Buying or Selling?
Carol Hofmann
1428 615-.hu 513-ofm ff.com ann carolh
OVERfifty
REGISTER PUBLICATIONS 2014 ©
Down Memory Lane
From girl to grown up ... a granddaughter’s journey
Rachel is all grown up now. Our only granddaughter is getting married this month. She is marrying Ryan, a policeman. They are very happy. I think back to the little girl who as soon as she came in the door, she headed for our box of make-believe clothes, then could reappear as a princess, beautician or most likely a nurse. She loved to find Grandpa all stretched out in his recliner. She would wrap a towel around his neck and either cut his hair, pull a tooth or some sort of other loving treatment. It was always a very enjoyDoris Butt able scene to watch. She is doing that for sure now as she is studying to be a nurse. She made cardboard houses for her little brothers, and when they had spats she tried to make peace. From the time she could talk, Rachel had a way of making over each birthday gift as if it was the greatest thing she had ever seen. I think she still has that skill of making people feel good. She will make a fine nurse. Ray and I had special birthday time with her. I wrote about it. In fact, it was my first column in Over 50 back in 1997. I hope as you read it you will think of a special little girl in your life. *** At nine in the morning, Grandpa and I pick up a very happy Rachel. She has chosen to wear her favorite ladybug dress, white patent leather shoes with little bows, white lacy socks, and a tiny cross necklace she received from her parents on Easter. She is carrying a little white purse that was her mother’s when she was her age. When I comment about how pretty she looks, she remarks that she does not have a bow in her hair because Aunt Jennie does not wear bows in her hair. She brings Skipper, a favorite doll, to keep her company. She confidently moves to the back of our van, past those kiddy seats where she used to have to sit, to a place near the box of toys we carry just for trips with the grandchildren. Rachel is ready to begin the celebration of her fourth birthday. First, we must pick up Aunt Jennie at the Indianapolis airport some seventy miles up the road. She has chosen to fly in from California this weekend, so she can share Rachel’s Day. After a very patient ride, we
arrive at the airport. The little one cannot tummy ache and tells Aunt Jennie she needs manage the water fountains; Grandpa buys to go to the restroom. As she walks away her a Coke and some peanuts. When Aunt from the table, I hear her remind Aunt JenJennie arrives, she presents Rachel with a nie not to forget her purse. (She did.) When wing pin from the flight captain, a bag of they return from the restroom, somehow goodies, and genuine Hollywood t-shirt. Rachel has been by the gift shop and made Now Rachel joins Aunt Jennie in the a final choice. middle seats (not in the kiddy seats) to chat She found a beautiful shiny locket (which about the latest happenings. Her giggles tell is really a pillbox) that she wants desperus she is most happy to be with her Califor- ately and it is taking all her self-control not nia aunt. to demand it. Funds are pooled and a rush is The big event for the day is attending made back to the shop. A very appreciative a dinner theater production of the Sound Rachel returns clutching the prized little of Music. This is our second visit to the red locket. Miraculously, she seems to have theater; last year we saw Peter Pan and recovered from her tummy ache. Everyone Rachel noticed they announced birthdays. settles down for the remainder of the show. She reminded me of that fact when we On the way home, Rachel goes to sleep discussed this year’ss trip. immediately with the cherWhen I make the necessary ished locket in her hand. call to the theater to arrange When we stop for gas, she for the announcement, I surwakes up thirsty. Grandpa prise myself by agreeing to buys all of us Big Oranges the works. When we enter and some crackers. We play the theater, we easily spot a tape of the Sound of Music our table; there is a bountiful and chat about the musical bouquet of balloons flowthe rest of the way home. ing up from it. Our dinner Rachel liked the wedding is a pleasant time of chatter best. and laughs. A cheery waiter Rachel’s Day with us ends presents the birthday cake; when we return the very the four-year old makes a happy but tired little girl to secret wish, blows out the her home. As we leave, we candle, and confidently cuts feel good when we hear her the cake making sure to give excitedly tell her mother of herself the flower. She puts the events of her day. the candle in her little white Later, when I am back to purse. the quiet of the farmstead, I Before the musical begins, think about Rachel’s Day. To Rachel and Aunt Jennie have my surprise, I become sada restroom break with a dedened for all the little girls tour through the gift shop. and boys who do not have Unfortunately for Rachel, a special day. Children who SUBMITTED PHOTO do not have choices. ChilAunt Jennie just happens to forget her purse. When Doris Butt’s granddaughter dren who do not have special they return, there is a seri- Rachel frequently played dress- keepsakes passed down from ous discussion about choos- up when she would visit. The their parent’s youth. Chiling things you really need. princess/nurse/dentist etc. is dren who do not wear cross No move is made by anyone going to be married soon. necklaces given to them by to go back to the gift shop their parents. and the subject is dropped. It is time to hear Grandmas and Grandpas need to gather the birthdays announced. She beams when such children and give them their day. It everyone cheers at the mention of her name. can be simple things: a trip for an ice cream, It is clear that Rachel has done her home- wade in the creek, ride on the merry-gowork before coming to the show. She sings round, or pausing to listen to their song. So along with the cast until we decide her many children are waiting for us. enthusiasm can be disturbing to neighbors. Doris Butt retired teacher originally from She watches most of the first act on Aunt Jennie’s lap, preferring it to Grandpas, tell- Manchester, Doris and her husband Ray now ing us it is not every day that she is with split time between their homes in Batesville and Florida. her aunt. At intermission, Rachel develops a
FREE Standard Mail U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 16 Dillsboro, IN
JUNE 2014
2014 SD Athletic Hall of Fame inductees The 2014 induction class of the South Dearborn Athletic Hall Of Fame will included Kenny Henry, Bob Meyer, and Bill Snyder. Selected by SD’s Hall of Fame Committee, the four were inducted Friday, May 9. Brief descriptions of each inductee’s accomplishments follow:
Kenny Henry A 1971 graduate of Aurora High School, Henry he earned seven varsity letters in track, football and basketball. He was the AHS school record holder in the high jump, was homecoming king and also a member of FFA, band and Color Guard.
Bob Meyer A 1972 graduate of Aurora High School, Meyer was also a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball, earning eight varsity letters. A standout in all three sports, he was drafted out of high school by the Cleveland Indians baseball organization, spending two years in the Tribe’s minor league system before enrolling at Ball State to pursue a degree in education.
Bill Snyder A 1975 graduate of Moores Hill High School, Snyder where played basketball and baseball. Bill coached girls varsity basketball for 11 seasons at South Dearborn High School, accumulating 182 wins, five conference titles and seven sectional titles. Including subsequent coaching stints at South Ripley and Lawrenceburg, he compiled a total of 301 victories.