Visiting Kids

All the children grew up and married with lives of their own. Mom's friend Sandy would travel with her. he encouraged her to be independent and not let the kids tell her she was old and should stay home in a rocking chair in case they needed her.

Mon and Sandy would travel to land sales promotions and Mom would put down payments on property and make monthly payments so she would have something of growing value to have in her old age.

Mom believe land was something one should have. She bought 2 lots in the town site just opened in Lake Havasu, Arizona. She bought one in Riviera, Arizona. Today those two towns have grown beyond her dreams. Riviera has been incorporated into the city of Bullhead City. She bought 2 lots in Berlin, New Mexico, one each in Mead View and Dolon Springs, Arizona.

Then Sandy was killed in a car wreck as he was turning into the driveway at mom's home in Las Vegas. She was devastated again.

Around 1980 she made the decision to leave Las Vegas and the old homestead where all the memories pressed in on her. She was determined to start a new life and not get stuck in limbo. there was living to do and she was going to do it.

She prepared to move to  her Riviera property in Bull head City, Arizona, thirty miles from me in Needles, California. On it Elvin fixed his mother a home she loved and was proud to live in. She bought herself a car and visited anyone she felt like visiting. She had wheels and knew how to use them.

There was Kathryn in Kansas, LaVerna in Southern Utah, Elvin's and Wayne's families in Pahurump, Nevada, Emma lea in Rocklin, CA. and Erick was her pit stop at Bunkerville, Nevada when ever Mom drove to St. George, Willard, Deanna, Jeffrey, Kenny, and Tammy all lived in Las Vegas. I was in Needles. Rose Marie was in Hawaii, one place her car couldn't take her. But she flew over a few times.

Mom told people she had thirteen children and could spend one month with each one and never be at the same home twice for Christmas for 13 years.

She was our best friend, When we children get together we talk about "My Mother". There were a FEW times when we said, "Do you know war YOUR mother did?" If I ever whined or sniveled about my husband's imperfections, mom always stuck up for him. she thought he spoiled me rotten. he has lost his best allly and I, my friend.