Nora Daniels
"Nora Jean, quit shaking the bed!!"
Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Forbie cared for me both in Missoula and at their Pierce Lake cabin several summers, long ago. (My mother had passed away when I was 8 and my widowed father George was hard at work for Southern Pacific Railroad out of our home in Roseville, California.)
Cousin Donna Lee, 7 years my senior, became my seasonal idol and teacher, though likely not always happy being assigned that position. Having to deal with a bratty junior high schooler in 1959, was no-doubt annoying. In any case, I thrived on her caring nature and developing managerial skills.
At the cabin, we shared the double bed/room next door to her parents. She had completed her first year of college so was enjoying her well-deserved sleep the night of July 17, when around 11:30 our peace and quiet was abruptly disturbed. Thoroughly irritated at my (assumed) inconsiderate behavior, Donna admonished me in her usual forthright manner...
The earth was shaking, the forest rumbling, and critters scrambling about as the historic Yellowstone Earthquake struck with a vengeance. This time, Donna had to admit I was not at fault!!
I chuckle now with loving memories of my cousin Donna Lee and heartfelt gratitude for our lifelong relationship.