I’d like to introduce you to Lloyd.
He has lived in the same town for 89 years. He has lived in the same house for 65 years. And most importantly (to us, at least), he has been an uncle to Steve for 62 years.
Uncle Lloyd and Aunt Gwen have lived in Slippery Rock, PA for just a couple of years short of forever. They’ve never moved, never left, never wandered to another town or state. Slippery Rock contains all their dreams, disappointments, hopes, and memories.
Steve and his mom and brothers lived in Slippery Rock for about a year and a half when Steve’s dad was serving in Vietnam. During that difficult time, Uncle Lloyd was a steady presence in Steve’s life, stepping up to serve as a substitute dad while Steve’s dad was gone and even teaching him to waterski.
Lloyd and Steve have always shared a love of all things mechanical and over the years, Lloyd has spent many dozens of hours with Steve fixing things, mostly the big trucks we drove when we were on the road full time. (Lloyd was a trucker by profession and did all of his own maintenance.)
With so many shared experiences and memories, Steve and I made it a priority to stop by Uncle Lloyd’s when we were driving back to North Carolina from Ohio. I loved sitting back and listening to him and Steve talk, laugh and reminisce.
Here are some of the snippets I gleaned from their conversation:
I am always so inspired when I hear stories of long-lasting love.
I have been a part of the Smith family for thirty-seven years and have been thankful that Sarah and Nathan and I have had a chance to make memories with Lloyd and Gwen. (Don’t know if you can see the similarity but Gwen is Steve’s mom’s sister.)
During Steve’s and my recent visit to their house, I couldn’t help but think that In a world that changes every fifteen minutes, it is such a comfort to visit a place that has been untouched by the years. (Well, except for the flat screen.)
I remember eating many meals in this kitchen–simple country cooking where nothing was fancy and everything was delicious.
My favorite part of our recent visit was when the two fellas decided to pay a visit to the workshop/garage out back where they have spent so many hours together.
I trundled along behind, listening, watching and grabbing photos of an uncle and nephew joined at the heart by their love for machines and engines and tools and grease and dirt.
These pictures reveal a simple world that time has forgotten. I stood and breathed in the smell of grease and dust and engine oil and almost forgot it was 2019 and a crazy world was rushing by outside the doors.
I loved seeing these two together. Two happy guys!
And just to brag on Uncle Lloyd a little–he is well known in his area for being the go-to guy when someone can’t figure out what is wrong with an engine. Eventually, Uncle Lloyd will be asked to take a look and, more often than not, will find the problem.
The Engine Meister!
I’ll close with two favorite pictures.
The first one doesn’t need much explanation–a Bible (from Lloyd’s living room) that is so well-used it needs a little help from duct tape.
And the final picture has to be introduced by a story . . .
As we were getting ready to leave, Lloyd looked at me and said, “Becky, Gwen used to play our piano all the time but I haven’t heard it in a couple of years. Would you mind playing something for me?”
I asked him if he had a favorite and he said, “Something by the Gaithers.” I immediately thought of “Because He Lives” and with Lloyd and Steve standing on either side of me, I started playing as we all sang.
As it turned out, a few of the words went missing along the way as they were replaced by tears and choked up throats. There were so many memories wrapped up in that room and in that piano. The air was filled with a love well-lived and a quiet faith that undergirded it all.
We spent just two hours spent in Slippery Rock but that short time filled Steve and me with enough memories to carry us through many years to come. And although we may not see Uncle Lloyd again on this earth, we know that when his time comes to finally move away from Slippery Rock, it will be to join Gwen in their new Home.
There will be an organ to play for Gwen.
A lawnmower to fix for Lloyd.
It will be heaven, indeed.
What about you?
Is there a relative (or an elderly friend) who has made an impact on you through the years? What is the favorite thing you love about that person?
Who do you know that has been married the longest?
What a sweet tribute to a lovely man. We have been so impressed with his dedication and loving care that he gave to Gwen. Thanks for sharing Vernie.
Rebecca,
How lovely to hear from a Kiebler cousin. We think quite a lot of the Kiebler family!
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog and taking the time to leave a comment.
That was a beautiful post that brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you, Betsey.
It was a joy and privilege to write.
Hi, this is Adam Stewart……what a great story you have here! I loved reading this and looking at the pictures that are already inbedded in my memories and will be always! You really captured what the Yellands are all about and it made my day! Thank you for this….God bless!
Adam,
And hearing from you made MY day! Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment. It was an honor to write about Lloyd and Gwen–truly salt of the earth folks.
Adam, thanks for writing. We are first cousins once removed (by a generation). You’re blessed to have such a fine man as a grandpa.
Steve,
Definitely agree. Dad/Uncle/Cousin/Grandpa/Friend and so many other titles he wears well.
Becky, this is Carol Kiebler Mixer, one of Gwen’s 26 Kiebler cousins! I live in Mercer, not far from Slippery Rock, so saw Gwen and Lloyd at least once a year–usually at our Kiebler reunion in Westmoreland County. Sadly, Gwen was the 13th Kiebler cousin to leave us; there are only half of us left! Thanks so much for this wonderful blog about Lloyd and Gwen.
Carol,
What a delight to hear from one of the 26 Kiebler cousins. That’s a LOT of cousins!
I love that you all have gotten together on such a regular basis over the years although it IS sad you have had to say goodbye to some of them as the years pass. I know Lloyd and Gwen have loved being a part of your wonderful family circle.
Thank you for commenting!
Lloyd is a special friend of ours..thanks for sharing the tribute to a great man….
Sally,
You are blessed to have had Lloyd for a friend all these years. He is such a dear person.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Loved reading this! Lloyd is one of my favorite people. Got choked up while reading. Glad you got to visit him.
Andrea,
How great to see your name pop up here! 🙂
Our visit with Lloyd was incredibly special and went by too fast. There were tears on all three faces when we said goodbye.
Uncle Lloyd sure seems like a special guy. His home looks like a comfy place to stay for supper and visiting. And I can just imagine the piano playing and song singing. I, too, love that song. Sounds like you had a great visit.
Krista,
I was so glad we had that chance to stop in. We made SUCH good memories–memories and music!
Lloyd looks like a really sweet old gentleman. What a nice tribute to him and Gwen. Time spent with extended family is precious but often put off until another day. How great that Steve and Lloyd were able to spend time together again!!
We have two friends (they are married) that we met back in 1982 when we moved into the house next door to them and we have been the best of friends ever since. They are almost 20 years older than us but that doesn’t matter. In fact, we share the same wedding anniversary date and celebrate together every year! They have seen our children born and raised and they are like family to all of us. Best of all, they will share their wisdom and experience along with a dose of love. We are 60 (me) and 62 but not too old to learn something new. Carol and Leroy are most definitely treasures!!
LeeAnne,
How wonderful that next door neighbors have turned into such great friends. Lovely to hear that story and also lovely to hear you say that twenty years between you doesn’t matter. What DOES matter is the wisdom, experience, and love you mentioned. A beautiful comment!
What a sweet, precious visit – thank you for sharing it with us! The picture of their living room reminded me of my Grandma’s niece. She had both an organ and piano in her formal living room (yes, the one with plastic covered sofa) and she played the organ at our church for many years. The house was part of a trio of houses as you came into our small town. As I was growing up the niece and family lived in one, her parents (her father was my Grandma’s sister) lived in one (the middle) and my grandparents lived in the other. The first two were technically one parcel and shared a driveway. These houses were always a part of my growing up years and my Dad was actually born in the “middle one” before my grandparents built theirs. Sadly, they have now all passed away and the “pair” of houses are for sale ( https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/255-253-Kanawha-Ave_Rainelle_WV_25962_M30405-72618?ex=WV617687865&view=qv ). The furnished house is the middle house where the niece moved and renovated after her parents died. It is the house on the right when the two are pictured together. The one that is unfurnished is the one where I was when I found out (at 9 years old) that my mother had died. I still remember running from the back door in the kitchen to the orange naugahyde couch in the TV room (at the bottom of the stairs) and crying/screaming no, no, no. SO many memories in those homes…the proverbial “if those walls could talk”. And they are dozens (if not hundreds) of pictures taken within those walls. Thank you for prompting so many wonderful memories!
SueEllen,
How wonderful to have three houses that were so special to you lined up beside each other. It was nice getting to see a photo rather than trying to picture them.
I’m glad to know that most of your memories in those walls were happy ones. As you said, “if those walls could talk!” So much laughter, so many pictures, so many stories.
It is so sad to picture the day you found out about your mom’s death. I can only imagine how much you have missed her every day since then. I know the walls still carry the echoes of your words and cries.
Thanks for sharing your stories of those three special houses.
Steve’s aunt and uncle bought their house the year I was born – 1955. My parents bought their house about two years later as I know I celebrated my second birthday in that house, where they still live. Their are seven houses on their block – 4 on one side of the street and 3 on their side. They have lived there the longest by at least 45 years I think. Only one person has lived there over 10 years, besides my parents of course.
The 1980 calendar reminded me of a calendar we found in my aunt’s house. I think it was from 1950 something. We also found my grandmother’s wallet with her Medicare card in it – she passed away in 1989.
Who do I know that has been married the longest – my parents who celebrated 70 years June 4th of this year.
Phyllis,
Seventy years of marriage is definitely a cause for a major celebration! You just don’t hear of many people reaching that milestone. And they lived in the same house for such a long time, too.
I loved finding old belongings–wallets, calendars, etc. So much history and memories present in those articles.
What a blessed story. I have no more aunts and uncles, only cousins. So it was so nice to hear that Steve has this wonderful relationship and it is with his uncle. Those were definitely guy pictures. Thanks for sharing Becky – think the men posting will enjoy them even more.
Sharyn,
Yeah, guys definitely like those “nuts and bolts” types of shots, don’t they? 🙂 But I was surprised at how much I was fascinated by them, as well. Such an amazing collection of history and memories.
Yes, Steve is very blessed to have such a great relationship with his uncle.
Becky, the blog captured many memories of a contented man among his life treasures. Thank you for honoring him!
Vernie,
That is such a perfect description of Lloyd, “A contented man among his life treasures.”
I was so happy for the chance to be able to honor him.
Enjoyed the post. Memories are so special. I have many memories of family and friends that influenced my life. Thankful for all.
Ann,
Isn’t it great to take the time to think back on all the people who have influenced us over the years? We are blessed to have those people in our lives!
It is wonderful to see an example of one living in an attitude of contentment, and reaping a blessed life, pleasing unto the Lord. Beautiful indeed.
I Thess. 4:11,12 “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” Ruth
Ruth,
That is a great verse to describe Lloyd. He never needed more and more and more . . . he just loves what he has and is contented with it. And he has definitely worked with his own hands!
Great post. I remember being there when we were on the road. Seeing the pictures brought back happy memories. I recall being in that garage with all it’s smells and treasures, taking walks along the road and being welcomed so warmly by Gwen and Lloyd. Amazing people! So glad Steve and Lloyd got to spend a few hours together watering their roots. :).
And the story of you all singing around the piano brought tears. In such a wacky, unmoored world, it’s good to know there’s still pockets of saneness to be found, solid and secure, like in that little house and huge heart of Uncle Lloyd. ♡
Blessed by you as always! Thanks for sharing treasures through your writing and photography!
Love, Deb
Deb,
I knew the post would be especially meaningful to you since you have actually been there. (And I think Ruth was, too.) I loved your line about Lloyd and Steve “watering their roots.” A perfect way to describe them.
A little house and a huge heart, indeed.
Lloyd has a very kind face. A very nice tribute to him, Becky. It must have been hard to say goodbye to him after this visit, assuming you both would never see him again. So many treasures he has in his home, amazing.
The only elderly person in my life for any length of time was my grammy(dad’s mom). We have a very small family. My other grandparents passed early. My dad was an only child. My mom did not keep touch with her family as she grew into adulthood. She said she really didn’t like them, so I rarely saw them. Anyway, grammy was IT and she was wonderful. She was born and she died in Provincetown. She passed at the age of 95, over 20 years ago. She was so so smart and very funny. My parents did not attend church but whenever we were in Provincetown, she took me proudly to mass with her in my white shiny shoes and a pretty dress. Her joy was palpable when sharing me with her friends after mass. She made me feel very special, very loved and she felt like home, a refuge from the expectations and inevitable trials of navigating the growing up years. Now that I am a grandmother, I strive to be for my granddaughter what my grammy was for me. A soft place to land, where she knows she is the most important person to me. Grammy is still guiding me all these years later.
Lesley,
My favorite line of your comment was being “a soft place to land” for your granddaughter. What a beautiful way to describe the role of a grandma.
It sounds like your grammy had grandparenting down to a science–she knew how to share all the laughter and love your young heart needed to grow and thrive. I’m so thankful to have had the chance to “meet” her through your words. Thank you.