Donna's Imaginary Friend Ron and Donna
The Gift is in the Giving
Stories

We were absolutely delighted as we listened to Donna's father, Roger read the stories that Brian Mullins & Isabelle Bonin as well as Lee Ring had asked to have shared during the evening of our anniversary party. Despite their physical absence, their reminiscences made them very much part of our celebration and we were so touched that they took the time to remember us in this way. Click on the "Remembers" Text in the above graphic to read their stories.


Lee
Mees (Circa 1959)
Donna
Lee Ring's Story of "Mees"

When Donna was a very little girl of about four or five years old, she had an imaginary friend whom she called "Mees" and they were very close.

On one occasion while my husband and I were visiting our friends, Donna's parents, we three "girls" decided to leave the men to their wiles and were off for a day on the town.

However, our little outing involved travelling on a local bus so we chatted happily while we waiting in a line-up and finally it arrived. The little group jumped on and now it was our turn.

Donna's Mom gently pulled on Donna's hand to assist her, where upon Donna dug in her heels, frowned and refused to get on without "Mees." She claimed that "Mees" was just a little scared. Though Dorothy (Donna's Mom) remained cool, her smile looked a little tight. By now the bus driver was not so cool and glowered down upon us.

Donna now asked Dorothy to hold "Mees" other hand to help. By now, the rest of the people in the queue were looking at us in askance. Dorothy, now looking a little flushed made the fateful mistake of pulling harder on Donna's arm.

You guessed it! Donna's little face now turning purple, brows furrowed over, flashing black eyes, stomped her feet in rage amd screamed "STOP YOU'RE HURTING MEES."

Dorothy gasped, huffed and jumped on the bus without Donna, looking as if she didn't even know us. What to do?

Having had an imaginary friend myself as a child, I understood Donna's dilemma. Quickly I grabbed "Mees" other hand and the "three" of us jumped on the bus, Donna all smiles, with a very audible sigh from the bus driver.

We found Dorothy sitting alone, eyes turned heavenward, face turned toward the window still failing to acknowledge us. Of course, "four" of us couldn't sit on one seat so Donna and I (with "Mees" squashed between us) sat quietly behind Dorothy. By the time we arrived at our destination; of course, all was forgiven.

I shall always remember that day with you, Donna, and your friend "Mees." It was one of the happiest and funniest days of my life.

It seems impossible that Donna and Ron have been married for so many years. I cannot think of them being old enough to have spent twenty-five years together. But isn't it lovely! I sincerely hope that Donna & Ron still have a long, long way to go. Wish I could be there at the party but it just isn't to be, regretfully.



To the Top		 With Love, as always
Lee Ring
2003, May 12

Unfortunately, Isabelle and I will not be able to make Donna and Ron's 25th. anniversary. I know it will be a memorable evening, as is always the case when Donna and Ron are present. They do make a perfect couple.

My wife Isabelle has really only met with Donna and Ron at family get togethers, where there is little time to spend talking head-to-head. We recently spent the weekend with Donna and Ron on the occasion of Tina's wedding and therefore they had more time to become better acquainted. Isabelle mentioned to me on several occasions following the weekend, how well they complemented each other. It is no surprise that their marriage has lasted 25 years. I do not mean to downplay it in any way. In these times, it is quite an accomplishment to have a marriage last so many years. I wish them the best for the next 25.

Here is a short memory from our Christmas' at the Granato's:   In the Granato family, it has been a tradition for many years to give out gifts to the younger generation only. I was lucky enough to be Ron and Donna's nephew. Therefore, I was on the receiving end for quite a few years. Donna and Ron have always given the coolest gifts, and have never asked for anything in return but to see the smiles on our faces.

Now, 25 years later, I have my own kids and Ron and Donna are still giving the coolest gifts.
 



To the Top		 Regards,
Brian Mullins & Isabelle Bonin
2003, May 6