I used to spend a month or so with the Millers in the Summer beginning when I was about 12 or so....They were always so welcoming, and I have special memories of Jeanne...

1. She tucked me in TIGHT---couldn't move my arms and my toes were bent back. 

2. I could always have private talks with her....in the basement laundry room on Collinsdale....at 3 a.m. She would sit in her chair and read all night.

3. She ate corn on the cob like a typewriter---I used to say DING when she reached the end of a cob.

4. That nasty Spin Blend she tried to pass off as mayonnaise.

5. "Gringo Meatloaf"!!!

6. I learned about 1/2 milk-1/2 powdered milk...hey, MANY mouths to feed!

7. She used to remind us of Mary in "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" TV show.

8. The snack canisters on the counter...every flavor of Fruit Newtons, Ritz crackers, etc.

9. She helped me raid her closet for something to wear to my Dad's funeral. My Dad loved her a bunch.

10. I always turned around all the toilet paper rolls in her house to the CORRECT way....over the top. She never got mad---but usually acknowledged that she knew it was me. I hope she comes and switches ours to under!

11. Getting in "trouble" for using the "decorative bath towel" (I only did it once!!!)

12. The way she brewed her FRESH iced tea everyday.

13. A picture of us...me as a toddler....and her, putting a cigarette near my mouth for the pic. The expression on her face is priceless.

14. The time a LONG time ago (early '70's) she surprised Mom with a visit in Des Moines.

15. She was so EASY-GOING......nothing bothered her....and believe me, we TRIED her patience!!

16. She let Chrissy & I go out late at night without the kids tagging along! (Sorry Jenny!)

17. Trying to clean up glitter together in the driveway from someones wedding decorations...impossible...but we kept trying!!! 

18. Her visit to Des Moines with Jenny in May 2016. She never let on that she was in any pain.....she REALLY wanted to please Mom and get to know the great-grandkids. She was SO loving with them....would never know she didn't feel good. Dylan understood and was sad..hugged Mom bunches. Mom told Kamryn today....and she was sad. Mom has ALWAYS shown the kids pictures in photo albums. 

19. I inherited her reunion planning gene.....I've been heavily involved/chaired my reunions for the past 15 years. I know faces and names....just like she did. 

20. Love Love Love.....she and I always had a great relationship. We could sit at the table and enjoy the hummingbirds, deer coming right up to the window and eating her hostas. We talked about EVERYTHING. I'll miss you a bunch Aunt! I promise to watch out for Mom. Sorry about your car---(I bet you're laughing)!

Love you, 

'Lyssa....you always called me that. I liked it.