Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I have lots of memories – precious memories -- of Dottie and I
treasure each and every one of them. She was like a second mom,
offering advice when needed or correcting me if I stepped out of line
or said something stupid. I loved visiting her and Grady at their home
on Tsali Trail during the years before they moved to Barnesville. I’d
come by on Friday nights when the CBS television show “DALLAS” was in
prime time and we’d all stay glued to the television watching J.R
Ewing. She once told me how she loved Howard Keel, who sang during the
1950’s -- long before the days he was known as Jock Ewing. I never
came by Dottie’s home without being told to get a glass of sweet tea
or being offered some supper. (Grady never minded me bumming a couple
of his VICEROY cigarettes, either, if I didn’t have a pack of
Marlboro’s with me. “Their on the top of the ‘fridge,” he would say).
Dottie always prepared a complete supper for the family – there was
plenty left over if anyone stopped by for a visit, like me. Dottie
raised four wonderful children. I’ll always remember her calling
daughter Cindy “Princess” when speaking to her. She was so proud of
each of her kids and their respective accomplishments. I remember how
happy she was when Tim’s wife, Donna, was pregnant with her first
grandson, Shane. And when Joe was in the U.S. Marine Corps, the
hallway of Dottie’s home was lined with framed certificates, official
letters from President Reagan, and “Thank you” notes from the likes of
Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain. In conversation, I could mention
McDonough, Georgia and she’d say how Bill worked on the Hoyne
Industries building with PATILLO. Dottie was sharp and remembered
dates and events really well, even how many months pregnant she was
(with Bill) when she & Grady bought their first home on Hendrix Drive
in Forest Park. I could go on and on. Dottie was a wonderful woman
and, honestly, I’ll never forget her. She added so much to my life and
she’ll live in my heart forever.
