pulling weeds gives you a lot of time to think. Something I think many of us don't have. We fill our lives with things to be busy. Either a TV on or music on or just being on the computer. Since my 30th wedding anniversary is in 2 more days, my past was on my mind.
Basically I think I was lonely most of my life. I grew up way out in the country. I remember when we had tv and telephones, and when we didn't. They weren't expected to be there but nice when they were. I had 2 younger brothers that I played with for hours, outside. No air conditioning. No central heat. No indoor bathroom. I remember walking a mile or more if we needed to call someone. I remember phone party lines and having to wait on the other person to get off the phone.
Our lives revolved around farming. I have said many times, the best thing my parents did, as parents, was keeping us with them. We played while they worked, until we were old enough to help. I have great memories of the songs my dad sang to us. Silly songs, country songs, and even donald duck voices.
I remember holidays, not specific presents, but the presence of family. Open presents at our house, go to my grandmothers, then my Mamma and daddy Lynn's. Not to get presents everywhere, but to be with family.
In the mention on loneliness I need to add I was the only girl grandchild for many years. My playmates were either my brothers or male cousins. Many times I was labeled the outcast because of being a girl. I don't remember being lonely then, it was just the way it was.
I switched schools in the 5th grade due to my parents divorce. I remember being late a lot because I didn't like the buses driving by while I walked. I guess going early never occurred to me. I became life long friends with one of my cousins that year, David Sorrell. I knew I had cousins, but don't really remember being aware of anyone outside of first cousins.
Having an outhouse was normal for most of our neighbors. It was an inconvenience, but didn't bother me until I started into junior high. I met my bff, Robin Gallaher. When I spent the night at her home I discovered a whole new world. I became aware of how truly poor we were. I only had a few friends that really saw our home. Only those that had my trust. Robin has never betrayed that trust.
When I first had my "period" was a time that now I realize how alone I was. My mother had many other things going on at that time. I don't remember even telling her about it. My guess is my laundry gave it away. My grandmother was sent to the store for me. My grandmother did not even tell my mother ,when she was young, that this would happen to her. My poor mom thought she was dying. You can imagine how she must have been embarrassed having to shop for me. She came back with the dreaded big ole pads and a belt to hold them in place. I doubt they are even made anymore. I was not bold enough to ask anyone to shop for me. I used lots of rolled up toilet paper. I think Robin probably supplied me more than anyone. Until I was old enough to drive and shop for myself it was not a fun thing each month
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When I had daughters becoming that age I was nursing their siblings. I would wonder if the lack of me modeling the behavior would be negative for them. I think having young aunts helped some. I think also since my career has been with pregnancy my girls weren't shy about discussing most things. I hope that none of them remember it as traumatic.
I remember wearing bras until they were gray and dingy. Once, after I'd been to the doctor, and he saw my mother at work. He told my mother she had better buy me some better bras or I'd be sagging to my navel before I was 20. Prior to that I wasn't even aware it was a bad bra, or that other people had one for every day. Another thing I tried to make sure my daughters had, enough bras.
Both of my grandparents had roots in churches. My parents not so much. Because farm life was not always fun, school and church were both breaks for us. I don't ever remember our parents telling us we couldn't go to church. I am very thankful for those that invited us to churches, to vbs, or church activities like skating. The Daniels family came and got us for many, many Sundays. I don't think the church had electricity. I know it had an outdoor bathroom. But what I remember the most is a family that came one Sunday to sing. The youngest of the family especially stood out. When it came time to sing "I saw the light", he would stand taller and sing louder than anyone else. His love for the song and his joy shined out of his entire body. I visited many denominations. I have no idea what that small country church's affiliation was, but loving God is all I remember.
I dated in school. Even though I was poor, didn't have a wardrobe like others, I guess I wasn't ugly. When I was 15 I was able to get a job and could buy myself some clothes. By then we had one bathroom in the house so I was also much cleaner. I dated but even though I thought I was in love a few times, I'm not sure I was loved. I always told myself fidelity was the most important part of any relationship, and that marriage was gonna be forever. Very thankful now that non of that became my life until I met my now husband.
When Doug and I first started hanging out together it was with a group of friends. I truly felt like we were friends before anything else. He was my charge nurse and because of that I admired and respected his nursing skills. I helped him hold children while he would hunt for a vein that I couldn't see. Even today I'd trust him and his skills to start an IV on me. He hasn't practiced bedside nursing for over 15 years.
While we were getting to know each other he talked a lot about his family. His great-aunts that lived with him, and his life as a child. He is the first person I believe I trusted completely. I had no problem taking him to my parents home, my grandparents, or any place where I grew up. My grandmothers both loved him immediately. They both remembered him long after age had erased me from memory.
Because he was a nurse, my husband was surrounded by women. I chose from the very beginning, to trust. Either I could trust him, and stay married, or why ever marry him. We talked a lot about church. As we added to our family we visited many churches. One of the reasons we live in the town we live today is because of the church here. My sisters talked so much about our church that I felt like I knew everyone. When we moved here it was like coming home.
Doug didn't know me growing up. He hadn't seen me as a very poor child. Someday I am going to ask those I grew up with how they remember me. Did I look lonely and lost? Was I nice to anyone or was I mean? I was reading a book, "a thousand blessings", and one part was a conversation between two old friends. The older friend said I just hope I have blessed someone in my life. I hope as an adult I have been able to bless others. I am far from perfect. But somehow, some where, I hope I was a blessing.
I loved my mission work. I haven't gone on one out of the country recently. I try in my daily work with pregnant patients to be a blessing. I don't preach, but I try to act in a Godly manner and treat each patient with dignity and respect. Knowing the roads I have been on, I never want to assume a patient that may be a drug addict or a working girl is on their final road. They may turn their life around and be my boss someday. Through God all is possible.
Anyone that thinks married life is easy, is wrong, and right. Making the decision that you are in this no matter what, makes the choice to work things out easy. Getting things worked out is the hard part. I could have never dreamed, way back, walking on gravel roads, barefoot, to the neighbors house to use the phone, where I would be today. I could have never dreamed of 6 children. Six that make me proud everyday. Not that I don't ever wanna jerk a knot in a tail, but proud anyway. Thirty years have been a long winding road. I am glad I found the one man that would stay with me for the entire trip.
Below is mom with the rest of us kids. I really have a hard time with group shots. I just feel like we are not complete now.
My dad loves chess. Most of the boys, and Ashley, have played at some point. Maybe Brette some also. This is Jon and Matthew debating what move is next.
Not sure what was funny but I loved this shot of Wanda with Annette and Jason.
Not sure why Jason got a kiss from Brittany, I think he was asleep.
