Saturday, January 20, 2018
My childhood memories are dotted with the family members who lived on our street. Lincoln Ave, on the south side of Flint. This is where Uncle Roy and his siblings were raised for many years, and this is where he and Aunt Betty settled to raise their family. Through the years many family members moved on and off the street as they stepped out of their family house and into their new life. But there were always the anchor families. Aunt Betty and Uncle Roy, Aunt Juanita and Uncle Jerry, Aunt Alice and Uncle Walt, and Aunt Carol and Uncle Earl. Our time on Lincoln Ave was enriched with our cousins and friends who all spent time together in average daily activities, (I remember going to borrow things from them), shared school events, occasional feuds, bonding together for support when life events were uncomfortable, and peace of mind that you were near people that belonged to you. Our generation, the grandchildren of Sarah and George Martin, have all grown up, and moved off Lincoln Ave. But I am grateful for the presence of my aunts and uncles as I grew up.
I would notice each day when Uncle Roy came home from work if I was outside. He would drive down the street to the intersection of Lincoln Ave and Phyllis Ave, and would turn R and make a complete circle of the intersection and pull up in front of his house at 1325. I would think, I hope there isn't a policeman watching because he just ran 3 stop signs, I was a simple child and worried he would get a ticket. He would get out of his truck and if he saw me, or if I shouted, " Hello Uncle Roy", I would get a, "H'Lo, Sharlene," back. Going up to Bois Blanc Island is one of my earliest memories of a family vacation. The extreme conditions and intrigue of having to take a ferry to get there was thrilling when ever I had a chance to go.
Todd and I are sorry for the loss of your Dad and know the saddness that you are feeling. Celebrate the life he lived and who he was to you and you will feel his continued presence with you as you face the joys and challenges of life. You were Blessed with a wonderful Father.
