Do you have an award winner?

Ever give a George Bailey Award? Well its a long-time tradition for Travelin Oma's family. She has written a beautiful post about her family's tradition and tossed out a challenge to think of someone in your life you would want to honor.

My aunt Katherine, Koki, my Dad'd sister, immediately comes to my mind. She was a loving and caring woman who was my aunt and my dear friend. She was the family historian - keeping the stories alive. She also kept track of the members of the family as they scattered across the country.
And, she was a beacon that drew the whole family back together for several major reunions.

Koki was a creative woman - sewing, cooking, writing and performing. She was creative in the ways she reached out to help people. When I started genealogy research she was my main-stay, encouraging me on, telling me stories and sharing pictures. When I started telling stories she added tales and details to help me make the stories of the family. She called just to chat and when I called her she made me feel so special and loved - "you have made my day."

Koki was not predictable. That's one of the things I loved about her.
I still have the envelopes stuffed with clippings from the Charlotte, NC Observer she sent. They came without fanfare or warning. Sharing the things she thought I would be interested in - bits of local history, current doin's and human interest articles.

Out of the blue she sent me things - photos of me when I was a child that she had taken, a handmade skirt for our Christmas tree, a crocheted cape, recipes.

And she gave me the quilt of squares I sleep under today - Jim and me warmed by her love of life, joy in people and caring for family.

Oh, yes, she would get my George Bailey Award.