Happy Birthday, Aunt Kate

Kathryn Fredrick Tritten and me, December 1957

My mother's sister (and my godmother) is celebrating her 93rd birthday today.  Kathryn Louise Fredrick was born 6 September 1918, in Manistee County, Michigan, to Otto August Fredrick and Daisy Ellen Graf.  She was the oldest of eleven children born to them.



L-R:  Sisters, Marie Fredrick and Kathryn Fredrick, picture taken on the family farm, date unknown.



Aunt Kate has always been very special to me.  I have wonderful memories of visiting her in Brethren, Michigan.  I have visited many times throughout my life, as a baby, child, teenager, college student, and even after I was married and had children.

My most recent visit to Aunt Kate was in a nursing home.  She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about ten years ago.  She didn't recognize me or my mother, who I took to see Aunt Kate.  Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease.  My thought and prayers are with Aunt Kate and her family as they live with a life changing diagnosis.

I hope in some small way that Aunt Kate knows it is her birthday and is celebrating in a way she deserves.  Happy Birthday, Aunt Kate.