Most of us feel fortunate to have three generations of family members living at the same time, maybe four, but five…I truly feel grateful! Let me introduce myself, I am Jamie Bratton, Rothamel Bratton’s Director of Marketing, also known as wife  and “boss” to attorney Chris Bratton J Pictured above is my mother Kathy holding our youngest daughter Ryley, myself, my great-grandmother Evelyn Miller, daughter Avery Bratton, and grandmother Elizabeth…Five Generations of women, grateful to all be here with me today.

Growing up, I always felt sort of triumphant to have my great grandmother there at major milestones; my high school graduation where she gifted me her cameo necklace, college graduation, and our wedding where I carried her lace handkerchief, all moments I was proud to have her there knowing it was rare. But when Chris and I had our first daughter Avery in 2009, I could only hope that my great-grandmother, Evelyn Miller, would still be around to hold her first great-great grandchild and snap that one picture my family would cherish forever showcasing five generations of women! Little did I know, 3 years later in 2012, Evelyn would also be there to hold her second great-great-grandchild, Ryley “Evelyn” Bratton.

Now, four years later, Evelyn will be 98 years old this July and has certainly lived a full life of love and happiness.

As a child of ten, Evelyn grew up in Philadelphia, later raising and supporting her four children on her own as a single mother. Needless to say, she was one tough cookie! She loved all things Philly, especially her beloved Phillies baseball, never missing a game. There are many reasons that made her influential for me, but most importantly she was independent, a hard worker, funny, and strongly devoted to her family. Nothing like a new baby in the family to light up her life! And with 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, there were plenty of babies! As the matriarch of our family, I proudly say it was her influence and guidance that created such a great example for all us to follow and something I will always cherish.

Sadly today Evelyn suffers from dementia and is not able to recognize most of her grandchildren, but she will forever remain the heart of our family. I am certainly grateful to be of the lucky few to celebrate five generations!