Jean found a note written to mother by Sue in December 1991...

Dear Nan,
I hope this does not sound too corny, but I wanted you to know that you have a special place in my heart. When I could not go to mother, I could always come to you.
Your having been at the hospital almost every day and for helping my Gus means so much to me.
You and my big brother have always been there for me.
Thanks again for my pretty gown and slippers and all of the other things you brought me.

And always remember how much I love you...

Sue

Lori was looking through her bible the other day and found a note. Apparently while mother was visiting Lori at her home in Nevada, she wrote and left a beautiful note for Lori in her bible. I don’t recall exactly what mother wrote in the note, but I think mother described how thankful she was for her visits to Lori’s home, how gracious they were to her and how very much mother loved her and her family.

Now that mother and daddy are both gone, I feel as if God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have left the planet. I feel alone; there’s a huge void in my life. So how were Raymond and Nanetta Allison so strong in their faith with God since they lost their parents decades ago. Well...

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16: 15-17

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

I was remembering when I was 4 or so, Nan took me to the Doctor to have a huge wart taken off my knee. They set me on a tall stool and frooze it off. I didn't cry so they gave me a certificate for a free milkshake. Nan thought it would be fun for June and I to share it. I did cry then.

I was thinking today about when Nan first bought her furniture. She took Wayne (he was 4) and I to Hempill Wells with her to pick out sheets and comforters. She hated to shop by herself. Wayne kept talking about something about Naint Nan. Finally it hit me when he threw his self down behind her and said "Naint Nan's feets are cracked Mama". I had a small heart attack because I didn't want her feelings hurt. I said be quiet Wayne."But Mama her feets are cracked". I thought for sure I would have to choke him to the ground, but he finally shut up. She never heard him. So there I was today sitting in her bathroom floor going through toiletries trying to find "YES" ointments for cracked heels. LOL ..........

A few entries from Mother's high school memory book ('47-'48):
- It is a pleasure to write in your book. I think you are a very nice girl and a sweet one. May your life always be full of "Happiness and Joy". I loved you once, I loved you twice, If I didn't get you I know I tried. The river is wide and I can't step it. You're my Darling and I can't help it.
Love to You, Raymond Allison
- Nanetta, I'm pleased to write in your book. Remember me by this: When you get married and your husband gets cross, pick up a chair and show him who's boss. (I know who he's gonna be) Jean Venable
- Remember friend and bear in mind, A jay bird's tail sticks out behind. Grand Dad
- Dear Nanetta, Here's hoping you have all the best things in life. Be a sweet good girl. Love your ole Auntie as she loves you. Aunt Ethel
- Dear Nan: I find it hard to express my wishes for your future in fancy words, so I'll just say I wish for you the best of everything. May you set your goal high and strive to reach it. Love, Aunt Pearl
- Dearest Nanetta, It is a thrill to write in your book twice. I could never write all of how much I love you. I wish you all the happiness anyone could ever have. If I can be of any service to make it so, just call on me, and I will be around. "Love", Raymond Allison
- Dear sister, it is a pleasure to write in your book. When you get married remember me by this. When the golden sun is sinking and you're laid beneath the sod, may your name be plainly written in the autograph of God. Love, Margie !
- Dear Nanetta, It is indeed a pleasure to add my good wishes & happiness among the list. Fay Allison
- Dear Nanetta, I have known you only a short while, but I have found you to be a very sweet and likeable girl. Just stay as you are and you'll always have lots of friends. It is with pleasure I sign my name among your many friends. Love Dolores Tuclar
- Dear Nanetta, You are a lovely girl and a very good student. You are so young and you have such a bright future that after your school days you should be able to be very happy in a "dream home" all your own. Remember one word, "Others" first. Love, Edith Pool Malone

Kelly, as soon as I read your e-mail I thought immediately of how your mother and dad kept me in my family. I left my mother's house December 8th of 1968, (after living in San Antonio for a year). I moved with what belongings I had to Massachusetts. I talked to my mother about once a month, got letters from her once a week, and that's all the contact I had with my entire family. I had always thought I came from a large family, but no I guessed I didn't. So it went for (9) nine monthes until the death of my mother. At that point for some time, there was no contact, so I went on with the broken heart of having lost my parents, my siblings and other family.

After a time, God spoke to your mother (and with support from your father) she began to call me some and as time went by she was the life line to my family. When she could, she would tell me of my siblings and such. When I had lived up there a couple of years, 1970-71 Nan started to work nights. Then it became a game and much more fun. She would call me in the middle of the night (much to the dismay of Uncle Bob) and we would have long conversations, giggle parties, serious meetings of the mind, and sometimes picnics (her with her lunch at 2-3:00am and me with a lunch) all across the telephone lines and in secret. I would be comfortable all closed off in the bathroom and seated on the toilet, so as not to disturb U. Bob or Robert.

Later in life Nan had left the night shift and she called when she could and of course she sent cards not only to me, but to my family. Robert and Kenneth, and U. Bob also shared the benefits of her LOVE. She really loved us a lot. I believe that when we pray and spend special time and efforts for someone, we have a super special love for that person and whoever they love. I know that's my experience. She sent us love, communication and even joke gifts like gold plated swizel sticks of barbed wire (still have those), giant size clothes pins (Texas sized) and many other things to help remind our neighbors, friends and U. Bob's family that I was from Texas where things are large.

Nan had a couple of chances to come to New England, before we moved to Texas (God's work). She loved the north east, but feared it had become my "home" forever. It was she that first began to pray for my return to her in Texas. She said it took a couple of years, but God does answer prayer, even for her. God really loved that woman. I'm glad she really knows how much now.

I had decided to stop off at Nan's. Rosalee and Earnest had left that morning and she was sad. When I got there Cynthia was driving up also. Rosalee had left a pan of yeast rolls rising on the stove. Nan was cooking them. They smelt soooooo good that the three of us ate a whole pan at one sitting. LOL.. We were so full but we never told Raymond we scarfed down the rolls before he could.

It was Chrisrmas Eve and we were allowed to open one present. I was laying on the bed very angry with Nan. You see Mama always wanted her and her family there before we opened the present. She didn't get off until 11 PM.. Oh I just knew Santa wouldn't come because our lights would be on late because of her getting off late. Oh the trauma of being 7.....

As we get closer to Mother's Day, my birthday and Momma's birthday, it sends me back in time.
we always celebrated them together. Nanetta would make our birthday cake and Raymond Lee would bring the ice cream fixin's. Everybody would come and we would have a huge meal and then move out to the yard to enjoy family and the season. I got to open my presents and Momma did too. Raymond Lee would get cranking on the ice cream and all the kids would take turns sitting on top on quilts to keep from freezing our booties. We made lots of memories that will last forever. My birthday and Mother's day are no big deal anymore but I still have those whispers from the past and shadows of those gone that still play and remind me of my wonderful childhood in my heart and mind.

Moments before dad died Cathy says dad commented twice that he didn’t know the angel Gabriel was a man. Before Daddy died, he had his hands worked on for carpal tunnel. Daddy would look at the scars and think that he had anesthesia; Jesus had none. Every day he’d wake up and thank God for a new day.

In ICU before mother died, she kept pointing toward the wall and asking to go into “The Big Room”. She indicated that there were flowers in this big room.

After mother passed I swear I felt her presence in her house. Ideas and things would just appear; seemingly out of nowhere. That night Alice and I wrote her obituary in which many ideas seemed to be divinely inspired.

A couple of days after mother passed I said to God, “Okay, we all know heaven is there. It’s in the Bible. It’s not a secret. So why can’t you let us hear from those who go there?” That night while I slept, there was a moment of nothing (a dream); like when your TV screen goes blank. I felt peace and calm. Then I heard mother’s voice say “I’m all right.” After which I felt peace and saw nothing; like before she spoke. That was all she said. “I’m all right.” There was no image of her. I recognized her voice.

Since then I’ve told that story to others. Several report either having a similar experience or of knowing someone who tells of having a similar experience.