Thursday, January 18, 2024
Vacations in Iowa with my cousin Sharla
When we were kids, we’d lay on my aunt and uncle’s front lawn and try to count the stars in the sky. We’d go to the park to swing on the swings and giggle when it felt like the poles were pulling out of the ground because we swung so high. We’d chase and catch fireflies. We ran barefoot, ate maid-rites, drank mountain dew. With me being a city kid, there was something magical about doing these things and Shar would get a kick out of doing them with me.
As teenagers we listened to music, went roller skating (that girl could skate!), caught movies at the drive-in and traded in chasing fireflies for chasing boys. We didn’t always catch them, but we sure had fun trying. I learned the art of cruising the town square – over. and over. and over. in her beloved VW Bug – until we rested on the monument steps when friends gathered. Sharla was very generous in introducing her friends to me and we did many fun, silly and sometimes questionable shenanigans together.
Then came marriage and her babies were born. Even then we remained close and spent much time together during my visits. Our teenage antics turned to adult-like activities. We loved spending time with our grandmother and families. House gatherings, family reunions, Maytag and Sunset parks, yard darts and of course, we continued to cruise the town square, only now with Mia and Brice in tow. Some traditions just stick!
Sharla was a free spirit, beat to her own drum and had a heart of gold. Family meant the world to her. When she loved, she loved intensely. If she met you once, you were a friend…until you weren’t. Then watch out :). I loved all these things about her.
I pray my cousin is at peace in the arms of the Lord and surrounded by all our loved ones that have gone before her. I know that’s what she would want.
Love you forever Sha-Sha Kay. I will continue to cruise the town square on future visits with you in mind.
Debi
