Jo Bargy: Memories

When I was celebrating my high school graduation (1973), I received a covered box in the mail, decorated with flowered paper. It was from Cal and Jo Bargy, our relatives up north by Kewadin. When I opened it, I found a beautiful soft green nightgown, a grown-up nightgown, different than my usual flannels. I was so surprised and pleased. I put it away to save for when I got married. But often, I took it out to admire.

Josephine Bargy died yesterday.
She had not been well for some time.
And John and I recently saw her in a nursing home in Bellaire, during our week of vacation after Easter.

Our family used to go up to their farm every year as we were growing up. Sometimes we would camp out for a few days, and my dad would help on the farm. I would often find a corner and read. Jo would feed us good farm food, fresh whole milk and fresh vegetables and fruit (I especially loved the cherries). I developed a small understanding, but eventually a great appreciation for farmers and farm life.

I remember the feel of rough gooey calf tongues licking (sucking) my hand as I tried to pet their heads. I remember once being allowed to climb the then-new blue Harvestore silo. I remember taking my own family back there, of visiting the barn with my small son in my arms, when suddenly, a cow "Mooed" with a much louder bellow than I remembered. And I remember learning that their granddaughter Anna, also a farmer, had a job at the post office as well. Farms and farmers are so important. Farmers are faithful to their disciplines, from early mornings to long nights, whatever the weather, whatever the holiday.

We had a little more connection the eight years my own family lived in Traverse City, when Jo would also talk to John about his job and churches and people we might know in common.

But mostly today, I am remembering that Jo is the special woman who sent me a graduation gift that seemed to say, "You are a woman now. Welcome."

I miss her.
I am thankful for her Homecoming, and look forward to seeing her again someday.


"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies."
Psalm 36:5