Thursday, September 10, 2015
Mrs. Concannon:
The first time I met Mrs. Concannon she was happily chatting about her family's move to a new bigger house. The present house had two bedrooms, new one six, good move for her family. As she chatted on about her family moving I discovered she was moving to my neighbourhood. I asked her if she had a daughter, she looked at me and said "yes, I have five! Wow I thought, five kids, I then asked what school those five girls would be going to, Catholic or public? My Aunt broke in with a look and then said Catholic, she also has three boys! Mrs. Concannon was slim, beautiful long auburn hair and still looked less then thirty. After some more talk I discovered one of her girls would be in my class at school. I was a bit nervous, would this kid be a tattletale reporting on my behaviour at school? I had no idea this women had many more concerns than reporting my doings back to my aunt. Her daughter, Maureen came in to our school half way through grade 6 and sat beside me. It was best love at first sight! She was so pretty, long brown hair, dimples and I loved her handwriting! We were friends instantly! We'ed stay friends forever we said, BFA! We went on to be school friends through elementary, high school and into adulthood. Through all this Mrs. Concannon became a fixture in my life. When ever I went to their house she was always there and with a smile or a funny quip! The house never looked as it ten people lived in it, always tidy. Her sun porch held her sewing machine, telephone (one phone only in those day) and her china cabinet full of salt and pepper shakers collection. The only fault I could find in her house was the can of sardines she would put out for the lumpy family cat named tiger. I hated sardines and the cat I suspect didn't like me as it would hiss at me. Her home was warm and friendly and Maureen and I stayed friends to this day. I realize I have gone on too long but this family was a Hugh part of my life. We had many a laugh with Mr. Concannon and sometimes at his very Irish jokes. Sadly, we laughed our heads off at his "Russian" hat.
I wish to let the Concannon family know how much they meant to me growing up and still when we get to see each other now and then. Rest in peace dear Mom Concannon.
