When we were the only kids that had a swimming pool in their front yard. We got to dive off the second floor balcony and swam in it every day. The AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) was starting a new team and Coach Bill Burrell signed us up and told us we would compete with our own age group. Being 9, 10, 13 and 15, plus the fact we were all very tall. he expected us to reach the end of our lanes before anyone else. Mary swam breast stroke, Barbara swam breast stroke, Kenny swam butterfly and I swam backstroke and freestyle. We practiced twice a week at Venetian Pool. After practice we would stop at the gift shop and get Mary Jane candies as a treat. We swam meets on the weekends throughout the state and enjoyed meeting the other athletes during our travels.
For many years, when the kids were younger, during the holidays, we would have a "bake-off". The three of us would each make our favorite dough and meet at Mary's. We made hundreds of cookies, cinnamon and banana bread to share with our dear friends and neighbors. By the time we finished, her kitchen would look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy exploded.
Over the years, Mary added many furry additions to our family. When we moved from Coral Gables to Louisville, my going away gift was an 8-week old blonde Cocker Spaniel, we affectionately named MeMe (Mary Eaton/Mary Eaton). After MeMe crossed the rainbow bridge, Mary came to visit from NC and brought me an early birthday present... this time, Maggie, a sweet little Bichon. She definitely was a true animal lover and advocate.
It was on our Mom's bucket list to go to the Rose Bowl Parade. As a tribute to her, we booked a trip to Pasadena to go.. During the trip I asked if we could add some flowers in memory of Mom to one of the floats and they allowed us to add some roses.
Just a few weeks ago, we spent what would be our last sisters weekend together. We participated in the neighborhood golf cart Christmas parade.
I will cherish our sister memories forever.