Family
The Martin and Habegger families DNA and their nurtured influence
on Annette’s narrative is so clear to those who know them – their values
shaped many of hers, their service to others is so exemplified in Annette.
Annette’s Circles
Martin Family Remembrance by Rachel Dickerson
I am Annette’s cousin. My mom, Grace, is Ray’s younger sister. My kids, Ona and Isaiah, are 2nd cousins to Troy and Phoenix. Annette and I are one of many Martin family members that are well documented in several genologies*. Some of us are really creative. Others are really smart. Most of us are stubborn. Some of us grow tall. Others are really competitive, especially in a game of Dutch Blitz. We all have a story. And Annette wanted to hear about our stories. She listened with care and stood in our presence without judgment.
For me…there are memories that go beyond the Martin family reunions. When we were young Annette’s family would often set up camp in DC with our family for a week or two when they returned stateside. These visits always made my summers better. We gladly dressed our brothers up for fun filled fashion shows. I believe this was the prelude to her Burning Man days. She loved dress-up. And while DC is a far cry from Black Rock City I like the idea of my parent’s backyard being a mini playa.
Then there were the hay days at 563 E Main Street in New Holland Pennsylvania. Janet Jackson had taken over the world with her Rhythm Nation 1814 album. And Paula Abdul had moves we all wanted. We would walk to the nearest drugstore to buy cheap mascara and lip gloss. Then gave my double cassette tape stereo a workout until all our dance moves were as in sync as possible for two little white girls. I just wish we could recreate those moves now and give our kids the kind of embarrassment they all need from their mothers.
My more recent memories are filled with the love and encouragement we received from each other. We were present at each other’s weddings. She shared her 30th birthday with mine. And asked my daughter to be the flower girl for hers. We reveled in the births of all our kids. She held Ona when she was just a few days old and I got to do the same for Phoenix. I was grateful to be at Troy’s outdooring and she came to Isaiah’s baptism. Those big celebratory moments were so important to Annette and she wanted to be at as many as possible.
She and Emre have been so supportive of my work as an artist. And I have loved hearing about all the discoveries she has made with her beautiful family. She never let the grass grow too long in one spot. It has been an incredible gift to share my life with hers and hers with me. I love you Annette. I miss you – M.I.S.S you much.
*You can find us on pg 59 and 61 (The Ancestors and Descendants of Amos W. Martin and Elizabeth H. Martin © 1992) pg 143 and 144 (Bishop Jonas H. Martin – His Life and Genealogy © 1985) pg 183 and 185 (Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel G. Sauder and Elizabeth Eaby)
