Day 10
Pulling “Baby
Beth” in her wagon over
the bump in the
carpet to put her to sleep
Money
was tight in those “early” years? No! It wasn’t “tight”; it was non-existent!
With
a baby and two parents in college with me doing part-time jobs often two or
three at a time when I could find them, cash was mostly absent, but, we managed
to make do---with help.
Living
in a trailer for a time, we paid $75/mo. rent and survived---for a while.
Eventually,
the “wolf-at-the-door” became aggressive, actually, rabid; we needed change/
So,
Candy’s dad and I finished her parents’ basement into a kitchen, bedroom and
bath apartment leaving a generous “back” room for their storage and a nice sized
laundry room. While we finished school, we lived in that abode; it worked out
quite well. We could always make-do.
The
concrete floor, we covered with carpet obtained from a friend of her dad;
cutting it to fit, we were cozy warm. There were, however, “mis-fit” pieces
where the “magic” slightly failed.
I
bought Beth a red Radio Flyer wagon for her first Christmas; I had had one as a
kid and sister and brother had used it for myriad work details as I grew up. My
dad was quite the gardener; as neighbors wisely gave up their gardening
attempts due to health or age or “good sense”, dad took over their plots which
insured that his eldest son would not get into too much trouble. (God! I came
to absolutely “hate” gardens; still won’t eat most vegetables.)
My
mom’s family lived in Nashville, Tennessee, and we trekked down there three or
four times a year. In the summer growing season, our old dark blue ;51 Ford’s
trunk was loaded down with fresh garden delights for the “Southern” relatives;
dad was a generous man; I was a “slave”!
My
grandparents lived on a real, working farm; too bad for me! Dad (and, his
slave-by) planted three hundred tomato plants one year and a full acre of sweet
corn. My wagon came in handy as my sister and brother and I were “enlisted” to
load the conveyance with the garden-bounty and truck it around town in the summer
months, selling the produce. When dad’s “city” garden plots were sparse, he
brought in tomatoes and corn from, you guessed it, the farm.
So,
in spite of my levity about the gardens and farm and produce and such, I
admired our ingenuity, our developed work ethic and the responsibility it
taught us as children; also, I adored the farm and it all went not without
reward; one summer we purchased a forty dollar Sears kid’s yard swing set for
our own back yard. Like I said, dad and mom were generous, to a fault.
Mom
got along without a car until I turned sixteen; suddenly she had to have
one---for me to drive! Thanks! Mom! And, Dad! I fully understood and
appreciated the sacrifice; still do. (Showing my immature irresponsibility, I
promptly went out and totaled that vehicle! I had the kind of kids my parents
must have prayed for---but…they got me!)
Sorry!
That
wagon Beth got from Santa Claus her first Christmas is still with us, painted
green, now.
When
it shined new, I folded her cherished yellow baby blanket in it making her a
bed. We had a rocker in our basement “apartment” (one of my weaknesses, a
rocking chair, along with a second convenience, a porch swing). As I sat in the
rocker, I would pull the wagon by its handle back and forth over that slight
“flaw” in the carpet which made the ride “bump” slightly. As I delighted in
rocking, Beth got a monotonous bumpy ride which put her immediately to sleep.
Early
on I found my life-time worthy mantra: Faith!
Family! Freedom! Still, my sacred treasure. In college, I would come home
between classes just to be with Beth to “wagon” her to sleep. Considering the
way I absolutely spoiled Beth and Becky, they turned out to be Perfect!
Love! Truly conquers
all! Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet Memories! Amen!
Plus:
Christmas...always?
Look inside rough stable blessed
Infant King no worldly gold crest
Manger image glows pure love
Father proud shines heaven above
Dear Savior’s birth quiet ceremony
Lovingly adored reverent testimony
White robe, sandals, softly spoken
Promise, vow, word unbroken
Vessel’s life, baptism whitens
It, too, lives as Spirit heightens
Within each soul search fully objective
No masquerade shadow holy perspective
Scrutinize every silent thought
Examine all reward@ it
bought
Redeemer: Truth, the Light, the Way
Embrace sweet grace, humble pray
Majestic mountain, commandments told
Emulate Jesus! Dre! Live so bold?
’Tis better give than to receive
Christian love---simply believe
Sing God’s glory in His praise
Serendipity found: Christmas---always!
May the Father’s power satiate your need;
Jesus’ blessing brighten your soul;
And, Holy Grace fill your spirit.
God bless! As you live - Christmas...always. Amen?
Amen!
Merry Christmas! 2006
Carl and Candy
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