Week 34: Tragedy

     This week's prompt is Tragedy. There is no other ancestor that comes to mind except for William Ilg. His whole life could be written as a tragedy. From the time he was born, until his untimely death three days before the end of World War I. I've dedicated a lot of hours of research to his life trying to memorialize him in any way I can. The links in this post are all about William Ilg.

William Ilg, the gone but not forgotten Uncle
https://auntiejenstrees.blogspot.com/2018/11/william-ilg-gone-but-not-forgotten-uncle.html

William Ilg, eligible for a medal?
https://auntiejenstrees.blogspot.com/2018/11/william-ilg-gone-but-not-forgotten-uncle.html

The Day The Ilg's Lives Changed Forever-100 years later
https://auntiejenstrees.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-day-that-changed-ilgs-lives-forever.html

William Ilg, you will never be forgotten.

Week 33: Comedy

     Romantic comedies are my favorite type of movie genre. I am such a romantic deep down, always have been. I also love to laugh. So it just makes sense that I love romantic comedies. My husband and I have a few movies that are our favorites. He will tell you when it comes to romantic comedies, I love one with great dialog. One of the best examples that is one of my favorite movies is "When Harry Met Sally." I love the dialog all throughout. The way they joke about things, make each other smile, how extremely comfortable they are to say anything, etc. That is the type of relationship I always wanted. I always said the one who will win my heart will be the one who can make me laugh and whom I am very comfortable with. From the very beginning of our relationship, my husband has been that person.
     Mark and I met in 2001 while working at One Way Bookshop in Ballwin, Missouri. We instantly hit it off as friends. There wasn't anything we didn't talk about. Music, movies, hobbies, thoughts, feelings, etc. We were scheduled to work together all the time. I never had so much fun working at a job before. I always said it never felt like work; it felt like just hanging out. He always knew just what to say to make me laugh.
     We were friends with no interest in a romantic relationship with each other. Although, many people used to ask if we were dating with how well we got along. Finally, six months later, we decided to start dating, and then 2 months later, we eloped. I know, I know, how insane in that? You can read the story about our wedding day here: Our Wedding Day. From day one, he was always making me laugh. Even still to this day. He always tells me, "The day you stop finding me funny, I'm in trouble."
     So, it just made sense for this week's prompt to be about my husband. After 17 years of marriage, most couples stop finding each other funny and start getting annoyed at their spouse's antics. Not me. He can still make me laugh. Whether it's just a look, a quote from one of our favorite movies, or a funny story, he can always find a way to bring a smile to my face. Just to give you an insight into my what I'm talking about, here are some fun photos of my hubby. I hope they bring some laughs to you as they do to me.

     These are just some of the funny moments captured on camera. There are still plenty more memories I have that are not on the computer. I love him dearly... and I do hope that I never stop finding him funny because he definitely makes life more enjoyable. Love you Mark, my personal comedian.

Week 32: Sister

     Being an only child, I never had the privilege of having siblings. Some have told me I'm lucky. Maybe. But I also missed out on the benefits as well. The giving & receiving of sisterly advice. The sharing of secrets & clothes. Someone to lean on during difficult times. Although I never had biological sisters, I've been blessed with having close girlfriends I consider sisters. So I'd like to dedicate this post to them.
     My first best friend who was like a sister to me was Sarah McKeever. My mom used to babysit her when we were little. She held that position in my life for quite a long time. We've got so many memories from our times together. Sadly, I am not connected with her anymore. We have both gone our separate ways, but I will treasure the time we spent together.

     My second best friend who was like a sister to me was Crystal McDaniel. We've been friends since the 3rd grade. For years, we were inseparable. She literally became part of our family, always staying the night, going on vacations, spending every waking & sleeping moments together. Just like sisters, we had our fights, but we also had our tender moments. I have so many great memories of our time together. We lost contact for a while, but have reconnected.

 

     My most recent best friend and sister is Sarah Hitzfelder. I met her through my husband, and we've been close ever since. My daughter knows her as Aunt & her kids know me as Aunt. Honestly, something I treasure very deeply. We've made many memories together, taken vacations, helping each other through difficult & challenging parts of life, spending holidays together, etc. We may not live close in proximity, but nothing will change our relationship. I'm blessed to have her in my life. Through ups & downs, good times & rough, she is my sister.

Pics

 

     These are just three ladies who have made an impact on my life who I was/am blessed to have as sisters. That doesn't mean others haven't been special to me. There are others who are close like sisters and whom I consider close friends. You all are my Sisterchicks.

Thank you, everyone, for being a part of my life & for allowing me to be a part of yours.