originally published in the Goering Gazette, July 1989
I have very few memories of mother but can remember her sing a song about a little Pretty Redwing. Although the title escapes me the tune rings in my ears.
One of the most special Christmas’s occurred during the depression. It seems we weren’t going to have any presents that year but fortunately Dad was paid for some road work and they made a hurried trip to Hutchinson on Christmas Eve day and we each received something from Santa that Christmas Eve. Our gifts were always opened on Christmas Eve after the Sunday School program which we participated in and practiced for weeks ahead of time. My gift was a nightgown and I treasured it so much. Perhaps that’s why I’ve always considered nightwear a suitable gift for children and grandchildren.
A very early recollection of Dad also occurred during the depression and dust storm days. We were at Peaceful School when the storm came up and he came after us with the wagon and horses. The dust was so bad he feared we would get lost if we tried to walk the short distance home.
As you all know I was born with some congenital deformities. When my wry neck became so bad at the age of twelve it was affecting circulation, etc., he decided to seek medical help and so we set out for Wichita with no idea where to go or if anything could be done. He stopped at a filling station and asked the attendant who directed us to the doctor who consented to do experimental surgery. Dr. Rumboldt became a renown orthopedic doctor with offices here in Denver and in Kansas City. When it was finally time for the head and body cast to come off Dad took me to a department store and outfitted me with probably my first store bought dress. I felt like a princess and I’m sure he made sacrifices for it. This was only one of many incidences that showed how his faith, tenacity, and compassion shaped all our lives.