Where I was born.

This is a map of where I was born. In 1940 mother gave birth to me on Fathers day June 16. Dad was as happy as a lark and was so proud of his daughter. Named after a lady who helped him through his early years as a young man. His mother had left his father when the last boy , Joseph , was born, leaving Grandpa with 4 young boys to raise. This is the grandpa that I loved with all my heart. He was one of the most  caring, loving and gentle man that I knew of. Of course this is the memory of a young little girl who was the apple of his grandfathers heart. At the corner of NW 166th st and NW 2nd ave was the address. Today it is a empty lot with growth all around. Mother and dad worked side by side clearing this lot and then building a small 2 bedroom home for them and their "expected child".  Remember there was no sonograms in this day and time so they didn't know what gender this child was. But I was loved from the start. Mother said that she and grandma Hull made homemade ice cream nearly everyday , wonder why I love ice cream today!!!! Love ice cream!!!!!!!
 I wish I could paint you a picture of how quaint, laid back this life was. I don't remember troubles or stress, just plain living.  There was a row of pine trees in front of our home and that is where my grandpa would bring the candy bars to me. Hummm!!! When I was 6, I entered Fulford Elementary School, the bus would pick me up  on the corner.  School was wonderful as I remember reading and loving it so much that books became a way of life for me. When I was in the 6th grade, I was standing at the pencil sharpener and the word came over the speaker system that President Truman had fired General McArthur. I remember how I felt, sadness and despair came over me., that is all I remember of that situation. It left a lasting impression on me. The principle of the elementary school was Mr McGuire , I really liked him and one day when I was in the first grade, he came into the class and asked me  if I would go to his office and watch his twin daughters for a few minutes. He needed someone to watch them as he was babysitting them for the morning! And I did. they were adorable. When I went  to junior and high school, he also was  my  principle the whole 6 years. We were good friends but it ended when I went to college. I have fond  memories of him.
One of the things that we did each morning was to stand, cross our hearts and say the pledge of allegiance then our teacher would say a prayer. How different it is today in our schools. May God have mercy on our children.
Memories have a way of getting better with age or we forget altogether. That is the reason I am writing this blog, for the next generations. Hopefully it will be accepted as such. I love my family very much.
Thank you grandpa for listening to this little girls chatter...love you J