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Barb's Side Bars

“This page will be featuring some small stories of memories. Memories of stories I was told as a child. Memories of snippets of life that had an impact on me. Memories of a few moments in time that were funny, sad, happy, sharing, giving, loving, lonely, playful, and more. You know what I’m talking about. You’ve been there too. These were times that were…. Absolutely Memorable.

The first one is about my parents. My dad enlisted during WWII and he was killed in the Battle of the Bulge, leaving behind his young wife and 5 small children.

Early afternoon, July 1943, the whole neighborhood was taking a break from household chores. A cup of coffee and a brief moment to perch on the front step.

The sight of Roy coming home on leave stirred excitement for the waving onlookers. Amazingly he still looked the same after all he’d been through. Maybe a little more determined about the direction his life would take now. Anticipation was in his step because he knew what was waiting to welcome him home. And, oh the way he looked walking down the street in his uniform..

Hearts swelled as the small neighborhood welcomed home one of their own. Kids stopped playing Kick-the-Can and eagerly followed him to his front door.

Barb Valencour

Her name was Marie but, he called her “hunka darling” as she flew out of the door and devoured him as he walked up the front steps with open arms.

A tear and a smile. Today, we’re all part of the same family.