happy about it. We went straight to the facility to pick her up and bring her to our place. Dora stayed with us about a month and I fed her great meals to build her up. At one point she gave me the highest compliment she could – she said that she was amazed at how fast I could put together a beautiful dinner. She said she thought I was faster than she was. That’s no small compli- ment because Dora was one of the fastest people I ever met. I was always nervous being around her she was so fast. She was Speedy Gonzales! After about a month Dora was anxious to get back to her own place. We didn’t think she was quite ready to be on her own but she insisted. When Dora set her mind to something there was no point arguing. FIELD TRIPS I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT When Frank was in high school he belonged to a Jewish fraternity called Sigma Alpha Rho. The fraternity emphasized independence and its members organized and ran events that developed leadership and planning skills. Oh, and also devel- oped skills at having fun. The fraternity decided on a trip to New York City. As a very protective mother I was leery of the trip but I was assured that the group would
Actress Shirley McClain at the Shooster home. McGovern for President
crew filming our walks. I don’t know what they expected, maybe hundreds of people walking. It was more like forty people including kids and the neighborhood dogs. Afterwards I would serve refreshments at our house. It didn’t last long but it was a good idea and I’m glad we tried. OUR FIRST CRUISE After over fifty cruise ship journeys to so many far-flung islands, cities, and ports all over the world, Herman and I are very experienced travelers. But it is our first cruise that is still the most memorable. Sometime after we made our reservations Dora had a heart attack. She survived and was recuperating in the hospital as our cruise date approached. Herman was ready to cancel the reservations but the doctor persuaded us that Dora would be all right, especially since Harry and Ida would be around to take care of her. So we went. Aboard ship I was afraid to unpack my ward- robe, I was constantly waiting to hear our names called over the loud speaker. In fact, every time anyone came on the public address system we both jumped. But things went well on the cruise and we were soon back home. We called Dora immediately and found that she was in a rehabilitation facility. She wasn’t
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