February 2014
When we were kids we knew that Uncle Chuck and Aunt Lou had the motel up the road but it wasn't until many years later when we stopped in to ask permission to hunt turkeys that we really got to know them.
During our visits we would share stories of our hunting adventures and Lou would always ask about the family. Clarence would tell stories about growing up on the farm and with deep reflection he would talk about the war and the hardships they endured. We would talk about what was going on in town and Clarence would never pass up an opportunity to proudly point out the homes he had built in the area.
Then one August we stopped in with two dusty, dirty boxes we had found while cleaning the shed. As fate would have it we met Marcia that day...I'm sure many of you have heard about her treasure chest. I'm so pleased with how she used this opportunity to honor both of her fathers.
As our visits would draw to a close, we would hug and say good bye - Clarence would shake my hand and give me a kiss on the cheek - he would always say to me, "when I am gone, don't forget me, put a turkey feather on my grave..." I told him I always would.
And now when the early morning silence is shattered by the sound of a tom gobbling and when my shot finds its mark, I will remember you and all of the friends we have made (many of whom are now gone) while in pursuit of that wily wild turkey. I will pluck a feather from his tail and I will come and visit and once again I will share with you my hunting tale.
It's been a long journey and you've lived an honorable life. Rest in peace.
Linda Yurkonis
Linda is Clarences' brother Harold's granddaughter. She is the wonderful person who found Melvin's letters which began our journey together. After Dad's military honors, she quietly cried as she left the feather by his grave. As I see it, the turkeys don't stand a chance in her quest for that next story, that next feather, so that she may stop in and talk to Dad every once in a while.
What a lovely, devoted memory they will always share. You are one of a kind, Linda. Love you.
When we were kids we knew that Uncle Chuck and Aunt Lou had the motel up the road but it wasn't until many years later when we stopped in to ask permission to hunt turkeys that we really got to know them.
During our visits we would share stories of our hunting adventures and Lou would always ask about the family. Clarence would tell stories about growing up on the farm and with deep reflection he would talk about the war and the hardships they endured. We would talk about what was going on in town and Clarence would never pass up an opportunity to proudly point out the homes he had built in the area.
Then one August we stopped in with two dusty, dirty boxes we had found while cleaning the shed. As fate would have it we met Marcia that day...I'm sure many of you have heard about her treasure chest. I'm so pleased with how she used this opportunity to honor both of her fathers.
As our visits would draw to a close, we would hug and say good bye - Clarence would shake my hand and give me a kiss on the cheek - he would always say to me, "when I am gone, don't forget me, put a turkey feather on my grave..." I told him I always would.
And now when the early morning silence is shattered by the sound of a tom gobbling and when my shot finds its mark, I will remember you and all of the friends we have made (many of whom are now gone) while in pursuit of that wily wild turkey. I will pluck a feather from his tail and I will come and visit and once again I will share with you my hunting tale.
It's been a long journey and you've lived an honorable life. Rest in peace.
Linda Yurkonis
Linda is Clarences' brother Harold's granddaughter. She is the wonderful person who found Melvin's letters which began our journey together. After Dad's military honors, she quietly cried as she left the feather by his grave. As I see it, the turkeys don't stand a chance in her quest for that next story, that next feather, so that she may stop in and talk to Dad every once in a while.
What a lovely, devoted memory they will always share. You are one of a kind, Linda. Love you.
