To Uncle Charley and Aunt Elizabeth When, as a child, with my sister and brother, Light hearted, played in the stream by the mill, Little I dreamed of the sorrow of parting; Always together, we strayed at our will. Favored among us and loved beyond others, Our Uncle Charley, our friend and our guide; He was our hero and knew not we waited, Heartsick with fear when he brought home a bride. Fearful of losing him whom we had cherished All of our lonely lives, lingering; aside, Clinging to any one showing us kindness, Drifting uncertainly on with the tide. Vain were our fears, for as time let us know her, All our allegiance was hers to command. Shyly we offered our hearts and, though silent, Something assured us that she’d understand. Long years have passed and the sister and brother Gone to their rest, leaving me with my grief; You are the nearest of all who are dear to me, Bringing me solace and blessed relief. Mabel E. Plaskett, March 29, 1938.
Author Mabel Plaskett
Mabel Sans Plaskett was born in Coralitas near Ben Lomond in the Santa Cruz Mountain area of California. Her father Edward Robert Sans ran a saw mill near Pacific Valley, along the Nacimiento – Ferguson road to the coast at Highway One. It was there she met Edward Abbott Plaskett, her husband. Mabel wrote about the coast and the pioneers of the 19th and 20th Centuries.