me and Jan. At the very end Brian and his wife Lisa came over and I got some pictures taken with Brian. As did Jan. Brian & Lisa sat down and we had a really good visit with them. Lisa told me she was very upset with the picture I took of Brian and Cyndi. I told her I understood and in my mind knew I would not be posting it. Sometimes when you're drinking, you get carried away. 

Louie Dart & I

 Me and Paul Crowe

 Me And Brian Lancour

Unless you're Brian Lancour, in which you get carried away quite often.

It was already 2 AM and the party at our table (Louie, Jan, Connie, and I) decided it was time to head home. 

From 2015 to 2018 I was asked to take pictures at three different Weddings.

            Mike and Bev

   Duke and Heidi

Bill and Janet

    There was a time in 2016, when I wasn't working at all. I think it was the second part of the year, after one of my clients passed. My other client was in a Nursing Home, and I wasn't sure when or if they would be coming home. I decided to float through the year relying on my Income Tax Money.   By January 2017, my Income Tax money was running low, and I was getting scared of what I would do about it. I saw on Facebook an ad for The Senior Companion Program.

 Mom was a Senior Companion back in the 80's. My friend Loretta Iverson, was also a Senior Companion. In January of 2017 I signed up to be a Senior Companion. Everyone must be trained to be one. Watching films and taught what the program was all about. It took eighteen hours. I was training with Leonora DiGenero, a really nice woman. She lessened much of the boring long hours of training. Senior Companion Program is stipend pay.  

After the Training, I was sick for a time. Allergy related I am sure. Linda came by with a schedule for me. This was mid February. Before you can be placed at a Nursing Home or Assisted Living place, you must shadow and be shown how things are done by someone who already is familiar with the place. I shadowed Terry Anderson at Bishop Noa Home on Monday February 13. Terry knew me from my pictures. He said his wife, Jolaine, was a big fan of my photos. We got along really great and got to be great friends. On Wednesday February 15, I shadowed with Sharon Davis at Christian Park Center. A really nice woman, who knew her job well. On Thursday February 16, I trained with Sue Steinhausen, who I knew better as Suzie Dahm. She was a good friend of my sister Nancy's for many years. She had an In Home, which are people you visit One On One, or in other cases, you take them shopping. On Friday February 17, I was placed at Bishop Noa Home. This means it is one of the places I'll be going to on a regular basis. On this day I also shadowed with Abigail Larson at North Woods Place. Abigail is one who likes to know all about you, and she asks a lot of questions. We got to be good friends. I found out in time, she didn't like her picture taken. On February 21, I was placed at North Woods Place. On February 22, I was placed at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone (down the Kipling Road). On February 23, I was placed at Christian Park Center (this is where my friend Loretta Iverson was living at this time).

I found the Senior Companion has several meetings. Every month that have an In Service Meeting.  This one is for all the Senior Companions. It can be on all kinds of topics, and this is where the director, currently Connie Maule, shares with us any upcoming news concerning the Senior Companion Program. 

We celebrate the Birthdays of the month, with a candle lit, and a little cake.

 Everyone sings to them, and their picture is taken. We also have Share The Wealth, where you buy tickets that are drawn, and if your number is drawn, you win some money. There is also the Flower Fund, where as you donate money for those who end up in the Hospital, and we can send them flowers to show our support. A very worthy cause. We often have lunch at each In Service. Sometimes we will celebrate a certain Holiday at an In Service. Such as Christmas, Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, and other events. A Picnic in the summer.

The Component Meeting is held every month as well. This is lead by our assistant director Linda Poulin. This is all about the In Homes. In this meeting we find out just how everything is going with the In Homes. These are the people you go to see in their homes. The Program is pushing this as top priority, because these people are alone, and Companionship is most important.

The next Meetings are called On Site Meetings. These are done every three months at the sites you are at (Nursing Homes, and Assisted Living). This is where the Directors and the Companions get to share privately with Assistant Director Linda Poulin, any issues, concerns, or complaints. Each have an individual meeting first, and then later, we all gather to discuss the issues, concerns, or complaints. It is so we are all more comfortable in the work environment. Many times, there are no issues, concerns, or complaints. This means all is going well.

In April of every year, the Sites (Nursing Homes, and Assisted Living) have a Recognition of all their Volunteers, by having a special little Celebration in honor of them.

North Woods Place

 Christian Park Center and Village

 Bishop Noa Home

In October or November of each year they have a Recognition Day out at the Island Resort for the Senior Companions. Senior Companions are honored by the Senior Companion Program, the Activity Directors, and several other guests. They are honored by the years of service. Pictures are taken of each year, and later, all of the Senior Companions. The Daily Press photographer takes pictures to put in the paper.

Also in November, the Senior Companions are given a Physical by the Bay College Nursing students, which is free. The students always do a great job.

On June 22, 2017 while delivering Meals On Wheels, they found Clyde on the floor. They called Jim & Colleen. He was taken to OSF in Escanaba. He was too big for the machine, so they had to transfer him to Green Bay. Family said it could be a worse stroke than before. His oxygen level was falling. His left side is paralyzed. He can't open his eyes. He had orders not to be resuscitated or put on Life Support. He could respond at first with his left hand, but after awhile he quit doing it. They planned to ship him to Christian Park in Escanaba June 29 in the morning, but his oxygen level dropped and his heart quit beating.

Clyde had been the oldest in the family, until Jeannie found us in 1999. (he took this picture and wasn't in it)

 Born on July 30, 1943. He was into photography when I was just a kid still in diapers. In the Navy he traveled and got to see many places and meet many famous people. 

 In a German Band in Germany, many thought he was German. 

 He was the driving force of this family,

 and always sent money back to help anyone who wanted to take up an instrument in Band Class. He played the Tuba and Bass. His nickname on e-mail was bassplr which stood for bass player. His real name was Vernon Clyde Sivertsen. Friends called him “Si,” but we knew him best as Clyde. Whenever somebody at home got out of line, he would talk to them on the phone.

When I returned from Washington state in 2004, I stayed with him for a few months (see 2004 earlier in this story). 

 We gathered for Penny Poker several times a year. 

 He also gave me his old Panasonic Lumix camera in 2011 and that got me into some great photography. Whenever I e-mailed him my photos he would let me know if they were crooked and needed straightening. Sometimes my pictures were so good, he couldn't believe they were mine. He always backed me up by saying I'm doing a great job with the camera.

I didn't get to Gladstone much on my own, but when I did I would stop. Once he gave me two tablets he didn't want anymore. A Kindle and a Nexus.

He also had two birds. Here's one of them.  (he took this picture)

The last time I stopped to see him was on June 29, 2016. He was showing me all these gadgets they were coming out with. He was always interested in new technology. He had Alexa in his kitchen, bathroom, and living room, and she responded to the voice. He had me trying it out, and Alexa played the Beatles for me.

I wanted a picture of him and I together. He had a blanket on his lap and he said “But Bud, there's nothing underneath.” I told him “Just keep it covered and you'll be okay.”

Here's a picture of me with Clyde from around 1999

On July 2, 2017 All of Clyde's siblings and other relatives gathered at Jim & Colleen's camp to figure out what to do following his death. Jay & Marge brought Rich (aka Dick) with them from Wisconsin. Cheryl was there too.

Here's Rich, Jay, & Jim

 Here's Rich & I

 Here's Rich  & Nancy

Clyde's Brothers: John, Jay, Rich, Bud, & Jim

Clyde's Siblings: John, Jim, Jay, Bud, Cheryl, Nancy, & Rich

Here's the whole family who gathered here 

Here's a tribute in pictures to my brother Clyde.

Loretta LAFAVE – IVERSON April 12, 1926 - March 8, 2018

When I first met Loretta in 2004 when I moved into the Harbor Tower, I was a skinny man. It was later that year I had gained weight, and we became friends. She didn't realize the skinny me, was still me. She asked me if I had a brother who lived here. She already knew my brother Terry, but it wasn't him. Several years later we would laugh about her thinking me and my look alike brother lived there.

We would get together with friends at the Harbor Tower and play a game of GREED dice down in the pool room. 

Or a game of Cribbage. 

 It was always fun. She loved to work on Jigsaw puzzles, and it was there that we met Eddie, a shy young man with a caring heart. We both were taken with him and he became a dear friend. She became a Senior Companion sharing her smiling face and wonderful spirit with others who needed the uplifting. 

 We made it a habit of every Friday having our Fish dinner together. I did the cooking and she would come over and enjoy it. I always enjoyed her company. She would bring something sweet for dessert.

After several times losing her balance and falling, she moved into the Christian Park Center. She didn't understand why her family had abandoned her. But it was for her safety.  

While there she touched many people. How could anyone not love this happy lady, with the wonderful outlook on life. She had a wonderful roommate, Audrey Hay. As a Senior Companion myself, every time I arrived there, she would tell me Audrey's family had taken her under their wings and treated her like part of her family. Audrey told me just today, “she has touched so many people here at Christian Park Center.” Every time I left Loretta on Fridays, she would give me a hug and a kiss. She always told me, I was the son she never had.

As a dear friend, she was so full of life. She now carries that love that was so much a part of who she is, over to the Spirit World. She will be a most welcomed Soul in Heaven. Love you Loretta!  ^j^

In memory of Loretta LaFave-Iverson, here are some pictures I took through our life together.

On Friday June 29, 2018 I rode my bike up to North town and to Chenier's Reef for the first night of our 40th Class Reunion (Class Of 1978)

I walked into the bar and it was crowded and very hot in there.

I worked my way to the back and started taking some pictures.

 But the lighting was darker than what I planned. Luckily for me, three women saw me and asked if I would take their picture outside. So I followed them outside. Then more joined them, so I took the group shot, and a short video.

Mingled with some people. Leona Young (aka Naomi Love) was there standing chatting with Tim Dittrich.

Also Cheryl Casey Schorr (aka “Blue Suede”) and had our picture taken together.

We talked a little bit. I stayed outside taking pictures of Renee (Meiers) and her husband,

Barb Miller and her hubby,

and many more as well as some video snips.

 Dora Perryman-Skradski and Mary LeMire-Williams

Mosquitoes got bad, so I went in. Chatted in back with Mike Dagenais and Mary LeMire-Williams. Took some pictures by the light back there.

Mike Harris and group of Classmates wanted their picture taken. So they were back in the shadows. I wanted them to move closer to the light for a better picture. It was so funny, they looked at me, and moved an inch closer. I said, a little closer, so very slowly they moved closer. I smiled, but inside I was laughing. It was like they were afraid of the light. I wondered if drinking does this to people.

I had many hugs from the women and handshakes from the men, saying they love what I do with pictures and the Class page. Ann Rudden Larson even hugged me and thanked me for what I do as a Senior Companion.

   Many offered to give me a ride home. I wasn't drinking alcohol, so it didn't matter. I rode bike home many times in the dark. Yet many Classmates were worried and offered me rides home. I sneaked out and took off on my bike. The wind was cool, and it felt nice. The moon looked full. All in all, the second Class Reunion I've attended and I enjoyed it. But it wasn't over yet. Tomorrow night we meet at the Eagles, which is not far at all. Just across the street.

 On Saturday June 30, 2018 I walked over to the Eagles Club for the second night of our 40th Class Reunion (Class of 1978), and found my way to the room where all the Classmates were. Got to sign in with a colored marker.

I looked over the Memorial to those who have passed away.

I sat at a table with Mike Derusha and his wife, as well as Connie Mongrain. Leona Young (aka Naomi Love) gave me a wrapped gift. Had Turkey for supper, and more. Later they raffled off a Esky Quilt made by Lori Feldhusen. And a 50/50 drawing. Also High School Trivia. Took many pictures.

Mikey Dagenais the Bartender (Ray King was one as well)

 Mary Schmeltzer-Doherty and her man

 A visual meeting with a Classmate from afar (Jo-Ellen Fitanté)

 Jerry Guindon, master of Ceremonies

 Friends from Washington School (Me, Mike"Mushy" Derusha, and Ray King.  Ray and I are the only ones who wore our 40th Class Reunion T-Shirts that we received the night before.

 Brian Lancour and I

 Me, Laurie Judson-Copeland, & Tom Derusha

I was taking many. Leona Young was taking many. Angela D'Antonio was taking many. Beth Bengry was taking several. It was fun, and they started clearing up, and people were leaving. I decided it was time for me to leave. The Second day of our 40^th Class Reunion was fun! I'll be back in 2023.

 The Senior Companion Program saw all the Senior Companions being recognized for their Volunteer work out at the Island Resort. Here is a group shot of all of us.

On November 29, 2019 a very special man passed away. A good man he was. As I write my poetry, I'm taken back in memories. In Senior High School I had Robert Thibault. What sets him apart from others is, he was always nice to me. I wasn't very good in sports, but he was always there to let know, as long as I tried, that is all that mattered. We would always talk, and he liked that. I was inspired by him to write a poem in honor of him. I wanted him to read it, so I found his address and sent it to him. On April 4, 2010 he called me from Florida where he was staying at the time. He told me he loved the poem that I wrote, as well as the other ones I included. He said he will be in touch and would like to meet up with me when he is back in the area. On June 2, 2010 we met up at Elmer's Restaurant, and had a really nice visit. He knew my brother Dick (aka Rich) and called him “Dicky.” I had his wife Eleanor "Elly" take a picture of us together outside of Elmer's Restaurant. 

 I'd see him after that and he would always smile and say hello.  

Mardi Gras 2020 at North Woods Place saw Me, Don Sayklly, & Rose Koszla enjoying the event 

And then the fun stopped!

The year 2020 saw a threat that would effect the whole world. It started in China, and soon spread everywhere. The Corona Virus, or as they call it COVID19. 


 People who were out and about were told to stay inside, and away from people. Crowds were the worst. Keep your distant, wash your hands, and people were hoarding toilet paper and foods at the stores. Scary!

This put my Senior Companion job to a stop. Not sure where this is going, but right now, it's a threat that could take anyone and has already taken so many.  

I haven't known anyone personally, but I know someone who is close who has had people close, who have passed from it. And yet as the threat is here, so many refuse to wear masks. Governor Whitmer enforced it as a law that everyone must wear a mask in a public place.

As for this disease that has affected many. On July 19 2020 also brought the tragic death of my Great Niece Desirae Ferguson (Lori's daughter, and Nancy's Granddaughter). She was a model and was only 28 years old. They said the cause was heart disease.

The Funeral was at Allo and I attended it. Everyone wore masks. I wrote a poem which I made copies of and put on display for people to take.

~

Desirae

© by Bud Lemire on July 21, 2020

Desirae

Why did you go away

Was it your time to go?

I'd really like to know

You were too young to leave

So many left behind to grieve

It's another sad year

I wish you were here

You'll shine in the light

As always, you'll be quite a sight

Angels and family will welcome you

Some relatives you probably never knew

“God, my Great Niece is there”

“Please give her the best of care”

“She wasn't suppose to die”

“When she passed, it made people cry”

She's in good hands, this I know

Another Angel in Heaven, with a bright glow

She'll be with her Great Grandmother, and Great Uncles too

So I know they will guide her, in everything she'll do

Until we meet again, sweet Desirae

Your smile will be remembered, every day

Desirae, thank you so much for being a part of my life.

You grew into a beautiful woman. I know your spiritual

presence will still be a part of our lives here on Earth.

Even though your physical presence would have been

much better. Those closest to you will need time to

grieve. They will miss you very much. I know in time

you will let them know, that the love you shared with

them here on Earth, continues from Heaven. And they

will feel your touch and know, you are never far away.

And you'll be guiding them as they continue to journey

through their lives.

~

On August 9, 2020 saw the death of my brother Dick (AKA Richard “Rich” Sivertsen).

A few years ago was the last time I saw him, at a gathering at Jim's place in Stonington. We gathered to talk about what we were going to do when Clyde passed. Dick was a Coach down in Georgetown Texas, and he touched many people. He sure came a long way from the man we knew way back years ago.

Here's a poem I wrote for him.

~

My Brother Rich

© by Bud Lemire on Aug 9, 2020

Another brother has left this plane

No longer sick, no longer in pain

I'm taken back to a time long ago

To this same brother, who I came to know

We called him Dick, and each time he'd come to stay

With John and I, he had a nickname to say

John was Pauncho Villa, and he called me Deadhead

He would pick us each up, and that's what he said

Athletic, sports was always his aim

He'd take us occasionally, to a baseball game

When he was in Escanaba, he'd get together with Mark

He'd be off with his friends, until long after dark

He'd hang out at the Meisner's, where he would stay

Any time he happened, to come up this way

When he attended a Class Reunion, a few years ago

He stopped by to see me, it was a special hello

I recall through the peep hole, I saw a fist

It was my brother Rich, who belonged to that wrist

A gathering at Stonington, was the next place he'd be

Surrounded by family, he was so good to see

A coach and a health teacher, he touched quite a few

He was a brother, that I was so glad I knew

Now he's been taken home, to be with his Mother

I'm proud to say, that he was my brother

He always called me Deadhead when I was young. He

really came a long way in life and accomplished so much.

I'm so happy he stopped to see me at the Harbor Tower.

Now as he makes the transition into spirit. I shall say a prayer

to carry him further into the light, in the presence of his

loved ones there. To know he will be watching over his

loved ones here on Earth, and guiding them with his spiritual

presence. Be aware, a smell, a sound, a memory, that is him.

~

Then on September 19, 2020, a friend to all here in Escanaba, passed away.  Dyrk Trout, who was always open to a good chat.  

In Memory of our friend Dyrk Trout. It wouldn't be a day in the park or at Monday's Music concert without seeing Dyrk. At the concerts he would be sitting in the back, and I would pull up on my bike and we would chat. He would get there early some days and be reading a book until it began. I remember so many times riding my bike, and he would wave me down. He loved chatting, and we talked about music and an assortment of subjects. Yes, he was a very smart guy, and had a great open minded way of looking at things. He'd be at the Fair every day, and I could always count on him to take a picture of me when I needed him to. The last CD I made for him was by a group called “Vampire Weekend” and he really enjoyed it. He would be at all the local events, as long as the weather was going to be good. I remember one year at the Fair, I walked home with him in the rain. We got soaked! I told him, he had further to go and would get more wet than I. When I lived in the old family home back in the 80's and 90's, he lived in a green house on the same block. He was a great man, and now...he can walk and dance in Heaven. He shall be missed at all the events, The Fair, the Concerts, etc. But I know he's in a great place. By the way, he use to come to my page whenever I had Trout on Fridays, and he would say "I approve This Post." Whenever I attend a future event, concert, I know Dyrk will be there with me in spirit. 

Dyrk

© by Bud Lemire on Aug 8, 2012

There is this man I've known for quite awhile

Like many you know, he has his own unique style

He doesn't stand, in fact he usually sits

If you ever chat with him you'll notice his wits

You'll see him rolling along in his wheelchair

All over Escanaba, I've seen him everywhere

I always stop to talk with him wherever I'll be

His knowledge of many subjects is shared with me

He wears a battle hat used in Panama in 1989

He's wearing that hat, all of the time

That's how you'll know him if you ever see

A man rolling along in his chair, that's who he'll be

On Facebook, to some, his comments may seem rude

But I've known him for awhile, and know his attitude

He's very open minded on what we talk about

Nothing fishy there, he's an exceptionally good Trout

Music is discussed whenever we stop to chat

Then we'd part our ways, wherever we're at

Just wanted to honor this friend that I know

With a poem that I wrote for a wonderful soul

Hey Dyrk (Trout), just wanted to let you know one more time

what a great friend you are to me and many others. Thanks.

Covid was still around, and us Senior Companions were set up to write letters to the residents of the Nursing Homes we visited. Some of In Homes we could call and visit on the phone with them. That way we would still get paid. I continued with my job as a Personal Care Aide at night.

It was around November 9, 2020, that I had the chills. Since my client had a nice little heater, I decided to get me one. I didn't like being cold and that rarely happens to me.

 I felt very tired at this time as well. A bit of nausea, but I held that off with some mint tea. I had the cramps as well. I thought maybe because I didn't have my Flu shot yet, that maybe I had the Flu. My Cousin Karen who was keeping tabs on me, talked me into going in to be tested at OSF on Friday November 13. It would take a few days to get the results. On Wednesday November 18, OSF called and said I was POSITIVE and do have Covid. My brother John and his daughter Theresa offered to do my shopping for me one Friday. So they went to Wal-Mart and then to Elmer's and brought me my presciptions and groceries. It was really nice of them.

My brother Jay called to talk with me. My friend Basil called to check on me. My sister Nancy called to check on me. My brother John kept checking daily as well, to see how I was doing. During the next week following, my appetite was returning, and I was eating stuff. It's odd, I had lost over 15 pounds while I had Covid, and with my appetite coming back, I was gaining it all back again.

The thing is, I really don't know how it got Covid. I wore a mask always, washed my hands, and took all the precautions. Somehow it snuck by me. They told me my client was tested and he was Negative for Covid. At least we kept it away from him.

One thing I find that people who have had Covid will experience after having it. It effects the mind, and has been known to bring on memory problems. For me they are just little things, such as putting my glasses on to go into the shower, and then thinking, “wait, I don't need these.” Also Panic attacks, an overwhelming fear that makes your heart race for no reason. Or just a fear of a common thing you've done for years with no problems. For me washing my hair after Covid was not easy, as the water was going over my head, I felt very nervous. A few days later, it faded, which I was happy for.

Not celebrating Thanksgiving at my sister Nancy's because of Covid, after Thanksgiving, I put a Turkey Roast in the Crockpot and it turned out really good. It was one of the meals that I divulged in as my appetite returned.

These days beside the mask, I also wear gloves when I go somewhere. Because I don't know who disenfected what, so I am just playing it safe. I am almost back to normal, but still take things slow, and rest often. You find out, you are only human, and can not push to be Superman. You must rest when you need to, eat, and take things slow. After all, I'm not getting any younger.  

After Covid Symptoms

For the people who have had Covid, there are repercussions from having it. After effects that last long after it's gone. Since I am one who had it, I can tell you what the ones I know are. Having talked with someone who was on a ventilator, I can tell you what those are. These reactions to having Covid, weren't there before Covid hit us, but came after.

THE MIND - Seems very hard to concentrate; Hard to remember some things. While watching TV/ reading a book, etc. You can't seem to focus on it. Many times you will have to reread something several times to get it right.

It's a foggy mind, and thank goodness I can walk through the fog to where my knowledge is stored. But for some, it is not as good. Sometimes dementia appears. Nightmares at night. Confusion.

PANIC ATTACKS – Not everyone will admit it, but these do happen. I will be the first to admit I have them. Before I had Covid, I was nervous, but now it is out of control. People who have had Covid after it is over, will find that they don't like being in enclosed places, where there are too many people, blankets too close to their face, and some even get panicked if the mask is on for too long, and pouring water over your head to wash your hair. I know sometimes I do. Before I had Covid, not at all. It can come on for no reason at all. Normally I just walk it off. If you had a fear of something just a little before, after having Covid, it might increase.

For the lucky ones who have fought their way back from being on the ventilator, it is much worse. For those who just had the Flu symptoms and weren't on the ventilator, they'll still have them, but not as many or as harsh.

Sometimes you will also have hot flashes throughout the day as well.

I share this with you, to let you know if you have had Covid and are experiencing any of these symptoms after awhile after having Covid, these are normal from having Covid, and you aren't alone.

I am sure there are many more, but these are the ones I have come across up until this point in time. I think knowledge when put out there, will help many.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Order 2020 – 192

With the recent uptick in coronavirus cases in Upper Michigan, the governor has decided to move the U.P. (Region 8) back a phase in her MI Safe Start Plan, beginning Oct. 9.

Upper Michigan has been in Phase 5, known as Containing, for quite some time. But, recent growth in cases along with deaths, has prompted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to move the U.P. to Phase 4, known as Improving.

This version of Phase 4 has many changes compared to the version of Phase 4 in the governor’s original plan.

The executive order will go into effect Friday, October 9 at 12:01 a.m., although given the surge in cases everyone should make this transition as swiftly as possible. The move to Phase 4 will require people who can perform work remotely to do so, require schools to enforce mask requirements with limited exceptions, and place limits on social gatherings and stores that match those in place in most of the state, among other changes.

“After seeing the increase in cases in the U.P. region over the past several weeks and consulting with medical experts, I have decided to take action to protect U.P. families and move the region back a phase. I know this is hard. I know it will be an adjustment. But we can’t let our guard down,” said Governor Whitmer. “COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our families, frontline workers, and small businesses. Everyone should implement these changes as swiftly as possible. This virus doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, a Republican or a Democrat, young or old. No one is immune. Right now the most effective weapon we have is pretty simple: it’s wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth. It’s washing your hands with soap and water. And maintaining six feet of physical distance from one another. Let’s all be smart and stay safe.”

“The governor is taking necessary action today to protect families, frontline workers, and vulnerable populations in the U.P. region,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “We will continue to monitor the spread and work together to fight this virus. With the 2020-2021 flu season fast approaching, we must also stay laser-focused on protecting ourselves and our loved ones. Get your flu vaccine, wear a mask, and maintain six feet of physical distancing. We will get through this together.”

Although the Upper Peninsula had very low numbers from March through most of June, the region’s numbers began rising in late June, persisted at an elevated level through mid-September, and then began sharply increasing at that time, giving it right now the most concerning numbers in the state. The most recent case rate, adjusting for lag, has the region with 283 absolute cases per million and 5.1% positivity.

The governor’s order will implement the following changes in the Upper Peninsula:

People who can perform their work remotely will be required to do so;

Social gatherings and organized events will be subject to the new Phase 4 limits in Executive Order 2020-183: indoor residential – 10 people or less; indoor non-residential may allow more, depending on the size of the facility and subject to formulas in the order.

Stores of less than 50,000 square feet must limit number of people in store, including employees, to 25 percent of total occupancy limits. Stores of 50,000 square feet or more must limit customers to no more than 20 people per 1,000 square feet of customer floor space, and allow 2 hours of week dedicating shopping time for vulnerable populations.

Schools must require face coverings at certain times, including in the classroom, among other requirements.

Visit my other Blogs

My Life 2 (continuing my Life)

https://budlem2.blogspot.com/2021/12/my-life-2.html

The Beauty Of The Upper Peninsula Of Michigan (my Photos)

https://budlem.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR33OfaFbJyP0AJEDus9PQlOK13Ro0AorEqcnCaGPJ4RTrM3MEH_CP4Sd-k

Bud's Poetry With Pictures

https://budlem2001.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR2FuXnnCIFw9dxkMfH0F-uvEJxDzgu1_wCnFx65Gnaj7I9rjl8QjZ559Cs

Bud's Poetry By Category

https://poetrybycategory.blogspot.com/2023/11/introduction-to-my-poems.html

My Life: Fun & Music

https://budlem21.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR1z9YAGDFtJE-STCA8Bcc9x8qPLBCUw8u2ZMes3ejgbhmMtPzrjJbho6a8

Footprints In The Snow (my Ancestry aka Genealogy)

https://budlem121.blogspot.com/2020/04/footprints-in-snow.html

My Dad: Clarence Leo Lemire

https://clarencelemire1221.blogspot.com/2021/04/my-dad-clarence-leo-lemire.html

2061 (A Covid Futuristic Story)

https://budlem2021.blogspot.com/2021/12/2061-i-wake-up-and-i-am-cold.html

My Spiritual Journey

https://budlem12160.blogspot.com/2022/12/my-spiritual-journey.html

Filemma

https://filemma21.blogspot.com/2023/02/filemma.html