My name is Pat Hubner, otherwise known to Dauna (Mama #2) as Daughter #4, simply because I have known her and her family for so long. I met my best friend, her daughter, Stephanie, when my family moved to Kingsland area in the next street over from her in 1967.
It was so great to have the Alexanders living so close and all my memories of Dauna center around the loving home she made, where I was always welcomed. I felt like part of the family and growing up, I looked up to, Susan with her super groovy style and to Bill with his very cool rock band. Morgan was the little sister I never had, a real sweetie. I spent a lot of time back then hanging out there watching The Flintstones, playing pool, Scrabble and so much more. I have to mention three particular memories that will stay with me forever.
First, I used to always go to their house to pick up Stephanie for our walk to school. Mama 2 would often bake up ham for breakfast and it is that particularly “yummy” smell that I will always remember.
Second, as kids, Stephanie and I spent a lot of nights sleeping under the stars in a small covered area outside their back door. Dauna would set us up with sleeping bags and all the goodies we could ask for and because of that, I will never forget those special nights outside. I am pretty sure I dreamed of having ham for breakfast.
Last, but not least, everyone who has known Dauna a long time, has heard her beautiful voice singing “Amazing Grace”. She was kind enough to sing this song at both my father’s and my older sister’s funeral. I will be forever grateful for this and will never forget her strength and kindness during that time.
While she was in hospital for a stretch last year, I wrote a song called Mama 2 that captures these memories for me. This is the chorus, which I often sing to myself.
“So when I bake up some ham for breakfast
And when I sleep under the stars at night,
Or when I hear amazing grace,
There will be a smile on my face
In knowing everything will be alright.”
Rest in peace, Mama #2. I love you.
