Learning about the past

Each summer, my mom, sister, aunt, cousin, (step)grandma and I pay our respects to several family members buried in the same cemetery in beautiful Napoleon, Ind. This year was Avery’s first visit and the first for Lori Anne’s two-month-old son, Joel.

This picture was totally unprompted. If only she knew what she was doing! This is the headstone for my Grandpa and Grandma Rork. I wish Avery could have met these two wonderful, special people. They would have spoiled and loved on her so much!

This is my grandpa’s military marker.

Here are my Grandma Rork’s parents. I always thought my name was derived from Tressa, but my mom told me that wasn’t the case!

And finally here are my Grandpa Rork’s parents.

After the one-plus-hour drive, Avery was ready to run around and explore the area.

Following our visit to the cemetery, we always drive through Osgood, Ind., to visit some key family locations.

This is the house where my grandparents and my mom lived until she entered elementary school. That’s when the family moved to Indianapolis. My grandparents built this house themselves just after my mom was born.

My Grandpa Rork’s parents lived across the street from their house. Both of the houses are in excellent condition. We’re glad these families are taking care of these special homes.

One more story…when he was young, my Grandpa Rork got a job at a local gas station. The owner of the station was my Grandma Rork’s brother. She started hanging out at the gas station since her brother owned it, and that’s where my grandparents first met. Couples don’t meet like that any more, do they!