Lancelot Acres

A story from the old days...

DD and I spent the day yesterday visting our elder relatives.  We went to McDonald's for lunch...my least favorite, but DD most favorite place. 

We had a nice visit with our family.

Uncle Ernie told me a story about his mom.  She passed away when he was 12 years old.  This was about 60 years ago, so sometime in the 1940s I believe.

There were 8 kids, Ernie being the oldest.  His mom was out picking cotton all day and headed in to the house to nurse the baby and make supper.  Sometime around supper time she caught a chill and couldn't quit shaking. 

The Dr was called and said she had 'caught a chill', and she would probably feel better in a day or two. He said they heated every blanket and towel they had, with warming irons heated in the fire, to try and keep her warm. 

She was sick that day, the following day, and she died at 10 AM on the third day.  They never did find out what it was.

His dad had to go to the closest town (a small town in Arkansas) and no casket was available.  He had to order one from Memphis, Tennessee, and it was due to arrive on the 4PM train.  One of Ernie's uncles picked the casket up for them.

His mom was buried at sundown on the day she died.

How very devastating for them.  8 kids, and one still nursing.

I don't know how much time passed, but his dad remarried.  He married Lucille, who is only 4 years older than Ernie.  They had another 6 kids together, and Lucille was a wonderful step mom to the 8 young ones.

Ernie loves her dearly.  You see, Ernie and his wife Claudia live in a trailer park...in the trailer right next door lives Lucille. 

They look out for each other and it's such a blessing to see them share such a close bond.

What a blessing for Lucille to take on 8 kids and then have 6 more and love them all alike.  She is the sweetest lady I have ever met, she has such a faith in God and that is such an inspiration for me.  She must have been a great step-mom for Ernie to want to live next to her and help care for her after all these years.

Ernie said they now suspect that his mom was diabetic and had a sugar attack.  Many of her children are now diabetic, and the doctors have told them that there is a good chance their mother was too.

I enjoy my visit with them each week, and for hours could listen to their stories of the old days.

............................................................................

DD spent the night last night with my parents.  DH and I just hung out at home.  I took a nap when I got in last evening, and then watched a little TV. 

DH and I went out to breakfast this morning and then he drove me by the church I hope to try tomorrow.  I wasn't sure exactly where it was.  I am looking forward to visiting there, and I hope we enjoy it. 

DH is out finishing his feeder for our kidding pen and I am thinking that a nap sounds quite good.

DD will come home later today, and we really don't have any plans. 

LOL

What fun...

{ 02:09, 2006-Mar-11 } { Posted by wannabeone }

I used to LOVE to listen to my grandparents and parents talk about when they were growing up, first married, all that stuff. I REALLY lliked to hear my grandparents talk about my parents when they were kids! lol Sounds like a good day yesterday and good day, today, for a nap.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Beautiful story...

{ 06:58, 2006-Mar-11 } { Posted by DonnaJoy }

Lisa - that was a blessing - Lucille, indeed, must have been a true angel for this family!! So glad to know that your uncle takes care of her now!!!
Bless....
Donna