Daisies & Thistles

BABY BROTHER

The first inkling I had that there would be a baby brother was when Mama commented, “If we have a little boy, we’ll name him Danny.” It was from Daddy’s favorite song, “Danny Boy”, which he often sang.

Two of Mama's sisters took care of us while she was recuperating from the birth of our new brother. When he was old enough, Danny was placed in a swing that hung in the kitchen doorway. He giggled and laughed when I pushed him back and forth.

Our aunts accompanied us girls to a vacation Bible school a few blocks away. We loved hearing stories about Jesus, drawing pictures and playing games.

LESSON 1

One day I was restless and looking for something to do. Remembering what fun we had at vacation Bible school, I decided to stroll over there. Vividly I recall walking two blocks, crossing busy Farnam Street and exploring the familiar church building. It had a long covered porch with columns that fascinated me. After a while I got bored, crossed the same busy street and began the walk home.

A large puddle of water on a construction site caught my eye. It was a hot day and the cool water beckoned me. Without thinking, I took off my dress, jumped into the water, and played to my heart’s content. Stepping out of the water, I got dressed and meandered back home. Mama was so angry that she spanked me good. At the time I didn’t understand why she was so upset. I hadn’t had that much fun in a long time. I often wonder how my mother kept up with three little girls while she tended my infant brother. Now I realize she must have been worried sick not knowing where I was. Mama must have prayed, and often. That spanking taught me about danger a five year old mind could not have known. An Angel protected me that day.

LESSON 2

Another incident comes to mind about that summer. Bobbie and I walked to the corner drug store, a block or two from our house. A rack of beautiful greeting cards caught our attention. Not knowing any better, we carried some of them outside and sat down in front of the store to look at them.

When we were discovered by the store manager he asked, “Where is your mother?” “She’s at home,” I quietly answered while looking at the floor. I’ll bet he thought I was the instigator of the so called crime. He took us back inside and called our Mama. I began to cry. He sat us down on tall soda fountain stools to wait for her. I sat there sobbing, scared of the consequences, as Bobbie happily chatted away. She had not cried so was rewarded with an ice cream cone. I sat there and watched as she gladly gobbled it down. Our disgruntled mother claimed us and walked us home. I don’t recall the punishment, but, that’s the day this five year old learned what it meant to steal.

LESSON 3

Another day my sister DeEtte and I climbed out of the bedroom window and wandered around the neighborhood. Mama was beside herself with worry. When Daddy arrived home from work we learned the consequences of our wrong doing. Standing on the front porch with my hands held above my head convinced me that I should always obey my parents.

Discipline your children; they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. Proverbs 29:17 NIV

THE ACCIDENT

A neighbor boy and I we on our knees building roads in the neighbor’s gravel driveway, near the street. I happened to look up and saw a maroon automobile backing out of the garage at the far end of the driveway. Instinctively, I stood up and moved out of the way, never thinking to warn the little boy. The car backed over the child, but I was not hit. The next thing I remember was the boy wrapped in a blanket, being taken away in an ambulance while his mother stood there crying. I don’t recall seeing him get hit or hearing him scream. It’s as if I were paralyzed.

Later I learned he was badly hurt but eventually recovered. Mother asked me why I didn’t warn him. I still don’t know why, but it haunts me to this day. I've questioned, "Why was I spared and he was not?" God must have had a different plan for my life. One thing I know for sure – my Guardian Angel protected me from an accident that could have crippled or taken my life.

The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7 NIV

HOLIDAYS

Halloween was exciting that year; it was the first time we were permitted to go outside and Trick-or-Treat. Each of us girls wore a ghost costume. Mama had used an old bed sheet, cut holes for eyes, a slit for the mouth and slipped it over my head. I can still remember running across lawns, knocking on neighbor’s doors and holding out a sack to receive candy. Mama stood close by carefully observing us. I suspect she had a good time too. She was like that.

Omaha was submerged in record breaking cold that Christmas. Thirteen inches of snow remained on the ground since Thanksgiving. However, we were not aware of the cold. Our attention was drawn to the designs Jack Frost had left the night before. Freezing cold weather outside combined with warm humidity inside, formed beautiful designs on the windows. Sadly, with insulated windows today, Jack Frost is only a memory of the past.