Junie Bream

How do describe a man that lived over 105 years? Remarkable seems to fit just fine. This picture represents him well. I remember many a Thanksgiving at the farm. Now, I had raked leaves before, but I had NEVER experience this kind of labor. I recall the first time I took part in this process. Junie would have his clip board ready with his list as he waited for the worker bees to gather. All knew their jobs and responsibilities. The tarps were pulled and spread out so that the leaves could be raked and then taken to the burn pit. There were so many leaves! All were delirious at days end but greeted with a wonderful meal of true Thanksgiving.

Some of my favorite memories:
At the age of 90 this remarkable man had brain surgery. We were all amazed when soon after surgery... he waved to us...giving us the A OK thumbs up. Astonishing.

Not being able to drive after the surgery was heart breaking for him. He struggle with it tremendously and hated the thought of relying on others to take him where he needed to go. He still had the T-Bird and one day family members were in the garage trying to start it up just to let it run a bit. No one could get it going. Junie came out, sat in that car, and started it on the first go round. His smile was priceless...he still had it.

At mass when Silent Night was sung, a deep cry emerged from his soul. It was so real and raw and something that I will never forget.

I had a dream when the boys were 4..before Darren could talk. A very vivid dream in which Darren was standing in front of the family and he was speaking clearly. I was on my knees sobbing and Darren was comforting me and telling me not to cry. Junie looked at me and said "See, I told you he would talk...it's going to be ok". I believed him...and so it is.

Lastly, at times watching Trevor play sports...I wonder "where did he learn that?" I will forever remind myself, and him, that he's got a lot of Junie in him.

Mark has many other wonderful memories of his grandfather...and at the service many shared touching stories...they all share one common thread: He was truly a remarkable man. God bless Junie.

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