Memories of Sis

I have three story memories of Sis, written briefly here in the order in which the memories were made. The first time I met Sis and Lloyd in south Texas we played "train" dominoes with the Brotzman clan. This game is a longstanding Brotzman family tradition and I knew I was in a nest of domino sharks. Everybody knew how to play but me.

Sis laughed long and hard that night.....she was surrounded by her family, enjoying the game teasing, and I could feel how much she liked coaching me how to avoid the traps being set by my opponents. It was a happy night. The only time I had ever held a golf club was in one of those miniature golf parks. Sis decided to teach me how to swing a club. We went to a driving range and she was patient while I dug holes in the ground and swore at the damn ball. I have a picture of Sis grinning at me. It was a warm sunny day and Sis was in her element outdoors. The long years of a life happily spent in the Texas sun showed on her face. The day Tammerie graduated with her Ph.D from SMU, Sis was in attendance. It was pouring rain and we had to manage the logistical issues her wheelchair presented. Sis was a trooper about it. There is a picture of Sis, Tammerie and kids taken just after the ceremony. Sis looks radiant.

My memories of Sis are of a proud woman who lived most fully in her physical "body-life", who loved being a coach and mentor, and who, along with Lloyd, willingly accepted me into the Brotzman family. I can see sparks of Sis in Tammerie when I watch her run, and play football with Chandler and Harper. That joy in the sheer pleasure of "playing" in the sun lives on.

March 2, 2010 7:58 AM