Australia is celebrating the birthday of one amazing Kohring today.  Happiest of birthdays to you, dear Aunt.



Memories of Aunt Dorothee from June 1961:



I was 9yo when our family drove from Lake Zurich to the Trowbridge home in Ann Arbor where they dropped me off for a multi-week adventure with my Aunt, Uncle and cousins.  When I reflect on those times I'm struck most of all by the life lessons I took home with me.

 

One of the more vivid memories of that trip was the day I joined David & Tom on a bike ride into Ann Arbor on their newspaper delivery route.  All went well until I lagged behind during the long ride and was separated from them.  The more time passed the more I realized I was completely lost in this unfamiliar city.  I never admitted it to anyone before but the fear and hopelessness I felt brought me to tears.  It felt like hours had passed but when I finally gathered any hint of senses I conceded and willingly knocked on a stranger's door to beg for help.  A dear and compassionate black woman responded to my distraught appearance and began searching for help.  I still recall the praise Aunt Dorothee showered on me for having the courage to admit and seek help which no doubt overshadowed any chastisement the 3 of us received for foolish behavior.

 

Another experience from Aunt Dorothee left a lifelong impression.  One day she brought home a 6 pack of bottled Coke.  We were disgusted to discover a cigarette butt inside of one bottle.  Rather than merely returning the bottle to the store Aunt Dorothee chose to teach us a life lesson.  She contacted the bottling company, had a manager pay a home visit and in the presence of all of us kids read him the riot act for selling an obviously un-hygenic product.  Another impactful takeaway - fight for what you know is right.

 

It was an outdoor band concert that planted a seed of desire within me.  I don't remember if it was David or Tom who played the trombone but this first exposure led me to pursue this same instrument though grade school, Jr. High and into High School.  I have little doubt this snowballed into influencing my siblings Pat & Heyde to pursue clarinet, Vic on trombone and Chuck on violin.  And I have little doubt that Aunt Dorothee was behind encouragement to her own children to pursue music.

 

Aunt Dorothee, you were a significant, positive influencer to me and our family. I associate you with anyone who has a eager passion for joy-in-life experiences.



Hugs & big loves, and have an awesome birthday celebration!



Blessings, 

Jim