A great lady

My Aunt Naomi, an older sister of my dad, is one amazing woman. When she was born (in Gassaway, West Virginia) the doctor placed her on the floor because she was what they called a blue baby. She was born at home as many babies were in the 1920's. Her dad was downstairs awaiting the news and for some reason felt compelled to go up- stairs and check on the situation-something he never did. He went over to where she was laying and picked her up-thus saving her.

That was the beginning of what was to be an incredible journey. Despite the times - the depression was just around the corner - my dad's family managed very well. My granddad worked for the railroad which supplied a steady income. As the years passed there would be a total of 11 children born to Cecil and Clara Cogar. In their 60's they actually adopted a baby girl and named her after my grandmother.

As far as Aunt Naomi's life she went on to marry John Garee who would become a Master Sergeant in the Air Force. His career took them around the globe and all of their 5 children were born in various stops along their travels. The year I turned 40 I took my family to Arlington National Cemetery where we visited my Uncle John's grave. If you have never been to that sacred place it should be on your Bucket List. As quiet as it is you can hear the voices of all the men and women who keep us safe.

At one point Uncle John and Aunt Naomi were stationed in Rome, New York and we went to visit them. My first experience bowling was with them-I go a 0! Couldn't ever get the bowling ball out of the gutter! But I remember thinking it was so fun!

Aunt Naomi was a trail blazer for women. She held positions throughout her life that propelled the careers of women to follow. As just one example she was elected president of the board for the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce – the first woman to hold the post since the chamber was organized in 1968. Her resume today would require several pages but first and foremost she is a woman who loves her family and her friends.

Life was unfair to her many times in her life but she has chosen to keep that beautiful smile and happy outlook. She lost her youngest son Bob to cancer a few years ago. I know how devastated I was to lose him, I cannot imagine how she found
the strength to get through those horrible days. But she is woman who can conquer anything.

When I visited with her yesterday she joked about her ability to dominate
a conversation. I realize that's how she may be perceived by some-a woman who can
tell her stories continually for hours on end. But for me, hearing her voice is
like a sweet song. And seeing her is a reminder to the days when my parents were
still here and all the fun we had whenever she was visiting. Aunt Naomi is that Aunt that everyone wishes they had. She embraces you with her smile and her laughter. She makes you feel loved even when you've said goodbye. If you have an Aunt like Naomi make sure to keep in touch with her. Women like her are rare and very special.

The early years.
Aunt Naomi's youngest daughter Joyce on the left in the white dress eating candy.
I'm in the red shorts with my sister Cassandra in the blue shorts. That's our cousin Linda in the back with the pink shirt. My brother Clay is sticking out his tongue and Janet-Aunt Naomi's eldest daughter is next to Clay.

My dad always had his camera ready (hmm-must be where I get that from!) Too many faces to name in this photo but fun to look at! Unfortunately some are no longer with us.

Here we are in Kansas for Bob and Charlotte's wedding. Clay on the left, then Aunt Naomi, me and my soon to be husband Tim-we were married 1 month after Bob and Charlotte.

Bob and his baby sister Joyce on the day of Bob's youngest son Alex's wedding.