My cousin,
Lee Ann Morgan died on Monday. She was 61.
At first
glance, I think some people might think she did not live a remarkable life.
Some people
would be wrong.
At the age
of 16 she began working at the Dairy Queen in Shadyside, Ohio.
She, later managed
and bought the Dairy Queen there.
Shadyside,
by the way, is a very tiny down, just over the river from Wheeling, WV.
She was born
in Bellaire, and was confirmed deceased in Bellaire Hospital.
In that way
(and excuse me if you find this blasphemous) she was much like Jesus.
Much of her
works (like Jesus) were accomplished within a fifty mile radius of where she
lived.
Like Jesus,
Lee Ann fed the masses from a very small location.
Like Jesus,
Lee Ann drew young people to her, and they were made better, simply by
associating with her.
This week
hundreds of people mourn my cousin, Lee Ann's passing.
So many have
said they will miss her . Like Jesus, she was taken too soon from us.
My husband
said "I'm sure she would have been head of the chamber of commerce, maybe
even Mayor of Shadyside, like her dad.". Honestly, I think Walt was most
impressed with what was in Lee Ann's freezer, when we visited over a year ago.
You see,
like many people who loved Lee Ann, I associate her with a particular miracle,
to which Jesus did not lay claim.
Ice Cream.
Lovely,
cool, velvety, sweet, soft serve Ice Cream.
Lee Ann made
ice cream for the community.
Sometimes
she gave it away (on special occasions, like when the Tigers won).
She always
brought it home. She served to her family.
Once, I saw
her give an entire line of people who were waiting at the DQ window (including
myself) Ice Cream (and other food treats).
By simply
opening the DQ in the spring, Lee Ann made hot days cooler, sad days sweeter,
and ordinary days special days.
She did many
things for her community, and she knew how to love her family and friends.
However so
many of us will remember her for this one miracle : Ice Cream.
I think,
when she found herself at the gates of heaven, St. Peter said to Jesus
"A
special arrival at the gates, Lord.
The arrival
is lovely and cool, with a sweet smile".
and Jesus
greeted her with Peter and said "My Lee Ann is home.".
