Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Our journey began some 64 years ago. Bonnie was my oldest cousin. When I was almost 1, my mother went into the hospital to give birth to my baby sister, Patty. I had the privilege of spending time with my Auntie Judy, Uncle Walter and my cousins Bonnie, Gayle and Terry. Bonnie being the oldest took great interest in me. In fact, it was during this time that she gave me my first haircut. She cut the bangs I still have today. I was told that my mom was so mad! But I think Bonnie made the right choice.
Bonnie was always around. She was like a big sister! She was there for every important day in my life. from Birthdays, Family get togethers, Graduation, Christmas, Mom’s birthday celebrations, weddings, the birth of my children, the death of my parents, everything! Bonnie and Bill were even there when I got invited out on my first date with my husband. They teased me, gave me advice and were great friends in addition to cousin.
I learned a lot from Bonnie. Here are 10 Things I have learned from Bonnie.
1. Never pay full price. Always look for the deal! When I was 16, she convinced me that I needed to buy towels. Lots of them! She told me that they were a good deal and I would need them one day so I did. Well. 40 years later, I still have a few of those old towels. They were great towels! I guess she was right!
2. Everyone needs Tupperware!!!!!! From the time I was 11 until the time I was about 15, I did a lot of babysitting for Bonnie and Bill. At that time, Bonnie was a Tupperware dealer. She could convince me to do anything! Somehow, she convinced me that we should work out an arrangement where she paid me in Tupperware. You guessed it. I went for it. One day of babysitting and I was the proud owner of a cream and sugar bowl, the next time I had a mixing bowl, the next salt and pepper shakers. You get the picture. She could sell anything and make you want to buy it! Because of her, I had a hope chest filled to the brim.
3. If you are going to do something, do it 100%. Over the years, Bonnie tried her hardest to be the best at what ever she did. She learned how to do a lot of crafts and she always put her whole heart into whatever she did. Whether it was making candy, learning embroidery, making pillows. She did her best!
4. Bonnie and Bill had a great marriage! I learned from them that families needed to laugh and have fun together.
5. Make your home a beautiful place! A place where you want to be. I know Bonnie like beautiful things! But I don’t mean that. Bonnie always made everyone feel welcome! Her home was place that you could go and you never felt that you were imposing. She would drop whatever she was doing and visit.
6. You can have a party anytime for any reason! It could be to welcome a new baby, to celebrate a visiting relative, to have a Tupperware party, or to learn a new skill. Food was important at those events.
7. It takes time to become a great cook! She shared her talents with me. We spent many days baking, or making meals to have on hand. She could whip up a special meal or snacks for a party out of nothing. Some of the recipes she shared are the best!
8. She taught me to love my Norwegian heritage. She was the first member of our family to meet any of our Norwegian relatives. I always admired that she saved enough to go to Norway to meet our family when she was just out of high school. This was something that just wasn’t done in those days. My mom and I loved to make Norwegian sweets at Christmas time. I swear Bonnie had radar as she always knew when we were baking and would stop by. I won’t be able to eat flat bread without thinking of her. She loved it smothered in butter!
9. Love your family! Bonnie loved her family. I loved the way that her family sat around the table after dinner and talked and laughed. I have such good memories! Her husband Bill and her children Dean, Joan and Darryl were so special to her. Our families had lots of get-togethers. I don’t remember Bonnie ever missing one.
10. Bonnie taught me about preparedness! She taught me to stock up on food items and other supplies when they were on sale and save them for times were not so good. This was a really valuable lesson and a principle I still live by.
I’m sorry I couldn’t be there today! My heart is with you all. I am grateful that I had a special cousin like Bonnie. I’m going to miss her! Rest in peace.
