I can remember when we were on the farm in Whitehall and Mom would tell us that Aunt Martha and Uncle Allie were up north (Independence) and they would be stopping over to visit.  We were always excited about that because we had city folks coming to visit.

Whenever Aunt Martha Visited, she brought her supply with her.  By this I mean her Avon samples.  My sisters and I loved all the samples of lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, bubble bath and perfumes she gave us.  We also knew that Mom would have something special made for lunch and an abundance of baking.  Even though Aunt Martha was from the city and her lifestyle was different than ours, you could sense that she enjoyed her visits to the farm.  She always had a smile on her face.  Didn't need to worry about conversation.  Knowing Aunt Martha, you certainly know what I mean. 

When I graduated from high school Aunt Martha thought I should experience city living for a while.  I can remember arriving at the train station in Milwaukee where she was there to greet me and welcome me to Milwaukee.  When I got off the train and looked around the first words that came out of my mouth was UFFDA and that became a common word with us especially my Uncle Allie.  Martha's goal was to find me a job which she did with the help of her daughter, Janice.  Martha took me shopping and bought me a whole wardrobe of clothes.  I lived with the Sosalla crew on Bombay Avenue in St. Francis for a few months until I earned enough money for an apartment of my own.  Martha checked on me frequently to make sure I was behaving!!!!!  I thank her for getting me my start in the working world after high school graduation.

Years later, when my grandma Sosalia was in the nursing home in Whitehall, she was voted Queen for Valentine's Day.  That was an honor that one special lady received each year.  I am sure this was an event that grandma would never forget because she truly was Queen for that day.  For most ladies that received that honor it was special as their family would go through their closets and find their best apparel for the big dance.  Not my grandma Victoria.  Aunt Martha truly wanted grandma to look like a queen.  I am sure Aunt Martha must have shopped for a week in Milwaukee for that special dress for grandma.  She arrived with a least 4 or 5  dresses making sure she had the right one for Queen Grandma.  Each dress had all the accessories to go with it.  Earings, necklaces, shoes, etc.  Then came the manicure, choosing the right color nail polish and hair styling appointments.  I am sure this was the first for Grandma.  I can remember my Uncle Allie winking at me and saying UFFDA.  I can say without hesitation, that my Grandma Victoria was definitely the Queen that was never forgotten at Tri-County Memorial Nursing Home thanks to Aunt Martha.

Without reservation, I can truly say that Aunt Martha was one of a kind.  A beautiful person inside and out.  I feel blessed that she was my POTKA.  She was definitely my Fairy Godmother and I will miss our telephone conversations even though they became less frequent as time went by.

Love you Dearly, Thanks for all you did for me.  You will remain in my heart forever.  Until we meet again.  Love you.