Robert,
One thing I always preached when teaching was to edit what you write, and I did not edit last night, with my being very tired.
I've never called you anything except "Crank", since the day I met you and your mother when you were in the band at Longview High School. So "Crank" here goes. I always had much affection for you and your mother, but certainly wouldn't have wanted you to know. It was always much more fun having you think it bothered me to hear you call me something other than Mrs. Hatley. I was saddened to read of your mother's death, for she was such a sweet kind lady, loved by everyone.
My Multiple Sclerosis has finally gotten the better of my legs and I have not been able to walk any at all for about two years. I stay at home almost all the time, and the few times I am not here, I am normally at some sort of doctor's office. I often think of the days when I would see your mother in the grocery store and knew almost immediately that in a moment I would hear a booming voice from across the aisles of the store, calling out "Warden". You were always with your mother, loving her and keeping her company. That was very easy to do, for she was a loving mother. I have missed being out and seeing you, as well as your mother. It made my day when I saw the two of you in action. If trying to keep all you kids in tow when I chaperoned the band somewhere earned me the nickname of "Warden, that was ok with me. Your mother and I had many shared smiles when we heard that nickname. Your mother and I also shared many a smile as we saw you round the aisle of a grocery store smiling and enjoying yourself, thinking you were irritating me. It took more than you 3 sons we each had, to rattle your mother and me. I felt special when I heard that voice of yours sounding out across the aisles of a store, no matter where we happened to be. What fun you brought into my life. There's nothing I would enjoy any more than for you to call or drop by my house for a short visit. I think your mom would see and hear you, then look down from Heaven and share a smile with me. I can be the "Warden" or the "Sheriff," for both are good guys, which I always want to be.
To the Crank family, I send my love and thoughts, and pray for you to find peace in your hearts now that your mother has found her final peace.
You must ask "Crank" about this fond remembrance of your sweet mother, for it certainly means a great deal to me.
Whoah Pardner!
From one who cares and sends love,
Mary Faith Hatley
(I hope to get an A, for editing.)
