Mabel

My grandmother, Mabel Miner Boler, was a force of nature. 4'10" spitfire who loved her family fiercely. My dad, Earl, was her first child at age 17. 26 years later Uncle Larry completed the family. All 9 of her children graduated from high school & their senior pictures always had a prominent place on the wall. She was very proud of her children & adored her grandchildren. It was always a treat to visit Grandma & Grandpa.

Mabel had a snappy saying ready for most occasions. We chuckle over them at reunions & sometimes have to explain the giggling. She wrote many letters to family members who scattered from Kansas to California, Missouri, & other points. They were always signed "Oceans of Love".

Mabel really didn't like dressing up but would tolerate it for her kids' weddings. I love this picture with the beads & earrings! Most of the time she wore a housedress with white socks & canvas sneakers. Sitting on the front porch swing, waving at cars going by & swishing the fly swatter to emphasize a point will always be a memory that makes me smile. She taught us many lessons about intestinal fortitude that strengthen us through multiple generations.