Close Friend's Passing

   DOROTHY  BOYD

   Hello again folks ! At first, I debated a while with myself about publishing this post. This blog does have a heart, and in the long run, I think this is the right decision. I hope this post gives a real impression, however briefly, on the life of this fine woman.

   For many years this half cousin of mine was a close friend, especially with my mother over many years. The two of them went places together, had long talks amid cups of tea on the porch in the summer months; my Mom even sometimes ran errands for her, such as picking up her medications. 'Dot', as she was affectionately known, would continually bring up how much, while my Mom was in decline with Alzheimer's, she was gladdened by seeing and talking to her grand kids, as that meant so much to Dot. Well, with the death of my Mom following my father's demise two years ago this April and July, such a special relationship passed to myself. Of course not of the same brand, yet I am proud of getting to know her better and at this time submit an honorable mention out of an abiding respect of her and who she was.

  Let me briefly explain.

 Dot Boyd was one person that would call us every now and then asking how we were doing, naming all of us, just a very caring person. She might of become even more concerned about us, if that is possible, after my parents passed away.

  Sadly, Dorothy L. Boyd died on the first day of summer, June 21, 2015 in the Harman House Convalescent Center at Mt. Pleasant, Pa. I suppose I knew her all my life. She was born on  Dec. 17, 1925, a daughter of Roy and Irene (Eicher) Miner. Graduating from Scottdale High School, Class of 1943, the El Paso, Texas Business School as well as the General Motors Secretarial school in Pittsburgh. Yes, she was one smart lady. She was married to Harry (Bucky) Boyd, who passed on many years ago. Dot retired from her last job as secretary at Frick Hospital. A member of many organizations, including the Everson Evangelical church, she would sit in her kitchen and tell me lots of stories about local events, the old schools and some of the churches with many little anecdotes thrown in. I, on the other hand was often telling her about the rest of my family and stuff about my parents, work and brothers. One other item: My Blog! She was fascinated to hear about the posts and the regional history, particularly the 'Relatives and Ancestors' entries. No wonder!

   Last winter she had anxiously suggested in the spring, we drive out to Bullskin and check up on our distant relatives and just spend some time asking around. The idea sounded like a good plan that I looked forward to! I may of had a bit if a premonition whether we would really be able to do this together.

   Here's a humorous example of how sharp she still was. After her explaining  to me more stories of  our mutual relationship to the regional Hatfield's, I told her I would look up more historical details and get back with her soon. The next time I visited, she asked about this and I told her about how Amsi Miner was the son of George Hatfield and I am descended from Amsi's first wife, Rebecca Green and Dot from his second wife Minerva Keefer. (The fuller story can be found on the January  'Relatives and Ancestors: Chapter Two' post). So, she looked up at me and said, "Oh I know, I told you we were directly related to the Hatfield's!" She had, and without the shadow of a doubt.

   When I got properly dressed and went over to Ferguson's Funeral Home to convey my respects to her and sympathy to her and for her sons 'Jim Bob', or James Dugger and Freddy Dugger and the extended family; in spite of her advanced age, I felt so sad. We have some idea what Jim and Fred, the grandchildren and great grandchildren, must have gone through. Such a personal and intimate experience grief really is, certainly so when losing a close precious relative. This becomes the most difficult part of living. You need to convey your feelings, but don't necessarily get closer than you should. There is something to be said for showing you really care, yet initially keeping a small respectable distance for people going through so much private inner turmoil, if you know what I mean. Birth, death and marriage are truly sacred moments.

  There are few people I could possibly miss more in my life. Two of those exceptions would be my parents, shown below.

   PHOTO: Dorothy Boyd is seen here at an Army Reunion for the 34th Division, 'Red Bull' 135th Infantry, with close companion, Chuck Etling and my Dad and Mom to the left:

           

My Dad and Mom, with Dot Boyd and Chuck Etling

   She was a very dear acquaintance and became an even better friend, to the extent I, a distant relative, not only miss her dearly, and so sympathize with her warm family. Well, this special lady who once was a secretary at the local hosptial, as was my Mom for a local financier, was also a witty, caring and really charming and wonderful person. If this wasn't the case, I would not state the fact in this manner. Yes, one can feel nostalgia this quickly, if you can call it that.


   Brief Eulogy:


    Passing the doorway, an eternal smile, "oh, won't you come in?"

   Passing the days into layered silver years, moving quickly over the higher hills,
   
   Slowing in darker valleys,

    Passing...to a unique bright glow beyond, though unseen;


   Always a word, concern in those lucid eyes, such a zest, 

   Interaction, a unique camaraderie

   Always a deep love of family and  grand kids

   Always unparallelled common sense

   Always more than what she seemed;


   Sharing tales and remembrances of older, fascinating times

   As a bright crystal glass of aged wine

   Sharing energy and wisdom, mixed in with her constant politeness and concern,

   For You

   Sharing snippets, a knowing look and grin amid talks of mutual ancestry


   Tears are easy and free, with a loss uncounted,

   For those without a glimmer of replacement in this world

   Sorely missed, deeply cherished

   One of a Kind

   So " oh, won't you come in?" 


   One with the Lord 

   
    As her obituary in the Greensburg Tribune truly states, "Love Lasts Forever" †

     I owed this much. * Goodbye Dot! *

    
  I encourage any who were close to Dot, or friends and acquaintances with a story or good anecdote, to feel free and leave some message in the comment section below.