The Drew Family Blog

We decided we better send some pix from our trip to non-FB people. They are all out of order, because I can't figure how to change it otherwise. If you don't already know, we are spending more than 2 months traveling to Ohio to visit with Mark, Joanne, Fred, and Matilda. After that visit we will spend 5 days at Jackson Center, Ohio for the Alumapalooza - a rally for owners of silver trailers and their friends. A great place to get ideas and problem solving hints and resources.

We left April 28th, plan to reach Upper Arlington by the 22nd and leave for home June 6th. We have been traveling I-84 to I-80. We're currently in Nebraska. We've encountered a lot of wind since the Columbia River and have had unusually cold weather (with the exception of Mothers' Day - 70 degrees), but almost every day has been sunny. We love our little home - the 1957 Airstream - and have got into definite routines that make life very comfortable. Here are just a few pix - more later.

Larry & Dottie

This week I was cleaning my office (Stop laughing! Really, I was cleaning my office.) Anyway, I found this on a diskette and since the tenth Mother’s Day since her passing is coming up, I thought it was an appropriate time to share it. The only editing I did was in regards to formatting, the content was left intact.

Memories of Lucy Drew

Cheri

My mother “Gertie.” I am not sure how that name came to be, but it was what I, and only I, called her. I would call to talk and say “Good-morning Gertie” and she would say “Cheri, I always know when it is you.”

Our real friendship started when I was in high school, before that I remember her being very busy and always going, playing games, doing some art project, or reading a book. At that time, my sister Dottie went off to college and left me the only girl in the house and the one who worked closest to Mom. I can remember being a little concerned having all the responsibility put upon me. With a family of seven there were a lot of clothes to be washed and folded and I sure learned the folding side of that job. Gradually Mom and I grew to be very close friends.

A few days after Mark was born she woke me up on a Saturday and asked me to come down and watch my baby brother so that she could go to the beauty parlor. He was so small he didn’t even cry, just squeaked. I felt so important being allowed and trusted to care for him. Mom knew I loved children and she let me take care of him. When we went out to eat people would ask all the time if he were mine, and I being only 17 years old. Mom would say “I bet you’re glad that I was out in public a lot when I was pregnant so our friends know he is mine not yours.”

We always lived nearby and I have many wonderful memories of plying cards, camping & fishing trips, boat outings, and the group cook offs. The times that were the most special to me were when we would all get together for the holidays. It was our whole family plus many extras. It was always centered around God and His love.

Dottie

What D’ya know about Lu?

Describe Lucy Drew in a few words, betcha can’t do it!

You may say she was a stay-at-home mom. That’s definitely true. AS such, she was the director of a thriving group of Christian Youth Crusaders and the den mother for Rick’s Cub Scout group. Did you know that before children entered her life, she was a printer’s devil in an all mail print shop? Did yo know that she was the one who taught me to change a light switch and repair a clothes dryer? She was the one who taught me the joy of learning. You may say she was an artist a quilter, writer of poems, and a lover of good books.

Not only did she draw and paint, but she shared her materials and books with those around her. When young Larry was sick in the hospital with nephritis, she brought him art materials to work with. Later, when we were married, she encouraged him to take just one art class as a respite in his purely academic schedule. She also introduced him to Dale at Britt’s Signs. Larry’s life was changed forever.

She always wrote poetry. A consistency throughout her life, even until the end were her journals and notebooks. Did you know that she was 69 when she and Dad coordinated her drawings and poems and printed her poetry book?

She made beautiful quilts, but did you know that reading books, taking classes and joining quilting guilds until much later in her life.

Yes, she had poor health. Her health challenges were numerous, but she showed so much strength through it all. Do you know how many times she went from a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane, to walking independently? Could you do that?

Ah! The memories of my Mom. Did you know that as a young person she was a tomboy, who pulled on her brother’s jeans and slipped out her window onto the tree nearby to go play baseball? Did you know she broke her nose playing that game? Later she and Dad would go hiking with Rick and I to Flapjack Lakes. I remember also the time she came home bragging because she water-skied from Phinney Bay to the bridge and back on one water-ski. Did you know she bowled several 200 games?

I remember sitting in the kitchen at the red formica table watching as Mom showed me how to carve the Ivory soap into a small animal. I remember coming home from school to find Mom and Dad working on the “train table.” Dad was forming mountains and Mom was making trees out of twigs and little pieces of green sponges.

A few years ago, I remember walking across the Evergreen Campus on the way to work wearing a brightly colored skirt and blouse with orange, pink, yellow, purple, and green when a young man said, “ I just want you to know that I really like your dress. It makes me feel happy.” I said, “Thanks! It makes me happy too. It’s a recent hand-me-down from my 72 year-old Mother.

Recently she wrote in her journal, “Our lives are a rich, sweet tapestry of things we have done and said with memories of those we loved and outlived in golden thread.”
She sure wove an amazing tapestry!

Michael

Some people hear a different drummer, one that no one else can hear, most unwilling to dance to this unheard beat. My mother was not one of these. She danced the beat she heard; many times alone. I loved her for it, and find a bit of her independent spirit within myself. It’s my better quality.

Pat

You cared for me when I was young.
You said you were proud of me, your son.
When people came, you showed my scar.
You told of my hand in the Jelly Jar.
And how I ate ice cream (all that they left.)
You told me of God’s love, when at times I wept.
You made me feel that I had good sense.
When I told you of Michael going ‘over da fence’.
Mom, I owe so very much to you.
And there is nothing more I can say or do.
But to raise my children as I know best.
Following God’s love and righteousness.
So on this day, I thought you should know.
Sweet Mother dear, I love you so!

Mark

I would like to begin by saying how nice it is to see so many people here who have been influenced by my mother’s touch.

Growing up in the Drew house there were many rules we were expected to follow, many things we were not allowed to do, and many words we were not allowed to say. In particular my mother had one word which didn’t exist in her vocabulary and that word is “can’t.” Our mother never said “I cannot be a woman and run a printing press in 1940. Our mother never said, “I cannot wear slacks, play cards, and dance.” Our mother never said “I cannot learn to bowl in my forties. My mother never said, “I cannot learn to paint, write poetry, make jewelry, learn to quilt, no matter what my age or station in life.” Our mother never said, “This will beat me.” Our mother never said these things because our mother loved life, every last bit of it.

I took that from my mother to never be afraid of learning new things. Whenever I find myself intimidated by life, I think of her, a woman who never hesitated to say, “I CAN!”

Larry

It all started out in 1948 in the little red wagon Dottie and I used to play together. Our families shared a navy housing duplex in East Bremerton. Lucy invited my family to church and we became part of the family of Christ.

When I was in the third grade I lived with the Drew family for a few weeks after my mom sold our house so we could join my father who was stationed in Adak, Alaska. I remember the unfinished attic which became my room. It smelled of cedar and insulation and it was all mine. One day I lost track of time and was late coming home from playing in the neighborhood. Lucy sent me to bed without any dinner. I really felt sorry for myself. Later that evening she brought me a tray and explained how important it was for me to be on time for dinner and that she knew where I was at all times. I really felt like part of the family.

I remember the church ski parties at the Wilson’s with all my good friends. I marveled at Lucy’s ability on skis and her skill at driving the boat (The Drucy Lu.) I remember all the talks and encouragement she gave me after Dottie and I were married in 1966 and I was in college. She is responsible for my career as an art teacher and sign painter of 30 years. Lucy also gave me numerous art books and supplies which helped me to become a better teacher.

From the time I became part of the Drew family, I remember Lucy’s health battles. She would fall back and then rebound. She fought a gallent fight and now she is at peace with the Lord. I will miss her. She was a wonderful mother-in-law.

Ric

My fondest memories of Lucy were of times sitting around the table in the breakfast nook of the Snyder house playing games, mostly cards, and drinking coffee. It wasn’t because she won, she hardly ever did, but we would discuss all kinds of topics as we played. It was during these times that I was drafted to wallpaper the kitchen, paint the living room, and remodel the bathroom. These were but a few of the projects we hatched over our game times. It was a wonderful feeling to know that Lucy would come to me first to talk about a new project.

It was always great to go up and watch Monday Night Football with her. She knew more about sports than most of my male friends.

Annie

Coffee, laughter, tears, backgammon, coffee, silliness to intimacy, all very special memories.

Patty

“Mama Lu”

Thank you Lucy for the brief time we had together as Mother-Daughter-in-law.

A few weeks ago, while Lucy was hospitalized, she held my hand and with sincerity in her eyes and the touch of her hand spoke to me about her regret. I her words, “I’m sorry I can’t stick around to get to know you better.” Lucy, my regret is that I shall not get to know you better, but then again, the remnants remaining, your six children, have shown me a truly super-bonded family. Without your presence of mind, your talents and your love for the Lord, they would all lack your beautiful essence.

As you lay awake hours before our Lord took you home to be with Fred, you asked me to save a place in our new gallery for children’s art. I shall do this as you requested and it shall be called “Mama Lu’s Art Corner in your sweet memory. Thank you Lucy for your touch on my life.

Brian

Memories of Grandma:

Sitting on the living room floor watching pro-wrestling with her. She always knew who would win..
Learning to draw. Grandma taught me everything I know about art.

How to make and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

I will never forget her stories. The lemonwood bow. The bike she dismantled and took in a trunk. The time she spent working on a printing press. Her partner in the Pro/Am bowling tournament that she didn’t like, and still doing well in that tournament.

Living in the basement apartment and coming upstairs for coffee and cards.

Ricci

My most vivid memory of grandma was when I was in the ninth grade. I would go over once a week and help her with odd jobs around the house. This particular week, I was cleaning the chandelier. I was telling her how frustrated I was in English class because we were reading Romeo and Juliet and I just wasn’t getting it. So, grandma went and got her copy and started reading the play to me while I cleaned. She did all the characters and explained it as she went along. Grandma gave me a love for Shakespeare and all good literature. She helped me to see the beauty that was found in good writing.

Lucy my friend (author unknown)

When I met Lucy she greeted me with wide open arms, a bit strong hug and a mother’s gentle kiss.

She let me know her quickly, sharing with pride the things she thought of as successes, and very honestly the things she thought less so. “ Flowers”, she once said, “bloom because there are sunny days and rainy ones.”

Lucy made me her friend and, once so, never let me forget it. “ I know your busy she’d say, “but surely you can make time for 1 cup of coffee.” Which usually turned in to 3 or 4 cups and a couple of games of backgammon or canasta.

Lucy taught me openness and love. She taught me to look inside and find beauty. She once told me never to fear writers block because. She taught me to look around—there’s always something to write about. And if you’re still stuck, she said, “Look at your own hands. There’s hundreds of stories to tell. Lucy, my friend, I’ll miss you!