It made me reflect to all the prayers Iris has said through her 106 year old life. She has faced loss, hardship, lived through wars, a depression, recessions and managed to be a pioneer through it all, earning her college degree in 1928, having a teaching career and was a librarian.
She never married and has no children. Yet she has always treasured her family and treated us all like her very own. When I was 11 years old Iris moved back to North Dakota from southern Minnesota. She no longer was just my pen pal. My mom made sure we had routine visits.
When I gave birth to Hunter, just a week shy of her 92nd birthday, Iris walked a couple blocks from her apartment to visit. When Hunter was little we visited McDonald’s together where Hunter could play and Iris could enjoy a hamburger. And now for the past five years, we haven’t lived in the eastern half of North Dakota to have as regular and routine visits to Iris. But the visits have been often enough throughout each year that our young girls know and love Iris just as much as all of our family.
In between visits, she has been a loyal letter writer to us. But most of all, I am so thankful for the prayers she has said for us. It’s more than each stitch of her prayer shawl.
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| Anika always has hugs and snuggles for Iris, 2011. |
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| Elizabeth wearing the sweater Iris knit for me as a baby, January 2008 |
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| Iris getting introduced to Anika Iris with big sister Miss E sharing some kisses, July 2009 |
From our kids to Iris, five generations of family are represented. It’s five generations that have been on the same land in North Dakota. We are five generations that have stuck together through the highs and lows and always prayed for one another and Iris said, “Now that is a lot of prayers!”
We have a true gift. Iris is a gem, an original that we are so grateful to have in our lives.
Who is a special family or friend that has impacted you?
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Oh this post made my heart swell it is beautifully written and your family shots are wonderful.106 oh my what a wonderfully strong woman. 5 generations of hard work and strength wonderful. B
It is always wonderful to have special women like Iris in your life. I am sure your kids have also learned a lot from her. Glad you posted this. Hope you are having a great week.
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This post made my morning because it hit awfully close to home.
My husband has an aunt much like your Aunt Iris. His Aunt Lib is 92, still thinks she can do anything and has the most adorable Southern accent you’ve ever heard. We felt so blessed that she was able to meet our little girl and hope she’ll have the type of relationship with our daughter that it sounds like your kids have with your aunt.
106!!! And she sounds so awesome 🙂
Katie
What a wonderful opportunity for you and your children to know a Great Aunt! I got to know my Great Grandma until I was in collage. The stories and life lessons shared are priceless.
what a wonderful, warm, giving woman.
Definitely my grandparents. They’ve said lots of prayers for us.
What a wonderful person to have in your life and your children’s life!
Wow, she looks great for 106! She sounds like a special person.
She’s a treasure and an inspiration. Bless her heart. 🙂