Except for the four years I spent going to college in Chicago, I’ve lived my whole life in the Rockford area.
I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by my mother’s amazing family, the Rehfeldt’s. Grandma Rehfeldt had 12 children and many of them stayed in the Rockford area, so my network of aunts, uncles, cousins, and second-cousins is vast. I love my family. They are unique and precious, and we share an amazing bond clearly bestowed from God.
Unfortunately, in the course of my life, I have not had the chance to spend much time with my father’s family, the Trotter’s. We visited them only one time I remember. I was a little girl the first time, and even though we have wonderful photos, I don’t remember a thing.
I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by my mother’s amazing family, the Rehfeldt’s. Grandma Rehfeldt had 12 children and many of them stayed in the Rockford area, so my network of aunts, uncles, cousins, and second-cousins is vast. I love my family. They are unique and precious, and we share an amazing bond clearly bestowed from God.
Unfortunately, in the course of my life, I have not had the chance to spend much time with my father’s family, the Trotter’s. We visited them only one time I remember. I was a little girl the first time, and even though we have wonderful photos, I don’t remember a thing.
The second time, I was a little older, and I remember romping with my cousin Will, playing with Aunt Susie’s cats (it was there we first discovered I was allergic to cats!), and falling in love with Virginia!
My Uncle Jimmy (Dad’s only living brother) traveled to Rockford for Dad’s funeral, and it was then I had the chance to spend time with him as an adult. To my utter delight, I found pockets of my Dad’s personality in my uncle and felt the devastating loss a little bit less.
Uncle Jimmy came back to Rockford a year later, at my request, to walk me down the aisle at my wedding. It was vitally important for me to have part of my Dad there, and Uncle Jimmy happily fulfilled my dream.
Over the past few years, thanks to modern technology, I’ve been able to reconnect with Uncle Jimmy and his family. We both have blogs now, and I’ve been fortunate to keep up with my “other” just-as-special family as my cousins get married and continue to have more and more adorable children.
I know I don’t mention the Trotter’s on my blog as much as I do the Rehfeldt’s, but I want to say that the Trotter blood runs through my veins as strong as anything else. I am eternally grateful for my father, my uncle, his family, and even the grandparents I never met.
My Uncle Jimmy (Dad’s only living brother) traveled to Rockford for Dad’s funeral, and it was then I had the chance to spend time with him as an adult. To my utter delight, I found pockets of my Dad’s personality in my uncle and felt the devastating loss a little bit less.
Uncle Jimmy came back to Rockford a year later, at my request, to walk me down the aisle at my wedding. It was vitally important for me to have part of my Dad there, and Uncle Jimmy happily fulfilled my dream.
Over the past few years, thanks to modern technology, I’ve been able to reconnect with Uncle Jimmy and his family. We both have blogs now, and I’ve been fortunate to keep up with my “other” just-as-special family as my cousins get married and continue to have more and more adorable children.
I know I don’t mention the Trotter’s on my blog as much as I do the Rehfeldt’s, but I want to say that the Trotter blood runs through my veins as strong as anything else. I am eternally grateful for my father, my uncle, his family, and even the grandparents I never met.
God has been so good to me, giving me not one, but two wonderful families!
5 comments:
Where did you get that photo? I hope that we get one from them.
That was such a great post! Yes you do have alot of Trotter running though you...especially your father's humor!
As soon as your mom asked where you got the photo.. I thought she probably stole it.... HaHa. I was just thinking that your baby could come out like a little cute Robert Trotter! Not like a Scandinavian.!!! If you remember our conversation...
Ann-Marie,
Hope you are feeling well. What did Amanda say about the baby? What else has been happening?
Give us a call on my cell phone 815-703-2731.
We are in Clearwater/St Petersburg. I know it is cold, our trip was great, but it is hard to be out of touch from everyone.
Love,
Cheryl and Nancy
Don't forget about Susanna's wedding..that's where we first met! Along with Brett and your mom!!
ANN-MARIE!!!!!
When I was in Texas, I didn't read any blogs at all...in fact, I rarely went near a computer. Since coming home I've been catching up here and there. I TOTALLY MISSED your pregnancy announcement!
Tonight I had some free time and thought I would try to catch up on some of your earlier posts. So I'm JUST NOW finding out your wonderful news!
I'm so happy for you...and you will definitely be in my prayers for a safe and full pregnancy.
I'm rejoicing with you!
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