Enjoying Every Day

My husband’s aunt, Margee Kountz is the last of her siblings still alive. She came into this world almost 18 years after her oldest sister, Joann Schulenberg. In fact, Margee was just six months old when her sister was married. My father-in-law, Joann’s husband, Walt Schulenberg was very taken by Margee. He told my mother-in-law, that when they were married, he wanted to have a daughter, just like Margee. Their marriage actually produced four daughters and two sons, so I guess he got his wish. I know he was always a great dad and loved all his children very much.

Margee went on to marry, and have two children of her own, Dan and Sandy. She was there for them in every way…from early childhood, through the school years, and beyond. She’s been a hands-on mom, grandma, and great grandma. Life isn’t always easy…it has its ups and downs, and especially for kids, we need to guide them through it all. Margee was always supportive of her family, helping them through life’s tough moments and celebrating the good ones right alongside them. Then she celebrated with the grandchildren and is enjoying the great grandkids. It really is the reward we receive for having kids.

Like most of us, I’m sure Margee thought her siblings would be around for years yet, but of course, with Joann being 18 years older, she knew that wouldn’t be. Nevertheless, when Joann was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, Margee stepped up to help out with her sister. She came for visits when Walt had to go to the doctor or other appointment. We couldn’t have managed all we needed without Margee’s assistance. We always knew she would be there for us. That time was so important, because even as her memory faded, having family around helped her hold on to what she could remember. Margee would talk with her about their childhood, their parents, and grandparents. Those conversations became gifts that Margee gave her sister, and a treasure to me, knowing how much they meant to my mother-in-law. The worst thing a family member can do to someone with Alzheimer’s is to only remember them as they once were and never visit. It doesn’t matter if they forget the visit later…what matters is that they knew at the time that there was a visit from a loved one. Kindness doesn’t get more perfect than that, and Margee visited her sister as often as possible. We knew she was always there for her, even when it was hard to be, but we knew it.

Margee also had another sister, Linda Cole, who lived in Winnemucca, Nevada. They didn’t get to see each other often, but they spoke on the phone as often as they could. Unfortunately, that came to an end too, when Linda passed away in September 2016. Years had gone by since her sisters last saw her, which made her passing even more heartbreaking. They always felt like there would be more time, but when it was gone, all that remained was the sadness of her absence. While Margee has dealt with much loss over the years, she has also managed to move forward with the life. While she misses her sisters and other loved ones, she is enjoying every day that she lives. Today is Margee’s 77th birthday. Happy birthday Margee. Have a great day!! We love you!!