Dear Chibby…
Chibby? No one could ever explain that to us, not even you? Where in the world did we get Chibby out of Phyllis 😊.
You were a 2nd Mom to me…. During those 1st 9 years of my life while in Lewes. I seem to remember playing on Chestnut Street much more than in my own yard. Any the visits to your home at Christmas… absolutely crazy. The old train running around the tree, and the mural that Uncle Tom would paint on the mirror each year. Just great. Don’t even mention the six layers of clothes he’d be wearing.
My reasons to visit to Lewes became fewer… and for all the wrong reasons at times. Tom leaving us so way too early, Pop, Don, Lee, Jane and Donny, Griff… but we always had you!
How wonderful it was to introduce you to Amanda, and then David. How much they loved you and your craziness, and being lucky enough to be included in your birthday parties so many times. Remember when you had ants in the kitchen, and Amanda & Dave gave you an ant farm for your birthday? Then again, later, how great it was to take you out of the house for a drive down to the State Park and around town. For lunch. For those Bloody Mary’s (don’t tell Kathy).
You know, you were also a bonding agent for Bill, Bob and me. They weren’t around much when I was a kid. Off to Delaware, then away in the service. But then we started our Lewes rendezvous trips and they were as much about catching up with you as they were about being together. It was always fun to see Wayne, Bland, maybe some others. Believe me though… it was always about you.
You are the last of the true Jefferson generation, and the town just won’t be the same without you. I can’t even imagine the Do Da parade this year – I’m sure they’ll do something special for you… as they should.
Love, your nephew…
Alan