Just in case anyone cares, wonders, or even remembers me, here's my excuses for not being around much. Grab a drink and a snack. this may take awhile. <---- #1 Ever since having my old junky cars and the 1955 Chevy wagon shipped from our retirement home in NW Florida back to wonderful central Illinois, I've wondered who, where and when, all three vehicles became short block cars. They all ran and were mostly used trouble free all over Florida regularly. I concluded that during temporary breakdowns by the call hauler, someone borrowed my Chevy engine parts. I first blamed our own adopted son, a Chevy owner, lover, and hot rodder. He has me convinced that he actually drove them to where they were loaded on the transport open trailer. Also those 3-cars were clean and loaded in 90+ degree sunny weather. My son-in-law hauled a 4th on an open trailer and got home the next day, dry, shiny, and as we'd left it. The 3-on the open car trailer were several weeks late and arrived after a snow storm, freezing weather, and covered with road salt. The car hauler traded trucks and had several break downs along the way. There were many times and places for new shiny Chevy engine parts to wander off! Not only are the engines minus parts, the cars look like what you'd find after a snow storm or a vehicle left on a deserted island in salt water. We couldn't find anyone we trust to get them looking good and on the road again. #2 My wife and I returned to our hometown because of health reasons. That's my excuse for still not doing anything to my old sad looking cars. I spent most of my time taking care of Dollie and keeping her company. #3 This is my biggest excuse for not checking in on the forum much. I have a broken heart. My wife and best friend of just short of 62 years went to heaven Sept 8th. We've know each other 64 years. Dollie fell in her bedroom early July 9th, sprained her right ankle, reinjured her bad spine, hit her head which bled a lot, dislocated her right shoulder ...... and broke her right hip. X-Rays etc showed she also had a nonworking heart valve, a hernia pressing against her lungs, and her kidneys temporarily shut down. During all of that time, Dollie couldn't move and ate very little. It was a slow downhill from July 9th till Sept 8th when the Angels took her away. She never complained. We have few old friends left here in Illinois and in Florida where we'd retired for 22 years. Yet, all of them, our neighbors, who we really never got to know, and our kids have been here way more than I expected. Dollie was a homemaker, a tough job, somehow raised our kids right! Seems like at least one and a grand daughter or grandson is here every day. With the neighbors, my little family has been making sure I eat well and don't starve to death. We didn't get to know our neighbors because Dollie and I couldn't get out much. So a hello and a wave was all we shared. Yet they are here for me now. Life goes on. The house gets cleaned, the yard mowed, groceries bought, mail carried in, and so much more, without asking. I'd recently bought another new Keurig one cup pot, this time a white one. Yesterday, I spent lunch time at our local park with the oldest son and our only daughter. When we got back to my lonely home, a shiny new white and silver microwave was there to match the coffee maker. There was nothing wrong with the old microwave. It was black and stainless. It matched the rest of the kitchen appliances. I use the microwave daily for my meals on wheels and other things. (I' m not a cook) But because I didn't cover things and was too lazy to wash it out, the kids got a new one! I liked the old microwave but I have to admit, the new one looks and performs so much better. Even Dollie with her short term dementia would have had less trouble with the new white microwave. It's little things like this, and my nearly 6 yr old grand daughter baby sitting ME for over 2-hours while her daddy went shopping at Menards that's keeping me going and actually smiling. When my grandparents died, then my parents, it was sad. But I believe I took it well. I'm 2-years older than Dollie. I expected me to die first. She had lots of surgeries over the years. But she was tough, rarely complained about pain, even after her spine collapsed and popped with movement. Dollie was walking around the house, using walls and furniture for support, even doing some cleaning, getting me snacks, fixing meals in the old microwave, and doing the few dishes we'd have. I'd keep after her to do those things and have to remind her where dishes and things go. But she always got the job done. I'd get her to do those little things to keep her mind and body active. Both of our bedrooms are very near the bathroom door. I always left the light on so Dollie could get up during the night. Some dementia patients get lost in their own home and forget people's names, and more. The only things Dollie forgot were short term things, like did we eat and what did we eat? But she'd visit with old friends and they'd talk about things from 60 years ago or in grade school. Just a simple fall, a broken hip, is all it takes when older. I always begged Dollie not to fall. Her legs seemed to go weak. After hip surgery, she still never walked again, or ate much. We knew for over a month, her time was growing near. With the Covid we couldn't even visit until near the end. She was no trouble. I couldn't see leaving her there alone in a nursing home. Between our kids and Hospice, we had a hospital bed, oxegen machine, etc in our living room. I'd kissed Dollie goodbye, she told me "I'll always love you" and she knew she was coming home from the nursing home tomorrow, Wednesday. I even had the ambulance scheduled to drive to the end of our short 'Memory Lane' after the one mile drive from the nursing home. (Yes,we live on Memory lane.) Dollie didn't make it less than one more day. She passed piecefully in her sleep late Tuesday . Dollie loved Dolly Parton. For weeks I played a Dolly song "She's an Angel, let her Fly.... let her fly." Dollie was broken and tired, we were ready for her to fly. These comments help me. I've cried very little, so far. We all feel relieved now. At first I thought this wasn't right. But with each new day, we all feel relieved that Dollie flew away. We 're not religeous in the ways of many. But we've always believed in Angels and that someone has watched over us. I'll slowly come back to this forum and a few camping groups. But since my station wagon has been not running and we sold our RV, I don't have a lot to write on those sites. Thanks for caring. Everyone needs friends and family. I'm happy to be home with mine.
62 years. That’s quite a testimonial. You and Dollie had wonderful run. My dad was two years older than my mom, and he out lived her for 4 years. I think it is tougher on the man to loose his wife. Just seems out of the order of things. Moving back to your roots in Central Illinois now seems like you were prophetic. I don’t think of myself as a very religious person, but I like to think I’m a spiritual being. I know it sounds trite to say things happen for reasons, but I do believe that you and Dollie will be reunited at some point. It also speaks volumes that family and friends have rallied around you, and that your grand kids are there for you. Sadly that is more the exception today than the norm. Good luck, and Gods speed to you. So looking forward to seeing you on the Forum and hearing more of your stories and insights. You have more followers than you know!
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I can only imagine how difficult it is to lose someone you've shared so much of your life with. It's very heartening to hear how your family and neighbours are helping out and giving you some support. I'm glad you checked in as I was just wondering the other day what has become of you and several other members we have not heard from for some time.
You bring tears to my eyes as I know I will be going thru the same thing in the next few years. Seems like we have doctor's appts. every week for something. The wife has fallen several times already and suffered a mild concussion once. The last time was from vertigo caused by a sinus infection. She only has one kidney and the first round of antibiotics didn't clear it up, so she started a 2nd round of a stronger one. These put her in near kidney failure and in the meantime developed an abcessed tooth and can't take anymore. The dentist is working on it internally to clear up that infection before he can do a root canal. Life catches up with you eventually. All my family is gone save one son and a granddaughter. Hang in there. The time of the baby boomers is rapidly coming to a close.
So sorry to hear about Dollie's passing, T - my most sincere condolences. Seems you two were meant for each other, like peanut butter and jelly. I'll soon be 69, and I'm starting to think about what our 'end years' will be like. Wife and both have some medical issues, but we're still moving around, if a step or two slower. Feel free to PM me any time. I'm on the computer a lot (wifey says too much....) Marshall
ModelT1, you have my sincerest condolences. I am sorry for your loss. Your lifetime of happiness together is an inspiration. Regards, Steve
I'll take the easy way out and thank you all in this one reply. Dollie and I moved closer to our kids because we knew life was growing short and we were having health issues. As many of you know, the golden years are not easy! I bought this little house on Memory Lane over five years ago from 1100 miles away on the internet. Dollie loved the street name and the Grandfather clock among the other additional things I bought with the house. We wouldn't leave our piece of paradise in the boonies of Florida. We were not near an ocean and 35 miles from the Gulf. A one mile walk through a forest and we'd be way down upon the Suwannee river. Yet we had everything we needed. Our kids acttually kidnapped us and in two short days, we got rid of almost all material things, listed our five acre place, and came back to the little house I bought on line. Both of us used a walker and never expected to live a full year. June 28th was four years together on Memory Lane. Our three kids said they'd take care of us. They sure did and are still taking care of me! Ours was a fairy tale love story. Dollie loved everything I did and went everywhere I chose, even moving to the boonie of Florida. Even way before moving, she'd dig through junk yards, swap meets, flea markets and farm sales, removing rusty greasy junk for one of our cars. Dollie would wade through mud, weeds, and pet junk yard dogs just for an old bracket or license plate. She did very little actual work on our cars. But seemed to know every part for every car I owned and found them for me. She'd bring drinks, food, and tools on a hot afternoon or late at night, checking to see if I was still alive under a car. We went to every cruise nite, car or bike event, and even vacationed in one of our classic cars. Many vacations involved a bike, car event, or car museum. I don't know why, but Dollie chose me at 15 years old. I was 17 and had no idea what love was. She'd force me to say "I love you". That last afternoon Dollie said in a weak barely understandable voice "I'll always love you". I blew her a kiss. She said "You missed my lips." I was barely able, but I leaned over and kissed her, knowing it was goodbye. I learned what love was from that hillybilly farmer's daughter from Minnesota. About a month ago I accidentally played a song on the Alexa thing. Dolly Parton was her favorite. We met her long ago while camping near Gatlinburg. Both Dollie's (Dolly's) looked and acted much alike. Yes, we found out her real name was DOLLY. Eight miles north of the Parton cabin was a cabin and a dirt road with our last name. The song was "She's an Angel, let her Fly, let her Fly by Dolly, Tammy, and Loretta. Dollie was suffering, slowly dying in a nearby nursing home. We were ready to let her fly. She was coming home on the next day! That song meant so much to me. I still play it a few times every day, as I sit at the table where the Alexa screen is. We had to change the name from Alexa to "Computer" because Dollie kept calling it Alex, like her favorite Weather Underground weather gal. Sorry, once I start writing or talking about Dollie, I just ramble on. I did bring back four of our favorite cars. But, family photos, cars, parts, furniture, etc. were left behind or given away. We discovered we didn't need all of those material things. Family and friends are far more important. It's strange to say God Bless You All and write that we are not religeous. Yet, God Bless You. This is Station Wagon Forums. Get out and drive or work on those wagons. We're all runnin out of time. I never thought I'd have to put a photo like this on an obituary. Dollie stood out at Mardi Gras, Fantasy Fest, at biker bars, school events, and everywhere we went. You won't see wings in this photo. But Dollie was an Angel to many.
I would have loved to have had a beer with that lady. Bet she had a story or two. Thanks for posting her picture!
My absolutely sincerest condolences to you. I've been a bachelor my whole adult life because I can't find a woman who'll love me for who I am. So I look at others, family members, friends, and see the love they have for each other, as well as my own parents. My mother and father were three years apart, but Mom passed this last August 22nd, 22 years ago from a broken heart herself, when her firstborn, my big brother Fred, was murdered. Her doctor told Dad that her obesity, her having had polio as a child, her other illnesses and smoking were all contributing factors, but we know better. Dad lost his best friend on a peaceful morning, the way Mom wanted to go, in bed, with Dad beside her. Fortunately, Dad was able to find a reason to go on, doting on his seven granddaughters, one grandson, and two great-grandsons, as well as helping us kids in our lives and palling around with me, two old sailors as drinking buddies, chewing the fat and telling sea stories. He passed 19 1/2 years after she did, and though they were only married 43 years until her death, they were each others' bestest friends, most sensuous lovers and closest confidantes, but Dad found a way to keep going till he passed.
I feel lucky that both of my parents are still going strong (80's), they still work around their home and either load the camper on the truck or hook up the trailer and head into the mountains to fish, hunt or prospect. Two years ago they both under went Lasik in order to keep doing the things they love .
I didn't want to post this topic. It's personal and has nothing to do with station wagons. Again, I'll touch on most of your replies. I was wrong. We are all station wagon owners, or lovers, but we all seem to have our stories and our love for family and friends. I've shed few tears so far. But these comments make my eyes water. As Red Green said "We're all in this together. Keep your stick on the ice." We were never really drinkers. Few here know that liquer made my wife's clothes fall off. She wasn't always an Angel. That's why I loved her like the Devil. Therefore, as we went to many events, she was limited to two glasses of wine or two beers. We'd have gladly shared a glass with any member here. We'd planned on driving the station wagon to meet members. We only had lunch with one. We did meet many bikers at bike events and by accident on many vacations and car or bike events. Same with the street rod crowd. We'd bump into many in places we'd never expect to meet. Sadly we never accidently met any other Station Wagon friends. Had my wife not tricked me into dating her, I may have spent my life alone. Few women could put up with my addiction to old cars, motorcycles, and camping in the boonies. I even put my desk and computer in the living room wherever we lived so my wife and I could smile at each other and she could bring me snacks, beer, or iced tea when I hinted I need a samwich! I still remember when a few of her girlfriends kept asking her "Why do you let your husband work in the garage half the night?" Knowing those guys were hanging out in a bar or strip club, my wife's answers were........... "At least I know where my husband is!" Yep! I've got memories.
Reminds me of Jeff Foxworthy, and his Redneck Words: "...Like, 'sensuous.' I told my wife, 'sensuous' up, gimme a beer!" I'd like to think your wife's tolerance of your hobbies was how she hid just how much you two were star-crossed to each other!
