We cousins grew up together with two Moms.  Since we lived in the same town all of our early years, we were often together, ...living only a few blocks from Aunt Helen, I was there after school many afternoons.  There were always fresh cookies and milk, and genuine interest in how school had gone.  We kids spent many hours at the piano, organ, clarinet, accordian and saxophone playing either sacred songs or popular ones while Aunt Helen and Uncle Walter listened intently and offered encouragement.

The backyard rose garden was incredible and a source of great pleasure everytime we came to the back door.  I think her favorite was the Sterling Silver rose. I remember when mom and dad had new house built on 5th Avenue, the contractor was asking what kind of finish my parents wanted for the interior woodwork and doors. I'm not sure how the decision was made, but it was going to be done by Aunt Helen, Uncle Walter, Mom, and Dad. They worked evenings until 10:00 pm for probably 2 full weeks,completing both the upstairs and downstairs. When the contractor saw the finished product he was amazed. He said he had never seen quality like it, and was ready to hire the whole team!. And it was true. If anything could be done by hand, you can bet it would be done to perfection.  And you were not to buy or hire something if it could be done yourself.

Thanksgivings were always large events, with many relatives, stories, music and laughter.  The meal was always homemade, down to the bread and dessert.

Later on after moving away, we would come back for visits to Laurel and make time to stop by for a visit. More cookies, cakes, and coffee were served. I'm still not sure how we didn't all weigh 300 pounds each!

Aunt Helen and my mom were always very close... even closer than sisters if that's possible. Even until recently they would try to talk at least every day, or as many times per week as possible. 

Honesty, hard work, helping others... these are the values passed on and the things I'll  always remember from Aunt Helen.