On this Thanksgiving week, I have reflected on what really matters and what I’m thankful for this year. After 95 years, my mother, Eleanor Brierley; has passed on to Heaven. She joins my father, Donald Brierley, who left us 37 years ago.
They are the reason that I am the man who I have grown to be, and their legacy lives on through their children, grandchildren and their new great granddaughter and future great grandchildren.
My parents were always there to support me, my sisters and our families, and guide us through our growing pains. Having the chance to discuss issues with them gave us the confidence to do our best to navigate through life.
Tragically, when my father passed at 64, I was not able to have his counsel when dealing with business challenges, especially as I had just started my first company when he died in 1987. He was a plant supervisor for a machine shop where he had responsibility for over 100 employees. I have tried to use my memories of his humor and affinity with people to help me make the right decisions. When he passed, the church was filled to the brim with mourners and to our amazement nearly everyone made the journey to the cemetery for his burial. Losing him in the prime of his life will always be a tragedy to everyone that knew him.
Mom’s dedication to her family and community has been an example of a well lived life. Her service to her church helping with church school, guiding Hmong refugees to the United States and participating in every event in our lives made her a special person. She loved going on our boat and my earliest memories are of her salmon lunches at Green’s River. She made wedding cakes for numerous family members, friends and other clients. Her open house Christmas Eve parties at Hollywood Avenue were legendary. We were not a wealthy family growing up, but the food was always abundant and she knew how to take care of her guests.
Mom and Dad lead a great example to their family. I still see it in my children, who know that when you are at a party or visiting someone, you pitch in to help with the cooking, serving and cleaning. You are an active guest not there to be served, but there to be a part of the host’s family.
On this Thanksgiving, I say thanks to Eleanor and Donald Brierley. I am proud to be their son.
You and your entire family are a true testimony to both your parents. They will be so fondly remembered by all.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all, we are all thankful for your entire family having been such a major part of our lives.