A Memory for My Mom

This is a modified version of a picture taken in 2008.  It was the last picture of our family with Mark before he died.  It is a special picture in so many ways.  This goofy version is just as special to me.  Some of my siblings and I had a great time creating this and the story to go with it.  Enjoy.

Back row - Mark, Mauri, John, Luke, Paul, Dirk, Karen

Middle row - Kaylene, Andrew, Juliana, Adam

Seated - Dad holding Loman, Mom

Mom and Dad's family is the talk of the county.  The family consists of the oldest girl (Karen) who is trying out for the local McDonald's Hamburgler character.  The oldest son (Dirk) is attempting a career in show business as a clown in the circus.  His backup plan is to pull Santa's sleigh during the off season. The third child (Paul) is the lead singer in The Color Freaks band.  They specialize in polka.

The family continues with the quiet son (Luke) who is making his place in the world as an Amish model for the local furniture store.  He makes good money when the tourists come to town.  They pay him $15 to pose for pictures with them.  The next son (John) has a split personality and thinks he is the Emperor of China.  He really loves his mother and wears it with pride.

The most beautiful sister (Mauri) has a great gig as the model for a local beer company.  They brew beer with a special twist of llama drool. It's all the rage.  The next son (Mark) is famous for his stove top hat and his purple flower that was given to him by a secret admirer.  He wears it in hopes of finding her and refuses to shave his sideburns until she shows herself.

That son (Adam) that keeps the family laughing trains monkeys for the circus that his brother is part of.  He has unique talent of being able to imitate the monkeys with the best of them.  His motto is "I'm a Big Boy Now."  The next sister (Juliana) is probably the most talked about of all the family members.  She had a terrible accident that involved a trampoline and a dirt bike.  Don't ask - 'cause we ain't sharing how it happened.  After 27 surgeries and many medication changes her neck is beginning to take shape, but her arms aren't long enough to shave the hair in her ears and nose.

The calm and collected child (Andrew) spends his free time sailing with a raft and a robin.  It is said that the robin got mad one day and pulled out this son's eye after he wouldn't share his lunch of saltine crackers.  It's strictly rumor as we have it on good authority that he wears it just to get the girls.  The next daughter (Kaylene) was on the back of the dirt bike when it hit the trampoline.  She lost her right leg just below the knee as a result.  Don't underestimate her though, she is the best dancer in the family.  You should see her do the chicken dance!!

The last son (Loman) is the mascot of the local polo team.  He also doubles as their water boy and half time entertainment.  He spends his free time cleaning up the manure left by the horses.  He sells it to the little old ladies in town for a hefty profit.

Mom and Dad are proud of each and every one of their children.  They maintain that family is the most important part of life.

The end.

I hope you enjoyed this memory, Mom.  I laughed when I read it.  Then I cried.  Happy Mother's Day from all of us characters!