Pauline had a way of looking at you and listening to you that made you feel as if you were one of the most important people in her life. I haven't seen that talent in that many people but I have in my grandmother and her sisters...and I suspect that they got it from their mother. Pauline made me feel special and important. I think she did that for just about everyone. I found it funny and endearing that just about every card I ever received always had a wonderful note in it which included what the current weather was in Waldport, OR where she lived. They were lovely newsy notes that always made me smile.
Allen was a big bear of a man with wonderful hugs and a twinkle in his eye. I knew as a child that he had a bad back because my parents told me, but it wasn't something that he ever told me much about. Allen was always good for a story and he was always teasing me. I used to think that we had something special because we had the same birthday. I can remember time and time again that I found myself sitting next to Allen to hear what he would say next. I learned a lot of family stories at his side!
I think I must have been about 19 and it was the first trip that I drove to Canby, OR to spend spring break with my grandmother and great grandparents. I started out my trip getting lost in Portland, OR because I took a wrong turn. I ended up in a not so nice area :) I got myself turned around and made it to Canby. I spent a few days there and then decided to go down to see Aunt Pauline and Uncle Allen at Waldport, OR. I was excited to go and see the ocean and have some wonderful seafood. After another adventure in driving (this was my first long road trip), I made it to Aunt Pauline and Uncle Allen's. After the initial greeting, Aunt Pauline was excited to show me her home town. I changed out of my new tennis shoes and we began by walking around on the beach and then walking through town. I learned at that point, that I wasn't the only person that Pauline made feel special. Pauline was known and affectionately greeted by everyone. What a wonderful special day that I spent with her. I have never forgotten it!
When we got home, Pauline promised me a special treat. I am not sure we were on the same page, because I was hoping for seafood. Instead, Pauline brought out a frozen pepperoni pizza. I was a freshman in college and my tastes had been elevated to Domino's and pizza delivery. As we sat down to eat, Pauline took a pot off the stove of Allen's favorite beans. Then I saw Allen grab a spoonful of those beans and place them on his pizza. I can honestly say that I have never seen that before or since.
