This is neither mundane or pointless, but I must share…
For 85 years, Jewell Moore Pratt Sharp was the quintessence of all that is good in the human race.
kindhearted generous loving intelligent hardworking playful sensitive thoughtful honorable noble tolerant unselfish charitable dignity spunky compassionate gentle gracious
These are just a few descriptive words that come to my mind when I think of my Aunt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband (39 years ago), her daughter (9 years ago), her daughter-in-law shortly after her daughter, both of her brothers – my dad 36 years go, my uncle and his wife went just a few years ago (1997 and 1995 respectively)
Her son, 4 grandchildren, and two nieces survive her.
She worked most of her life. Following retirement, she remained active helping others less able to provide for themselves doing such things as taking them to the supermarket, helping with housework, laundry, or a phone call to let them know she was thinking about them. I don’t think she ever thought making a casserole was as helpful, although I’d guess she’s made her share of them. She made sure she had time to get together with friends on a weekly basis to play cards.
She never boasted of her deeds, and one had to listen and watch carefully, or they would have been carried out and quietly slipped into the book she will be judged by come judgment day. I do remember talking with her on the phone and hearing her say that she had to go because she was picking up one of the “old” ladies who couldn’t drive any longer. We would laugh because that was “code” for she was older then the person she was picking up.
She always made me feel loved, wanted and like I was an important person. From the time I was very young, she started calling me her Monkey. I’m not totally sure why, but since I don’t have long, hairy arms, I’m going to guess it was because I could usually be found climbing one of the neighborhood trees.
For my 7th birthday, she took me to Disneyland. That was my very first trip to an amusement park. No matter how many times I have gone since, I can’t go without thinking of how much fun it was to go with her.
Aunt Jewell never spoke unkind words about anyone, per say, but she did speak her mind and was always up on the latest news about family members. I think that was because she cared to know what was happening in their lives. I always had to laugh with her whenever she would begin a sentence with “I’d never gossip, but….”
You know, even though she did fill me in on what was happening within the family, I never did get the feeling she was gossiping. She didn’t share anything confidential or speak ill of anyone. It was our little joke. However, I think it would be rather arrogant of me to think I was the only family member who shared that joke with her.
Another remarkable thing about her was she didn’t write letters. She would remark she thought about writing often and then we’d laugh knowing it would never happen. However, she NEVER missed sending a card so it reached the person by their birthday.
Her daughter passed away from cancer 15 days before my birthday one year but my card was in my mailbox on my birthday. Don’t ask me how she did it. To this day, I buy the cards but they rarely ever get to the post office.
She was independent and stubborn… two very “Pratt” qualities.
She never drank and never smoked. She attended church services regularly although she didn’t subscribe to any one denomination. I remember her telling me once that it didn’t matter what church you were in just so long as you were in one. What I find remarkable about that is she was not a “Sunday only Christian”. She might have been in a pew on Sunday morning, but she lived what she believed every day.
I loved to visit with her whenever I could. Often I’d literally sit at her feet when she’d bring out the photo albums, or shoeboxes with photos that hadn’t made it into albums. They were spread out on the table, but often spilled onto the floor. She would regale me with stories from the past… always bringing the stories to life. She was able to instill a pride in me for my heritage that wouldn’t have happened had it not been for her.
Many times our visits would begin by going to the racetrack to eat out before getting into the archives. She was very much aware of stretching money wherever she could. Although I don’t think she ever bet the ponies, she said they had very good food at reasonable prices.
She’s been ill for several years and hasn’t felt good enough to see anyone so it’s been way to long since I last saw her or hugged her. She never got to meet Ric but did speak with him on the phone. I have missed you so much Aunt Jewell!!!
I think you know I love you so very very very much,
Forever your Monkey