Another family matter

Last November just before Thanksgiving, Jon's sister, Bonnie, died tragically of an intentional overdose. She was not Leola's daughter.

A little history to explain. Jon's parents divorced when he was a year old after Leola had an episode of manic behavior that left her hospitalized. It's not a surprise the young couple didn't make it. Married young, baby #1, then separated by WWII, baby #2 (Jon), then mental illness. Jon's father, Ed, went on to later remarry and have 4 more children. Over the years, Jon didn't see his father and half-siblings much since they were a military family and were always moving and living in far away places. He did have a relationship with them, but it wasn't until he was in medical school and his father retired from the military, that he really got to know him. Conveniently, the family lived in Forest Grove, OR about a 40 min. drive from Portland where Jon and I settled in 1977. Over the years, we got to know his brothers and sisters better. During the last 25 years, we spent the most time with and was closest to Bonnie who was 5 years my junior. She and I shared a career in special education and we both worked in Portland Public Schools. She and Jon shared biking and movies. She loved our kids and they loved her. We all loved her sense of humor. She is the only one of the half-siblings that had any kind of relationship with Leola. Both Bonnie and Leola shared many holidays with us together.

I'm bringing this up because the memorial/celebration/wake for Bonnie is this Tuesday, August 4 and everyone from Jon's father's side of the family will be together. Of the 4 half-siblings, only Terri had children so we are a small group. There are no great aunts and uncles, no cousins. Jon's older brother passed away 6 years ago and his 2 children, ages 38 &40 (living now in Seattle and Yakima) were never close to their half-aunts and uncles.

So. Jon's sister, Terri, arrived from Santa Fe last night with her husband and 2 kids, ages 17 and 21. They are staying with brother, Steve and his wife, Julie. (Yes, it is another JULIE BLACKMAN.) The other brother, Robert, lives in Vancouver, but will be here for the wake on Tuesday. Daniel and Whitney arrive tomorrow and Tuesday respectively.

Jon's mother was understandably disfavored by his father's second wife - a sentiment that was transferred to her children. However, Bonnie kept an open mind and allowed Leola into her life. They talked about knitting and dancing. Leola doesn't remember Bonnie now, of course, but we decided to bring her to the wake on Tuesday. This might not be well received by Steve, Terri and Robert, but we decided Bonnie would have wanted it.