Fredette Siblings, 2005

This is kind of a random photo to post on our blog.  I've been copying lots of photos from facebook and starting to scan some, too, so that I can start my family history blog soon.  Thought I'd share this one. 

This is my mom, Bonita Fredette (2nd from left) with four of her six siblings.  One brother, Gary, died in 1943 when he was only a month old. Another brother, Craig, died at age 42 in 1982.  Remaining siblings, from left to right, are Al, Bonnie, Claire, Dennis, and Brad.  This photo was taken in 2005 when everyone went to visit Brad. I think he wasn't doing real well.  He died later that year.  I think the last time everyone got together prior to this was in 1992 for my grandparents' 50th wedding celebration in Phoenix. And before that, it may have been for Craig's funeral in 1982.

As I look at this photo I'm struck by how different these siblings are from one another, and also by their similarities.  For example, they all have the "Fredette zone". They're hard to reach when they're there. They also have the ability to argue their point.  But they love one another fiercely. And I've always felt loved by each of them.

*A memory of Uncle Brad: Christmas 2004.  Jared & I were in NY with the kids.  Brad called.  I honestly don't remember if he was calling to talk to my padres or because he knew I was there, but he commented that he'd spoken with Billy  beforehand and said something about trying to talk to most of his nieces & nephews.  That was the last time I spoke with him before he died.  We weren't super close--he always lived quite aways away--but he sure was good to me.