Stories
From Grandma Ossola
It was the night of September 25, 1999. It was getting late and anyone who knows Grandma O knows that she does not go out after dark. So, it is past the time when she expects visitors. She had taken her bath, washed her hair and put on her nightgown. She is just getting ready to pin up her hair when she hears a car pull up. Into the house come Amanda, Brooke, Bob and Devin. Grandma is totally embarrassed that these kids are in her house and here she is with wet hair and nightgown. She refused to even turn on the light. So, they all sat in the dark for a while. Then they say they have to get going to the surprise party. Amanda of course gives her Grandma a big hug and tells Devin to do the same. Devin tries to politely get out of it by saying that he had already shaken hands. Amanda will have none of this; they will not leave until he hugs her Grandma. Of course he did.
From Butchie
One thing that sticks out in my mind is the time we went on vacation to Florida. We were in Daytona at the time and Amanda decided to display a showing of her "I'll do whatever I want to" mentality. As we were walking towards the hotel we were staying in she decided to open the door of a Jeep parked in the parking lot. Of course, it was unlocked and equipped with a wicked loud car alarm. We all ran into the hotel and asked the dufuss why she opened the door in the first place, to which she replied, "because it was there and I wanted to."
From Mom
Every Easter when I would put out my thousands of bunny dolls, figurines, pictures, pillows, etc., Amanda would get in one of her mischievous moods, especially if I was irritable to start, and go around the house and turn every bunny butt faced upside down and backward, then go sit and wait for me to find them. At first I would be so mad, she would be roaring, then I would go turn all of them the right way, which took a good hour, later she would do it all over again, then we would laugh until tears were in our eyes and we'd hug. Whenever I see anything upside down, I think of her and my bunnies.
From Dad
I remember a night in the summer time that the fireflies here at the farm were as thick as last year's apple butter, and I took Amanda for a walk down the road to the west field. The field and trees were covered as if for Christmas lighting contests. Amanda was awed, and so was I. Thank you God for those special times.
I remember a night quite clear, again here at the farm, when I told Amanda come out in the dark and see the stars. Bingo, shooting star, and a few seconds later another. She sent me into the house for a blanket, and back to the garage for a lounge chair. Of course, by then she was far ahead in the race for the most sightings. She asked about the constellations, and was surprised that the old man could name and place several.
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