January Grizzell
I'll try this again. It didn't post it before.
I knew Charlene in San Bernardino from 1965, when I took a class for Nurses Aide 1 & 2. She was my mentor, and became a beloved part of our family through the years.
I moved to Anchorage, Alaska in Dec of 69 and she would fly into Elmendorf AFB where I would pick her up and we'd have fun catching up.
I was a single parent then, and she always brought clothes, bread and cookies, and fresh fruit off of the trees in her back yard for my two children.
One occasion when I drove to the Billiting Office to pick her up, I was parked outside and she had just started walking out to get in my car.
Another car pulled up, parked and a man got out of the drivers side started walking up the sidewalk directly to her, outstretched his hand to hand her his keys to park his car.
She very politely stuck her hand out, and with a friendly smile and her southern accent said... " Let me introduce myself, I'm Col. Marjorie Merrill can I get you some help? "
He was so embarrassed and he said no thank you, and went on towards the Billiting Office. We laughed and laughed then headed over to the BX where she told me to park at the sign for Officers. I pulled my red Camero into the spot, and as I went to get out I noticed several people parked close by us that were giving us nasty looks. I mentioned it to Charlene. And asked her if I parked properly and why. She said, oh I get that all the time. Because they think we're somebodies girlfriend or wives.
I miss her dearly. The memories stay close in my heart. Both of my children thought of her as " Auntie Charlene."
I am happy knowing I will see her again in Heaven. And then never have to say goodbye.
