Gram

Clara Guiher was known to most of the little town she lived in as Mum Guiher. She was a sort of "mother hen" to most.

This was where I spent the first 5 years of my life and most of my summers. When we said we were going to PA (Pennsylvania) this was where we were talking about... Gram's & Pap's.

I helped build that 3 car garage on the left and spent a lot of time with Gram & Pap in that garden the stretches across their property behind the garage, house and pool. I spent a lot of time in that giant weeping willow tree and riding my bike on that dirt road in front of the house. When Gram & Pap bought the place, there were no real trees other than that willow. There was no garage. The house did not have either of the additions on it. Pap worked in the mines and on the railroad until black lung stole his ability to work. They lived on his disability and Gram's job. She helped make tear gas for a long time, then hose clamps and other things.

This was the view from the back yard.

This must have been in the mid '70's at our house in Ohio. She was still driving the "Bug" like a wild woman.

She was NOT fond of pictures of herself... even though she was always shooting us with that Polaroid.... But she did love to make Christmas special.

My little sister got to use the Polaroid on them. Gram was meticulous about writing information on every single picture about who and when.

Any time we went to PA, there was always food in the freezer. If there wasn't a lasagna in the oven, we started making pizza or something good. Gram was good in the kitchen and that's where most of our time was spent talking, cooking, canning or just being there. The living room wasn't really used so much.

Pap had his guns, Gram had that vacuum (just past her on the right). I "was allowed" to use that vacuum all I wanted to. I was also "allowed" to make my bed every day and help with the other work related things around the house. Gram's rule was simple. If you don't want to work, you must not want to eat.

They always had a dog or two. Usually, it was a German Shepherd named Babe that lived outside to let them know when someone was in the yard. I think there were 3 "Babes." They also had a small house dog as they got older.... meaning over 70. Pap lived to be 88 and Gram lived to be 83.

Though there may be a few hundred pictures, most of them are with my Mom in Ohio right now. This has been hard for me. Gram was one of the biggest reasons I am who I am. She helped to raise me right. Her life was good and rules were simple. She always encouraged goodness, punished wrong and didn't put up with "stupid."

I have always loved and appreciated her and told her that many years ago. I didn't wait until now. She helped to teach me to cook, crochet and do things for myself. She lived well within her means and encouraged me to do the same. She was proud of my education and military service and never withheld that. Gram will always remain one of my inspirations to become better than I am. My constant reminder is my daughter, Clara, named after Gram.

Though my final farewell was said early morning of February 24th, I know I will see this smiling face again someday when my time is up.