I think the first time I saw a picture of a tepee, I wanted one for a play house. On our farm I looked at corn shocks, wheat shocks, or anything in the shape of a tepee, and I wished Dad would let me play inside one. But I didn’t think he’d say yes, so I didn’t ask. The blue bell bush was really a wisteria climbing a pole beside a shrub, but our whole family called it the bluebell bush. It made a sort of upside-down tepee, but I decided it made a good enough place to hide and sort things out. I’d scoot myself back into a little space and listen to my mom and sisters as they did the washing just outside the kitchen door and talked about grownup things. At other times I would retreat to my tepee on Saturday mornings when I didn’t get to go to Liberty with Dad. I thought for sure the world would end for me because it was my only chance to get an ice cream cone. Dad didn’t go to Liberty very often, so you can understand how unfair it was for me to be left behind. Then also some time after a school day, I would scoot back into my blue bell tepee when I was mad at the girl at school who broke my red crayon when she didn’t even ask me if she could use it; and she cheated at about every game we played; and she shoved other children to get in line first. When I got home from first grade, I had plenty good reason to go into hiding for awhile. I would think about how I didn’t like that girl and how nice it was going to be in heaven some day because I was pretty sure that girl wouldn’t get to go there. That thought made it a little easier even if the teacher never did catch her being bad.
Continue reading “Bluebell tepee, wash day, Mom, her mom, and my sisters”Terrel Durham and Jack Denny
There is another member of Aunt Artie’s family besides Carlos who should be mentioned because he relates to Reed and Deva, Linda’s mom and dad. That other person was Aunt Artie’s son Terrel Durham. He was a handsome man but I do not have a picture of him. . This younger son grew up to become a minister, and it. was he who performed the ceremony when my brother Reed and Deva were married in 1948. This was shortly after Reed had been discharged from the army.
Continue reading “Terrel Durham and Jack Denny”1966 Photo
I love this picture made in 1996 because it is full of people I love and miss seeing. L to R Clarence Emerson (wheel chair); Frank Williams, standing; Carlos Durham, cap and dark glasses; far right Ernest Williams, standing, blue cap. The apple tree in the picture was planted by Frank when he was a boy. Bet you recognize a lot of those people
Dad, Carlos Durham, Ernest and Reed
This picture was made in 1942. L to R, Marvice Williams, Carlos Durham, Ernest Williams and Reed Williams. Don’t you love how grown-up Ernest and Reed looked? But look closely at their faces. They were so young
“But time grows short when you reach September”
At times when I was young, more than once, I thought about what it would be like to get old. I remember one fall afternoon on my way home from high school, I was walking down the ridge road, enjoying the golden rods and pleasant weather, and singing the September Song. I remember the day clearly. I was just passing the old walnut tree that still stands in the field near the road not far from Donald’s house as I walked and sang.
In phone calls with my brother Donald during the past spring, he and I often talked about getting old and facing our Septembers. “You and me will soon be where the rest of our family has gone,” he said. I agreed. Confronting death is very serious and very sad. But when we talked together about being the last two remaining of our family, it was good not to dodge the seriousness and the sadness.
Continue reading ““But time grows short when you reach September””Tribute to my sister Clarice
We all need heroes. My sister Clarice, our oldest sibling, was always a hero and point of reference in our large family.
Real heroes never know they are special. Clarice didn’t think she was outstanding when she lived away from home to go to high school. It must have been hard for her, and it must have been lonely, especially the first year. But heroes go the distance. And Clarice did that. Continue reading “Tribute to my sister Clarice”
A little story of a loving sister
I have come home with Clarice and her family to Hurricane Ridge. I like playing with Bob and Carroll and eating the chocolate gravy that Clarice knows how to make. But it is late afternoon now and I am beginning to miss Mom. Continue reading “A little story of a loving sister”
To my sister Alline who has always loved flowers
Dear Sister,
Sometimes, even for a moment, I forget how many years have passed. I think I will come to visit you in your house on the hill. I imagine it will be spring when I get there. There will be yellow rows of daffodils along your front walk, big clusters of flowers, enough for a hundred bouquets. I will be so happy to see them and to see you. Continue reading “To my sister Alline who has always loved flowers”