Monday, June 25, 2018
My mom, Helen Gaiser, and Evie were dear friends for over 60 years. There was a group of them, Evie, Mom, Alice Price, Dotty Saathof, and my grandmother, Regina Roston, who were the best of friends for decades. They all arrived in Washington during the beginnings of WWII and each, in their own way, had jobs that contributed to the war effort. Those years formed the foundation of friendships that transended their lifes' journey: they supported each other through marriages, children, health issues, and the daily grind of trials and tribulations and they did it all with grace, laughter, and most of all, just being there for one another. When I was burned in Germany in the early 50's, it was Evie's husband, Mac who made sure my grandmother got over there quickly. And, they had the best dinner parties. The stories they told and the laughter they shared would serve as a model for all us; they didn't always agree with each other but that never negated the love they had for one another. These were strong women, smart women, and delightful women. I adored each of them individually and collectively. I will miss Evie, just as I miss my own Mom but right now, they are both having a drink with Mac, my Dad, Dottie, and my grandmother and laughing at the stories they're sharing.
