A Birthday Card for Aunt JoAnn
My cousin, Jay Leithead’s wife (Katie) encouraged us to send a birthday card to my Aunt JoAnn. I decided I’d take a moment to share some memories, instead of just sending a card. Here’s what I’ll send to her: Thanksgiving comes to my mind when I think of my Aunt JoAnn. You might guess that’s because our annual Goodworth Thanksgiving reunion happens in Kamas, and that she’s done so much over many years to make it a success. Actually, I’m filled with thanksgiving for the many things JoAnn’s done for me. As a boy and young man, I spent every moment I could at JoAnn’s home. While my mom and sisters tried their best to train me properly, I was a country boy, from Idaho, with 7 brothers to learn from—as well as argue and fight... and play with. I’m certain that I did many things that were backward, and definitely difficult for her to deal with, but she always welcomed me any time we could make arrangements for me to be with her family. Some of my special memories, besides eating (and I’m cer...