I will always treasure the time we spent at the farm. For a city boy, roaming the open grounds was such a treat. I remember Jonathan deligently working to form a beer mug with bullet holes on one of the silos on the old barn. Who remembers the magazine collection that was kept in the barn? Taking rides on the silver motorcyle while Jonathan developed his motor-cross skills was exciting. For me, eating strawberries with every meal was a treat. Although, I was told that one could grow weary of it. Once Mike, Jon, Chick, and I tormented the neighbors, the Hinkles, (with a name like that they deserved tormenting). We approached their house, hiding in the fields, and proceded to pelt the area they occupied with tomoatoes. At first, it seemed like they didn't notice. Then, Mr. Hinkle finally said "What the hell is flying around around here?", after which we all ran back to safety. Luckily we didn't get caught, until now that is. Uncle Chuck, the statute of limitations applies here.

Who could forget the many innings of home-run derby in Nana and Pop Pop's back yard? The yard seemed very small, but we made good use of the space. Walking to the theater, the five and dime store, and the Cute-Rate will always remain in my mind as the essence of small town life. In the corner of Nana's kitchen was a lazy susan, in which was always an ample supply of sour dough pretzels, kept fresh within a glass jar with a metal lid. I appreciated this very much. At the time, sour dough pretzels were not available in Indiana. I remember just about every square inch of Nana and Pop Pop's house, except for the living room. I was wondering, did anyone ever really go in that room? I heard many stories about how life was in that house years ago. One of my favorites was a story about Aunt Faith and the Clarinet. Supposedly Pop Pop told Aunt Faith at the dinner table that after dinner was over she was to practice the clarinet. Aunt Faith responded, (I'm sure in a manner depicting all the confidence and wisdom she portrays in the responses she currently gives), by saying "Why? I play it better than you do." My understanding is that at this point a chase around the dinner table ensued. I guess the episode ended with Aunt Faith running upstairs and taking temporary cover by locking herself in her room. Red Lion Country Club was a setting for many fond memories as well, including numerous trips to the pool, and the 50th wedding anniversary. From before my time, somewhere in the Van Buskirk archives, we have some film of Andy Delp at the pool wearing a diaper, and experiencing the company of a fly.

Lake Meade also holds many fond memories for me. More than once, Uncle Bill Delp transported me from Dallastown to the lake in one of his Oldsmobiles I believe. As a result of his NASCAR like driving skills (no doubt acquired through his occupational need to arrive on the scene quickly), the trip was relatively short, but usually included me depositing my stomach contents in car before we arrived. As you remember, the roads were very curvy. I also remember Aunt Jane Ann being very pleased that when my Dad visited, everything got fixed. Dad had a handy-man tendency that continued even through vacations. I remember Andy trying to teach my Dad how to sail with that small sailboat that was named "Sunfish" I believe. Rebecca and I spent many hours on the dock there fishing, using bread as bait, and catching more fish than we could count.

For a period of time Bill Rojahn and his family lived near us in Wheaton Illinois. This was really nice for us because normally everyone was much farther away. We visited each other often. I think the phrase "more bags' most likely still incites fear for Aunt Alberta. She would sometimes lay on the living room floor to watch TV. Someone would then yell "more bags", and instantly everyone in the house would jump on her until she was at the bottom of a huge pile of bodies. It's amazing no-one was ever injured. John and I would often walk from their house to a nearby Ben Franklin store and purchase miniature wooden airplanes, kites, models and whatever else would keep us occupied for the day. I also remember a number of trips we took to visit Uncle George and aunt Beth, wherever they happened to be stationed at the time. I know at least one trip was to Kansas. At the time, I thought it was quite natural that we visited family often. As I grew older I realized that we're more close-knit than most extended families.

It was truly a pleasure to see everyone recently, even under the circumstances. While at the church on Saturday, I took a moment to look around the room. All at once it hit me that what I was seeing was the lifetime accomplishments of two very special people, embodied within all of us. When Aunt Martha so eloquently chronicled Nana's life, at the point she mentioned when Nana and Pop Pop met, I leaned over to Rebecca and noted how if that never happened, this church would be empty. Uncle John said that every day we each exhibit a trait of Nana. When my youngest daughter gets upset, I've noticed that she tends to shake her finger at you. Must be in the genes. Uncle John described Nana as the heart of our family. A very good description I believe. Without a doubt, she will be missed.

Believe it or not, these are just some of my memories. I'm sure all of you have some as well. As I said before, they're priceless. Please share them with us. If you have photos or videos in any format, please send them to me so I can add them here for everyone to enjoy.

I believe that we're all very blessed to have had Nana in our lives. I believe the foundation of love she provided makes each one of us stronger. I can't put it any better than our cousin Georgie Kleb did: "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." ............. Love Matt

7/13/2006 6:34:19 PM EST - Beth Kleb

7/13/06 Thanks Matt for the beautiful pictures from Mother's funeral.We are all in mourning and the pictures soothed our grief. Love you! Aunt Beth