December 18, 2003

The past two weeks have been a trying time in the family of Jackie’s remaining sister and herself. They have experienced the loss of a brother and a sister. Their brother, James Ray (Wheel) Cogburn passed away two weeks ago as a result of an injury. He was a butcher and dropped a frozen turkey on his foot which caused a blood clot, which resulted in his death the morning after Thanksgiving. He lived in Whitesboro, Texas and was buried there.

This past week, their sister Mary Jo passed away during surgery on Thursday afternoon.

There were seven daughters and three sons in Jackie’s family. The family lived many years in the Friendship community. Four of the children went to the rural school of Friendship which is just west of the Mustang community. The five youngest children of R.L. (Bob) and Virtie Cogburn were well known in the Aubrey area.

When Jackie and I were married some fifty-three years ago, the large family was an attraction to me because they were so close to each other. The mother and father taught this family love and respect for each other. This attraction of affection was so strong that it has carried down to generations that followed. I was nothing but impressed with the same family love that has been taught to all ten of the brothers and sisters that preceded Jackie and her remaining sister Pearl.

While I was sitting between Jackie and her sister, it was obvious that I am the only remaining son-in-law of Bob and Virtie Cogburn, and brother-in-law to these brothers and sisters. This experience creates a loneliness that is reinforced by the great family affection of the remaining offspring and the genuine love that was shown to each other by Mary Jo’s family.

One of Mary Jo’s daughters was deaf and one of her grandson’s and his wife were deaf, which allowed for the whole funeral service to be interpreted in sign language. The interpreter translated the pastor’s message and all of the songs into sign language. She translated the songs as the music was played, which created a rewarding atmosphere as the words of the songs were being sung.

I am quite familiar with the hearing impaired, since I had a great-uncle and Aunt who were deaf. Some of the most pleasurable moments were with this hearing disabled family.

I think that as I look back to 53 years ago, I am most certainly convinced that this very large family affection that I so keenly became aware of was still present and the joys far outweigh the losses. Simply said, LOVE just doesn’t cost us anything but the rewards are there for an everlasting experience.

The photo is where this family love originated in 1904. It is of the Cogburn family lined up for a photographer. This large family was the beginning of the many large families to come. Bob Cogburn (Jackie’s father), is on the far right when he was a young man with his brother and sisters at their family home in Judd, Texas.

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