I was born at home - as were all my brothers and sisters.
I started first grade at 5 years old (they didn't have kindergarden back then), which means that I graduated from high school at 17 years old. Also, when I started first grade we didn't have bus service - that meant I had to walk to school one way a little over a mile and a half.
I was a country girl. Our homestead was 1 acre of ground and my mom raised just about every kind of farm animal there was. My mother loved gardening and raising animals. Even though it was in the country, we still lived on a main highway.
My mom was scared to let me drive after I got my driver's license. So, I had to wait for almost a year before I was allowed to drive by myself. She was afraid that I would get myself killed. - It must have done something to me to have to wait that long, as you will see farther down on this page. I did something that was just as dangerous as driving on a highway.
When I was a teenager, I started working for an A & W Root Beer Stand. I worked there for 9 summers. I got to meet Liittle Oscar and ride down the main street of the town at 11:00 p.m. in the wienermobile. I had a lot of fun working there. It was a great experience.
Two of my brothers and their families, one sister and her family lived within walking distance of my parents. The other two brothers and myself still lived at home. One sister and her family lived approximately 45 minutes away. Several years after my father passed away, each moved on to a new location. One brother moved for employment reasons, two brothers moved due to health, one sister because her husband was transferred. One brother, one sister (the one 45 mins away) and I were the only ones that still lived close by when my mom passed away. .
I married and had 5 children. I was a stay-at-home mom. I wouldn't trade that for anything. Now I help by taking care of my grandchildren when needed. Even though they all live close by, they still like to spend an overnight stay with Meme and Poppa. I guess I spoil them a little too much??!
My dad went to be with the Lord from heart problems in Jan 1964. He was just 2 months shy of being 55 yrs. old. My mom in Aug 1988 to colon cancer. She had just turned 79 a month before. My beloved sister, Char, in May 1996. We were very close. She was 12 yrs older than me, but that didn't make any difference. She was not only my sister, but my friend and counselor. I could go to her about anything. Two precious brothers, Jim in Sept 2003, & Len in April 2008. .
When our mother was sick with cancer, Char & I was by her side all the time and we helped each other out emotionally. After our mom passed away, when Char would get depressed I would help her lift her spirits. When I lost my precious 2 1/2 yr old grandson to a brain tumor, she would let me call her anytime, day or night and just cry to her.
My husband and I now spend time on projects on our home (and help our kids on their's). You can see some of our work by clicking here. *
Since the age of 15, I taught the Pre-K (4 & 5 yr olds) Sunday School class at churches where I was a member. I had a fun time and enjoyed working with all the little ones. Since Sept 2003, I have decided to take a break from teaching. |
