When Don left us, a part of me went, too. Now, all the guests who attended my parents' wedding have gone, are together again. Every January 10th, I would tell him, "I know what you were doing on January 10, 1945". He and his dad were the only people to visit my dad at the Navy base in Norfolk. VA. I really believe this is where Don first learned to "wheel and deal" as his dad and mine made some land purchases. (I never was told the exact story but do know some conniving was done). With Don's passing, I find I have no one who can personally remember our Great Grandmother, "Minnie" to many, but "Nanny Hannah" to us. My sisters were too young to know her, Don's children were not yet born. Don's death leaves me to be the oldest living descendant of James and Mary Elizabeth "Minnie" Hannah.
I remember, as a young child, the parties in Hinsdale, polo games and other events we all attended. The last I recall is the yearly trip to Russell's Barbecue (still there, still the same menu for the most part. Don, Jr. and Daryl were just babies at the time. Soon after, Don moved away and we lost touch. Uncle Jim and Aunt Marge updated my grandmother from time to time.
Fast forward: following the deaths of Grandma Syl, Uncle Jim and Aunt Marge, the Hannahs became more of a memory than a reality. When Aunt Lorr was dying, I thought about Don. Knowing he was in Phoenix, I found him and notified him of the situation. Within a few days, Don, Jr. called me. He, like me, was searching for family history and stories. We talked as if the years had never separated us. We decided to reconnect in person. Don, Sr., Don, Jr. Kristin, Mark and I met while visiting the graves of our mutual relatives. That day, we became family once again.
I will fondly remember the trip Don, Sr. and I took to Trinidad and Tobago, his high hopes for the Adrianna (cruise ship), his dreams and plans. These are the things that kept him going.
The last time I talked to Don was a few days before he passed. His last words to me were, "love you".
Rest in peace my dear Cousin You will always be a part of me.