I was fortunate to have a wonderful childhood including my teenage years. I grew up in a small town in southwest Virginia (Big Stone Gap) where everyone knew everyone else. Life was SAFE back then and we never worried about locking our doors. I could walk all over town--as a young gal---and I never EVER felt scared or afraid. Life is certainly different now, isn't it?
My mother was 42 years old (and Daddy was 53) when I was born. In fact, I was a TOTAL surprise to both Mom and Dad!!!! Daddy was so excited when he found out that Mom was pregnant, that he broadcast it all over town (which embarrassed Mama). Anyhow, to say that I (the first girl in the family) was the 'apple' of Dad's eye was an understatement!!! I had him totally wrapped around my finger from the minute I stepped into this big ole' world!!!!
Mom and Dad had three kids. Ray (Raymond) was the oldest --and he was born in 1922. Jim (Jimmy) was born eight years later (in 1930)---and then I came along in 1942. Both Mom and Dad loved to tell everyone that they were the only family in town (probably in the world!!!! HA) who were in the PTA for 30 years!!!! GADS----glad I didn't go through that!!!!!
Today, only my brother Ray and I are still alive. Jimmy died from cancer back in 1985. Daddy died at the age of 79 in 1969 and Mom died at the age of 91 in 1991. Ray is in a skilled nursing facility in Jacksonville, Florida, and is not in good health. Ray lost his wife (Evelyn) in 2007. I will post more about my brothers in other blogs.
The picture above was taken in 1961 (Christmas). This may have been the last 'family' picture we had made--although there may be others that I haven't found. From left to right: Ray, Jim, Dad (Simon), Mom (Edith) and me.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Hugs,
