NOVEMBER 11, 2019 – Among my treasures is my memory of my mom-in-law, Cleo Boger, who would’ve turned 99 today had she lived another three years. She was born the same year as the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Cleo lived just long enough to vote for a woman candidate for president.
Right to the end, she was chipper and an inspiration. If her body wore out, her spirit is alive in us whom she left behind. She was always good for conversation about her family, life, the world. Best of all, despite her old-age infirmities, she was quick to laugh when I joked with her—which occurred on every single visit.
When she died, people of her kids’ generation in her hometown of Byron, Illinois, came out of the woodwork to sing her praises. They knew her as the school gym teacher and librarian, church member and chorister; the smart and friendly town mom married to the town dad (Bob), who had every kid’s back. She, like Bob, was not just “salt of the earth” but the lifeblood of the community.
If military veterans and “first responders” are hailed as heroes, we should celebrate just as much, the contribution of people like Cleo Boger. With strong and generous heart and mind but no expectation of praise, she helped sew and stitch, weave and work, America’s social fabric.
But she wasn’t just about “America.” With curiosity, she and Bob traveled the world. When in her twilight years, African immigrants were her nursing home caregivers, she asked for a map of Africa. She wanted to know their stories, beginning with their beginnings.
Cleo loved books, but eternity wouldn’t have been long enough for all she’d wanted to read. Nor would time have lasted for her to write all she’d wanted to write. But may her letters, written in the most elegant script and with embellished expression, light up the lives of her progeny.
She spent most of her years of youth and family-rearing in Byron; college years in Madison, Wisconsin; a post-college year in Chicago; war years in Nyack, New York; retirement years in Bradenton, Florida and Grindstone Lake, Wisconsin; old-age years in Minnesota.
She outlived her husband, two brothers, and many a friend, but Cleo didn’t outlive her cherished memories of friends and family along her path.
Among her accomplishments—three accomplished children and their children and her children’s children’s children. All who knew her loved her. And when all is said and done, is that not the greatest of all achievements?
Cleo lived a long, full life, and on this day I recall her smile, her laugh, her words, her ways. She made my own life fuller but not just mine—everyone’s she touched.
So I sing this day . . .
And here’s to you, Mrs. Bo-oh-ger Jesus loves you more than you will know Whoa, whoa, whoa God bless you, please, Mrs. Bo-oh-ger Heaven holds a place for those who pray Hey, hey, hey.
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© 2019 Eric Nilsson
1 Comment
Thanks, Eric, for the thoughtful reminder of all that GG meant to us and each person she touched with her charm, wit and adventurous spirit along her way!
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