Pemberton Mackey

Karen Floan was raised by her Grandparents; Julius and Evanell in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota where she was born. Her grandparents were both Anishinabeg and were born on Indian reservations in Northern Minnesota and spoke their native language of Ojibwe until they were sent to Mission School where they learned the English language. Karen's Grandmother, loving referred to by Karen as Gram, worked as an upholsterer and her Grandfather, she called Papa, worked as a moving man. They both worked very hard every day of their lives to provide the basics for their family. Karen recalls her Papa had a good friend and his name was Pemberton and Papa called him Pem. Karen has fond memories of her Papa and Pemberton, who was also an Anishinabe, enjoying a cup of coffee sitting at the kitchen table, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Karen would often sit and listen intently to them speak in their native language as they laughed and reminisced. Karen's Gram also was Anishinabe and she too would speak Ojibwe when her sisters came to visit. Karen never forgot Pemberton and was fascinated with his unique name, which left an indelible impression on her. So much so that when she was married she intended on naming her first born, Pemberton. As it turned out Karen never had children. When Karen began writing this story it was a no brainer she wanted to give her main character in her story that distinctive and fascinating name. Whenever she thought about Pemberton it always took her back to growing up with her grandparents in their rented duplex in South Minneapolis where they both provided her with unconditional love and everything that embodied. Karen dedicated her story to those two people that made her the person she is today.