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From:
Cindy Parks
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Saturday, June 6, 2015
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Polly-Thank you, I am ever grateful for the influence you had on my life…
She was my boss but that does not begin to describe 20 years working for her. She was a strong woman who managed to be so without offending. I learned so much from her, though I never achieved her southern grace or way of stating an opinion with subtlety. As my mentor, she taught me many lessons about life, passion and how to get the important things done. She always held space and time for her “children”. I love her and am so sorry she is gone. My heart goes out to Phil and all the family. Wishing you peace, Cindy
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From:
Thad Pauck
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Thursday, June 4, 2015
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Jack Daniels. No thanks. The Grand Ole Opry. I'll pass. In my opinion, the only good and decent thing to ever come out of the State of Tennessee was Polly Arnold (with Phil a close second). An amazing woman with a quiet voice but a loud influence on all who knew her. Spending time at the Arnold house while growing up was my first taste of southern charm and hospitality. I'll always remember the fun, food and shenanigans there, but most of all I will miss Polly's kindness, generosity and ever-present smile. She leaves a tremendous legacy.
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From:
Richard Andrews
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
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I was one of the 18 Peace Corps Volunteers, the first group of ag extension volunteers, whom Phil and Polly oversaw and mentored and cared for during the two and a quarter years from our training through our years of service there. They were a great team, such steady and supportive complements to each other and to all of us -- our foster parents, in a close-to-real sense! Phil led us, Polly nurtured and supported us, the only female presence for our all-male group, a caring and encouraging as well as practical role model. We shall continue to carry such deeply positive and appreciative memories of her.
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From:
Belle Shepherd
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
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Mom and Lilie have always been close - since day one when mom was there for both the birth and the whole birthing process! When mom was first diagnosed, she knew she would lose her hair during chemo. She wasn't interested in any of the wigs we looked at. Lillie had very thick, long hair at the time that she wanted to "grow to sit on, like grandma had when she was younger." Dad and I agreed to ask her if she wanted to donate it for a wig to mom, and we barely got the words out when Lillie agreed. Lillie loved that though most people would say, "oh you have your grandma's red hair," she could say, "grandma has MY red hair!" They were so much fun to watch together.....
I posted a picture of mom and Lillie together, mom is wearing the wig with Lillie's hair.
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From:
Barbara Christensen
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
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I will remember Polly has having the best infectious smile ever. My best memory of her was the Breast Awareness Walk many years ago that was sponsored by Soroptimist. Even though we rarely saw each other, she always made me feel like it hadn't been more than a day. I admired Polly very much for her positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor.
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From:
marianne marti
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
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My favorite memories of Polly all involve food, wine, even sometimes a gin and tonic....even when you had invited yourself to her house uninvited.
She would greet you at the door with a smile and often allow you to remain at the house long enough to feed you her amazing cooking. I have never met another person like that in my entire life. Truly kind and unassuming.
Blessings to my dear friends, whom called her "mom".
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From:
margaret ferber
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Monday, May 18, 2015
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It was always a treat to end up at Phil and Polly's house in Janakpur. I lived ten miles from then in Nepal. Their hospitality was a gift to me and other Peace Corps volunteers. Polly's smile and good food were often just what I needed in my two years in Nepal.
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From:
Phil Arnold
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Friday, May 15, 2015
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POLLY NEVER COMPLAINS
When the Hospice nurse arrived and was asking initial questions, she asked about issues Polly might have by saying, "Does she complain about _____?" (Back aches, for example.) My answer was< "Polly never complains, but she does have(or not have)______."
In the mid-1980's our cars were older air cooled Volkswagens, known for many things, but perhaps most for having inadequate to essentially non-existent heaters. We decided we needed one decent car and we bought a used, very good condition Mercedes sedan. That had me driving the Mercedes daily while Polly drove a 1967 VW bus, the model with the least effective heater.
One cold evening in the middle of winter after we each had arrived at home and were talking, Polly calmly said, "Phil, do you know what I would like?" "No, dear", I said, "What?" She replied, "A car with a heater."
No drama, no complaint, just information about an unpleasant thing she was dealing with. Polly viewed viewed cars as appliances which were used to get from one place to another and it was just a few days later that I found a decent, but quite plain and ordinary vehicle with a good heater.
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From:
Sue Kurth
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Thursday, May 14, 2015
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Polly had a gift for delivering wisdom, both in her wit and the words she chose. She was generous with her time, her talent, and her money. Her example caused me to want to be a better human being. I am a better person for having known Polly Arnold.
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From:
Linda Anderson
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Thursday, May 14, 2015
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Polly is one of the sweetest, kindest, most gracious women I know. Her smile was a hug from across the room. She will be so missed.
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From:
Patricia Rowe
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Monday, May 11, 2015
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I remember I liked to listen to Aunt Polly talk. She has a quiet voice but there was something more. I can't really put my finger on it but I know I liked the sound. I remember when I first came to Memphis I stayed with you all while I went to school. I remember Polly took me around town looking for an apartment. I remember when I was growing up people used to say ”You look just like your Aunt Polly". I always thought it was neat that our birthday was 1 day apart. I think Momma said Polly was very excited about the possibly of me being born on her birthday. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love u.
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