Monday, August 7, 2006
Jodi was my beloved first cousin. When we were very young, my parents, Helen Montana Johnson and Donald Harold Johnson, would get together with, her parents, Gladys and Bucky Nellis. All of us older cousins, Jodi, Howard, Ronnie, myself (Deborah) and my brothers, Joel and Alan would have a fabulous time. My baby sister, Kathie Lynn, was too young to remember this. Once we built a "Wagon Train" from an old hay wagon on the farm they lived on and played cowboys and indians. We used to play in the barn haymow on our grandparents farm (Newell and Ida Montana)in Oppenheim, and have apple fights with apples from my grandpa's apple trees. We got in trouble for that when somebody got a black eye! These events usually happened with our other cousins,Rodney,Gerald,Wayne, Terry and Cindy Montana. Clayton and Betty's older kids. Timothy and his little sister were too young. And sometimes Louise, Nancy, and Paul, Ruthie Montana's older kids. Ida, Mary and Jackie Polenski were too young for these shenanigans. I remember there were some cow riding incidents too. I am sure that all of the Montana cousins, older and younger, are thinking fondly of Jodi, remembering past fun times on our granparents farm, and are feeling sad. We have all been out of touch for years. Jodi was three years older than me, and I looked up to her. I remember her as a courageous little tom boy, and very independent. I was always in trouble whenever we were together because we would take off for long walks in the fields and explore and forget the time. She had beautiful black hair and sparkling eyes and a great laugh. I was sad to hear recently of Bucky and Gladys passing, and now my cousin Jodi. They are all together now with my grandparents, and my Uncles Clayton and James, my Aunt Toddy. I believe that we are all spiritual beings having human experiences and someday we will all see one another again and everyone will be young, beautiful and healthy and happy. My heart goes out to Jodi's immediate family, whom I have never met. But I send prayers of comfort for you all at this most challenging time. God Bless. Love from your mother's cousin, Deborah Johnson in Bangor, Maine.