Tribute to Grandma from a student

My Grandma, Edna Hill, was a Registered Nurse for over 40 years and taught vocational LPN nursing training for 13 years at a school at Memorial  Hospital which later moved to the Great Plains Vocational Center. She retired from there when she was 66 then worked part time at the nursing program at Cameron University in the skills lab for another 10 years. She received many honors during her career, including nominated for nurse of the year and was always described as an excellent nurse and teacher. While going through some of her papers, I came across this beautiful tribute to her by one of her former students. Mrs. Brodhead's description of Grandma was so accurate that it brought tears to my eyes and memories overwhelmed me including her attention to proper bed making even at home.  This was such a special find that I wanted to share it with everyone.
Enjoy,
Bamah
Mrs. Hill R. N. - The Pride of L. P. N. ' s
by Gayla Brodhead L P N

Presently 2nd Year AON Student

     It was a bitterly cold morning that embraced me as I walked into the small vocational school in January 1975. My heart raced with anticipation and fear, since my knowledge of nursing was nil. Soon after sitting in one of the desks, I gazed at all the strange models, adult size dolls, graphs, hospital beds and a skeleton, until my brain seemed overwhelmed by all the sights.

     The sound of the office door closing brought me to an erect posture and a straight head position. In the corner of my eye I saw the flash of white and heard the '' swish'' of the freshly starched uni­form. Her fast paced walk quickly brought her to the front of the thirty students. Her posture was as erect as the tone of her voice as she began; not a nursing lecture, but she gently opened her Bible to Genesis and began to read. Grey hair flashed above her twinkling hazel eyes and flushed cheeks. She closed her Bible, adjusted her small silver frame glasses and looked directly into each student's eyes as though our flaws were as transparent as the glass windows on one side of the room. I felt as though I wanted to shrink out of sight or somehow become in­visible but after our eyes met, I suddenly felt reassured.

     "So you all want to become nurses," she remarked with a smile. "Remember you have to treat not only the physical but mental and spiritual needs of your patients," she said. "The next year will be hard and you will be required to learn a lot but you are entering one of the most re­spected professions. Nursing will give you pride and confidence in your­self," she said as her face lit up with the eagerness of a proud mother. Throughout the next few months we wrestled with the array of linen trying to demonstrate our bed making ability with the same ease and grace as shown by Mrs. Hill. She once stopped the bed making and remarked, "Your patient has about three feet by eight feet in which to find comfort, safety, and for you as a nurse to perform your functions. If you never do anything right, you learn to make that bed the best one. The patient pays a high price for it." I assumed bed making was just a pet peeve but she tackled each skill from tubes, injections, or sterile procedures with the same zeal, always adding the importance of common sense and the ability to think while on your feet. I watched as she stood beside first one then another student, carefully showing or guiding their movements. Repeatedly she demonstrated until each student had developed skill and ease in the procedure.

      Like any nursing school our training was directed toward the disease processes, however, Mrs. Hill always mentioned not to neglect simplicity in the complex. Her main focus was always the patient. She repeated many times during the year, "always look at your patient and not the machines to do the work for you, use lots of soap and water, be gentle, exercise those limbs, help them to eat and drink, and give a kind word."
      In March we were given three hospital days a week, which at first seemed overwhelming in addition to all of our written work. The days at the hospitals were busy, often frantic at first as students were looking for needed articles, needing questions answered, or just need reassurance. After the first week most of the students developed a calm, relaxed, attitude which seemed at the time to be an adjustment to the setting but now I see the real force was Mrs. Hill. There she was, walking the halls, helping patients or finding new experiences for the students. Some in the class remarked about her extra sense for knowing everything that went on or was about to happen in the hospital. It wasn't unusual for her to gather students and usher them in to see a specific procedure, and of course giving the doctor a reassuring smile.
      Often a disappointed student usually with family or financial problems would begin to cry or withdraw from the group. Mrs. Hill would be the first to spot the student and often without any foreknowledge from the class, have the student in her office. It wasn't long before the student would be responding as though a flash of enthusiasm was injected. No one could ever really found out what went on in the office visits but one could assume that an understanding and compassionate person was the source of the change.
      Actually, Mrs. Hill's ability to help the students with personal problems came as no surprise to me because her own life had been touched with sorrow, pain and death. She became a widow in her thirties and with one daughter, she made the decision to enter Wesley College Nursing Program in Oklahoma City. This was a major sacrifice in that she would be separated from her only child for nearly three years. The adjustment may not have been so difficult for her because of her ability to give of herself so freely, which is still true today.
      If Mrs. Hill had only taught in the class and instructed in the hospital, it would be safe to say that she was adequate. but the unique feature is her total devotion to nursing and her beliefs. Often Mrs. Hill would be seen driving her plain white car, without radio or air conditioner, to attend a lecture or sing gospels at the nursing homes. Her blowing hair and flushed cheeks were the certifiable evidence that something was going on somewhere. Again and again she spoke out for nurse's integrity, striving for acceptance of her students into the specialized areas of the hospital, asking for much needed practice articles, or just devoting her time to many of the non profit organizations. Between lectures, skill practice, counseling, meetings, coordinating the nursing curriculum at the vocational center, personal visits to the sick, and attending every church service; she spent the rest of her time caring for her daughter who was ill at the time, and her grandchildren. Mrs. Hill, well into her fifties, made even the athletic school girl exhausted by just watching her pace.
     She was often found surrounded by eager students in the skills lab with both sleeves of her uniform rolled up for practice injections, blood pressure, hunting for pulses or listening to her heartbeat with a stethoscope. She practiced her motto of learning by doing even if she was often found to be the victim. If anyone happened to pass her skills lab in the afternoon, one would find Mrs. Hill sorting laundry from bed making practice, cleaning instruments or searching in her office files for a philosophical quote. In the mornings she carried packages into the building that almost equaled herself and on weekends carrying laundry out to be taken home and washed.
     In April we received our nursing caps in one of the most beautiful but simple ceremonies. A simple bouquet of flowers, lighted candles and Mrs. Hill speaking on the origin of the cap before placing each cap with pride on the student. Her speech was always eloquent as she often spoke of Florence Nightingale, and of enriching tales of her own nursing experience.
     Before graduation, she approached the lectern with her usual calm, but she had a sorrowful look in her eyes. The students felt the same sadness of parting with Mrs. Hill mixed with the anticipation of starting our new career. It was like hearing and ancient poet when she said, "accept your fellow man, understand his flaws, accept other personalities different from your own, take pride in your abilities, strive for knowledge and accept your own limitations and imperfections. This will give you a healthy mental attitude in life." Needless to say there was not a dry eye in the class.
      After graduation I heard of the vocational school's requirement of enforcing mandatory retirement. Many nurses, including myself, sensed a deep loss to the nursing profession. However, in 1980 I decided to attend the Associate Degree Nursing Program at a local university. I was in the Nursing Department when from behind a partially closed door, I heard the infamous voice and words of Mrs. Hill, "The bed is the most important asset a patient has so make it the very best one..."
     Now I walk the halls of another nursing school with books loaded in my arms, tired burning eyes, and slow dragging gait but it takes only the "swish" of the uniform and the twinkling eyes of Mrs. Hill to remember the devotion and time given to so many. It does not take long for that extra boost of energy to surge through and an uplifting appearance begin to take hold.
      Mrs. Hill, a star in the classroom, a professional in the hospital, a servant of God and the infirmed, a compassionate friend, forever giving and encouraging for so many. The Licensed Practical Nurses' Pride of Oklahoma and also the Pride of the Registered Nurses of District 11, Lawton, OK.

Grandmas Personal Philosophy

We celebrated Father's Day this month which has always been difficult for me.  My parents divorced when I was in 3rd grade and my dad was absent more than present when I was growing up. He was abusive to my mom, luckily he never abused me but my mom had a nervous breakdown and never fully recovered. My parents loved me in their own way but they were both broken people and so their parenting skills were challenged. My maternal grandmother was the head of my family and pretty much raised my brother and I .  She was the most influential person in my life and the example I have always followed.  She was a RN for over 40 years, taught nursing, very active in her church and community and a wonderful lady and grandma. One year after I was married and had children she gave us all framed copies of her philosophy as Christmas gifts.  Mine is still hanging in my dining room and my oldest daughter has hers hanging in her apartment.  I recently was going through some of Grandma's papers and came across copies of her philosophy so reread it again.  She was such a special person so I wanted to share her thoughts with more people than just family which is the reason for this blog post.

My Philosophy by Edna M. Hill

"I believe that the love of God is the greatest power under the sun. It is for every individual that will accept it. I believe that God created man in His own image; that each is a free moral agent and may worship Him in accordance with the dictates of his own conscience. I believe there is life after death and each may choose his own destiny according to his response to Jesus Christ.

I believe that the American way of life is the best in the world; that freedom and liberty are for each individual, but not without the awareness of the rights of others which demands a self-disciplined life in relationship with our duty and loyalty. I believe that everything worth while is achieved only by great effort; that every child should have an opportunity to achieve through education and training to the fullest extent of his capabilities. I believe each individual is endowed with talents and gifts, and if recognized, can be developed to attain success with enjoyment. I believe in American youth today and find most of them seeking sound teaching and striving to improve the morals of our present social order. I believe that every man has a right to work and earn his living honestly, as long as he is able to do so. I believe that faith in God is the fulfillment of our hopes and makes certain of realities we do not see. This is the rewarded answer of the future."

Amongst Grandma's papers was also a collection of encouraging sayings, poems and quotes including one from an unknown author called The Demonstration Way. "I'd rather see a lesson than hear one any day. I'd rather you would walk with me than merely show the way. The eye's a better teacher and more willing than the ear. And counsel is confusing, but example's always clear. The best of all the teachers are those who live their creeds. For to see good put in action is what everybody needs. I can soon learn to do it, if you let me see it done. I watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the counsel you are giving may be very fine and true. But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do." I learned many great lessons observing my grandma.  I miss her everyday.

Enjoy,

Bamah

Every Day with Jesus in the Garden

My grandma loved to sing and she had a beautiful voice.  She sang in the church choir for years.  She especially loved singing hymns and had several favorites that she sang or hummed around the house as she was cooking or cleaning.  Recently, I was at a church luncheon and we sang In the Garden.  It reminded me of Grandma and my youngest daughter, Aubree, as it was one of their favorites.  I talked to Aubree a few days later about the song and we reminisced about Grandma singing her go to hymns around the house. Aubree has vivid memories of Grandma singing, In The Garden, especially the chorus.  She said it was one of her "kitchen songs". Grandma would either sing or hum it when she was cooking in the kitchen.  My girls often spent Friday night with my mom and grandma and Aubree was always in the kitchen helping Grandma.  Every time Aubree hears, In The Garden, she hears it in Grandma's voice which is why it's so special to her.  I don't remember Grandma singing that one when I was growing up. I'm sure she did, but I don't have a memory of it.  We also talked about, Every Day with Jesus, which was another "go to" Grandma song.  She was always singing it around the house and Aubree and I both have vivid memories of her singing this one because she liked to sing it loudly to wake us up in the morning, my brother and I when we were growing up and my girls when they spent the night. It's still one of my favorites and every time I hear it memories overflow of growing up with Grandma.  It's such a happy song and I remember the joy with which Grandma sang it. Some other of Grandma's favorite hymns were Blessed Assurance, What a Friend We Have in Jesus and He Keeps Me Singing to name a few. It's amazing how memories are triggered and how they keep the person we love with us always. I'm sharing the words for Every Day With Jesus and In the Garden.

Every Day With Jesus

Every day with Jesus

Is sweeter than the day before.

Every day with Jesus

I love Him more and more.

Jesus save and keeps me,

And He's the one I'm waiting for.

Every day with Jesus

Is sweeter than the day before.

In The Garden

I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

Chorus

And He walks with me, and He talks with me.

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

I'd stay in the garden with Him,

Though the night around me be falling

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

To happy memories, Enjoy

Bamah

A treasure of old letters Part 3

I've just about completed my project concerning my Grandma's letters from the 1950's from Air Force service men, their mothers and other family members.  I've made copies and scanned them all to preserve them for our family. I'm contemplating donating the originals to a historical society.  It's also inspired me to do something for the service members that I work with in the clinic on a daily basis in appreciation for their service, so plans are being made for the holidays and some home baking. I am also knitting and crocheting scarves and hats for service members. Last month I donated 3 scarves to Operation Gratitude that mails care packages to service members stationed away from home. My Grandma's legacy lives on.

It's amazing how reading someone else's letters can bring back your own memories. Marvin aka Swanee was another one of Grandma's boys that she was very close to and stayed in touch for years. He also married a local Ardmore girl, Peggy, and later lived in Lewisville, Tx.  His mother wrote to Grandma in January 1954 from Chicago, IL. "I received your very nice letter and I am very glad to hear from you. As it is impossible for me to be with my sons when they are away from home, I am more than grateful to have someone as wonderful as you to take an interest in him. I thank you with all my heart and hope someday I can meet you and thank you in person for being so kind."

Swanee wrote from Paris, France in January 1955 while at some kind of training how much he was missing everyone in Ardmore.  I met him when I was in junior high and he was living in Lewisville, TX.  Grandma drove my brother and I down to his house and he took us all to the Texas State Fair and the OU/Texas football game.  I don't remember what year it was but somewhere in the early 1970's.  We had a wonderful time.

More excerpts:

Mrs. A, mother,  from Elizabethton, Tennessee wrote 2 letters in November 1953 and again in Jan 1954

"I am so proud in knowing my boys are in church, nothing pleases me any better. I thank you for writing. Hope to hear from you soon. I remain your friend."

" I want to thank you so much for the pretty apron you sent me and also for cooking Jarvis so many good meals."

Her daughter also wrote in March 1954

"Although I have never seen or met you, I feel I have known you for months through my brother, Jarvis, for in almost every letter he is telling me about something you have done for him and some of the other boys. I want to say a big thank you. It is nice people like you that makes the world a better place in which to live."

Mrs. B, mother, from Azusa, CA,  June 1954

Her son, Dick, has gone to another base and she was writing Grandma to report on him. "Well Mrs. Hill, hope someday to meet you. Dick spoke so often of you, how nice you were to him.

Thank you."

Mrs. B, mother, from Coosada, Alabama, wrote 2 letters, 1 in April 1954 and the other in May 1954

Her son, Walter, also wrote when he went off for training in Feb 1954

"I was so happy to receive your friendly letter. Walter has told us what a grand church he has there and what lovely people. It sure makes a mother's heart happy to know her boy has such a wonderful environment when he is so far from home. I feel that I know you already Walter has spoken of you. Thank you for being the sweet person you are. Thank you for your wonderful kindness to my boy."

Mrs. S, mother, from Mt Vernon, MO, Aug 1954

" I was so happy when I learned of Bill going to church and being so interested in church work. He likes the people very much in Ardmore and has told me of the church and being at your place a lot. I can't tell you in words how much I appreciate what you are doing for him and the other boys too. I am so glad he has run into such a nice Christian home to visit. God bless you, your home and all the fellowship workers."

Mrs. A, mother, from Kansas City, MO, June 1954

"You will never know how happy I was to receive your letter and to hear about my son. I'm so glad and grateful to the mothers who are being so good to my boy, Johnny. I wish to thank you deeply for the encouragement you have given my fine son."

Mrs. H., mother, from McEwen, Tennessee, Feb 1955

"We did appreciate your letter so much. Certainly glad for the interest you take in him. He appreciates it too. He's told us a lot about being there with you and about how nice you were to all the boys. Thanks a million for everything you do for him. I try to help someone when I can to kinda make up for it. We can't always do for the one who does for us but we can help someone near us and there is usually someone around that needs something done."

Mrs. F, mother, from Jacksboro, TX, March 1955

"So glad to get the nice letter from you. I want to tell you how very grateful I am to you and the others in Ardmore who have had a part in making Carl's stay there so enjoyable. Carl has surely praised you all to the fullest extent for your friendliness and hospitality. You have been a great help and inspiration to him and I could never find words to express my gratitude. I know you are wonderful people to find room in your heart and home for our boys. So few people know, or care, what our service members are going through, leaving their homes, love ones and own interests to help to keep the freedom that we're enjoying."

Mrs. L, mother, from Spokane, Washington, Dec 1954

" Thank you for your thoughtfulness in writing to me. It was a surprise. We appreciate your kind words about Arley. Your gatherings of young people must be fine, he enjoys them so much."

Mrs. McV, mother, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 1954

"Thank you most kindly for your interest in my boy."

Mrs. S, mother, from Coal City, West Virginia, Dec 1953

"I appreciate all you're doing for Frank and I know he does. I hope you will watch after Frank for me all you can. If you ever get to come to West Virginia, please drop by and see all of us."

Mrs. W, mother, from Detroit, Michigan, Nov 1953

"Always glad to hear from anyone that has seen my son. It makes me very happy to hear that he is attending church regular, he has always loved church work. Thomas wrote that he likes there now for he has lots of friends. Thanks so much for writing to me."

Mrs. S, mother, from Columbia, Mississippi, wrote 2 letters, 1 in Sept 1955 and the other in Oct 1955

The 1st letter was written to Grandma and Aunt Dorothy.

"Dear, deal ladies, Edna and Dorothy, you see, I know you two ladies. How we do thank God for the help you have been to Alan. When he was here he talked about you all the time and how you two have helped him find his way back to the Lord. Many thanks for your interest in our boy. I would be so happy to see you people, I feel I already know you."

Thank you Grandma for saving these letters for me to find and to learn more about you and your life. Thanks for always inspiring me to have a mission to help others.

Enjoy,

Bamah

A treasure of old letters Part 2

This project has been very enlightening and inspiring to me as I've discovered even more about my amazing Grandma.  I can't imagine having anywhere from 20 to 40 people over every Sunday for lunch and all afternoon for several years but she did and influenced so many people. She developed several very close relationships with some of the "boys" that lasted for years.  They would send Christmas cards, visit and call.  I met several of them when I was young. In fact, my father was also one of the "boys" and that was how my parents met. He was an MP in the Air Force, stationed at Ardmore, heard about the great lunches, met and dated my mom then they were married when she graduated high school. Carroll was another of the boys that married a local girl, Patty, and they later settled in Ardmore. We visited back and forth with them my whole life.  My brother and I even stayed with them for a week when we were young when Mom and Grandma went out of town.  When Grandma passed away in 2003 they came to her funeral and opened their home to us after the graveside service feeding her family and sharing memories. Sharing a meal came full circle.

Grandma's house in Ardmore was 6 blocks from the church so the boys could either drive, several had cars, or walk. I think some of the women of the church helped provide part of the food. Grandma's specialty was fried chicken. Aunt Dorothy was the baker, she made cakes and pies for dessert plus homemade rolls.  My mom said that there were 2 small bedrooms upstairs, one for her, the other shared by Grandma and Aunt Dorothy. When the weather was nice, they set up a volley ball net in the yard and everyone played after lunch. Home away from home for service men.

Here's some more excerpts from letters:

From Ralph, service member shipped out to Korea, Sept 1954

"There was not a day that passed that I didn't think of you all. I saw Paul on the ship and we were talking about you all. Suppose you all are still having some of those wonderful fellowships. I don't think I have been to one as good as some of those since I left there. They were sure wonderful. Tell everyone I need their prayers and I will be doing the same for them."

Mrs. C, mother, from Ottumwa, Iowa, Aug 1954

"I received your letter on Wed and must say it gave us real pleasure to hear from you. It was very thoughtful of you to take time out to write us. I feel I owe you a debt of gratitude for what you have done for my son and the other boys who invade your home. He looks forward to Sundays and the fine friends he has made in Okla. He can't say enough good things about you all in Ardmore. It would be a great pleasure to have a personal visit with you some time so I will extend you an invitation, if you are ever in our town won't you make us a visit? Thank you again for being so hospitable to Howard."

Mrs. S, mother, from Rochester, Michigan, June 1954

"I just received your sweet, joyful, wonderful, thrilling letter and news of my only precious son, Elbert, of whom I've been praying, worrying, and crying for. It really brought tears of joy and so proud of the marvelous news also that he's been lead to you, dear, whom he told me how love, kind and sweet you are. Thank you so much."

Mrs.   R., mother from Quinton, Alabama, May 1954

"I was so proud to get a sweet letter from you. Bobby told me how good you were to him. You know I can't express words of thanks because you are so good to my only son."

Mrs.  R., aunt, from Windham, Ohio. May 1954

"I received you nice letter a few days ago, was very glad to hear from you and to know that Fred has such nice friends to spend his spare time with. I am proud that Fred mentioned my name as I have tried to do all I could for him and his brothers and sisters when their parents died. I worry about them, as if they were my own. It certainly would be wonderful if there were more people like you, that would try and look after the boys that are in service and so far away from home. I know there would be less trouble in the world. I want to thank you for the nice letter and also for welcoming Fred in your home."

Mrs. S, mother, from Sylvania, Ohio, May 1954

"My son Bobby has written so much about you and how good you are to him that I wanted to write and thank you for being so kind to him. It sure makes me feel better when he is so far from home to have someone so kind to him. I want you to know I certainly appreciate all you have done for Bobby."

There are still more excerpts so I'll do another post, part 3, next month and also share one of Grandma's recipes. It's amazing how letters and home cooked meals can impact so many lives. May we all be inspired to do likewise.

Enjoy,

Bamah

A treasure of old letters

I recently came across a stack of my grandmother's old letters from 1953,1954 and 1955.  As I started reading them, I remembered the stories told of when she lived in Ardmore, OK and would feed Air Force men after church on Sundays in her home.  I had no idea the extent of her ministry to these service men or her "boys" as she would call them.  Evidentially, she wrote their mothers or family members about how they were doing and these letters are people writing back to her. There are 49 letters in all, 30 from family members, 22 mothers, 5 of them wrote twice, 1 father, 1 sister and an aunt, 13 letters from the service men themselves, 2 of them wrote twice, and 6 other letters. 

Ardmore Air Force Base was opened in 1952 outside of Ardmore, Ok and closed in 1959.  There was a bus service to and from Ardmore on Sundays for those wanting to attend church services. My grandmother, her sister, Aunt Dorothy and my mother who was a teenager lived in a 2 story house, 800 square feet with 4 rooms,  1 bedroom and bathroom upstairs and the kitchen and living room downstairs. They attended the First Baptist Church. The pastor there wanted to do something more for the service members that were attending so approached Grandma about having them over for lunch after church.  They also had fellowships for them along with the teens from the church. I think he asked several women to host lunches but my Grandma's was the favorite. Her and Aunt Dorothy were really good cooks and a lot of fun to be around. The "boys" evidentially helped with the cooking, one told his mother about baking biscuits. They also cleaned up, washed and dried all the dishes. Several of the mothers thanked Grandma for Christmas gifts, one mentioned a pretty apron, probably sewn by Aunt Dorothy. The mothers commented that they felt they knew Grandma because their sons had talked or written about her so much. Many of the mothers wanted to meet Grandma in person or invited her to their homes for a visit. Several letters talked about how Grandma had nursed several of the "boys" when they were sick or injured. Grandma was an RN for over 50 years, nursing was second nature for her. As a thank you, several of the boys gave her a Mix Master in 1954. Several of the mothers wrote more than once so there were letters going back and forth between them and Grandma.  Several of the service members wrote her, Aunt Dorothy and Mom when they went home on leave, on training or when they were shipped out and evidentially she wrote them back from the responses. She must have written a lot of letters over these years.

The boys would ride the bus to church on Sunday mornings, then go to Grandma's for lunch and spend the afternoon there, go back to church that evening, then ride the bus back to base.  I don't know how many they had each afternoon but there had to be anywhere from 10 to 20 any given Sunday just from the volume of letters. The house was set back from the road and had a long driveway. I remember stories of how they played music outside and would dance, play games or just hang out there on the driveway.

Here's  excerpts from some of the letters. I'm going to do another post with more excerpts (part 2)since there's so many. For privacy, I'm not including last names.

Mrs.  T (mother) from McQuady, Kentucky, April 1954

"Was so glad to get your nice letter. I appreciate it and the interest you have in Ralph. I know it has meant so much to him. I want to tell you that I don't worry so much about Ralph since I've known about you. Also so glad that he goes to church. Thank you again for your letter and being so nice to Ralph."

Mrs.  P (mother) from Malvern, Arkansas, December 1953, also wrote again in April 1954

"I received your nice friendly letter and am so happy to know that you have taken an interest in my boy, Eugene. When he was home he told me all about you. How nice you were to him and all the boys. I want to thank you with all my heart and may God bless you all. I know Eugene appreciates it very much. I feel so happy to know that he has taken an interest in church work and attends regularly."

Mrs.  C (mother) from Owensboro, Kentucky, Feb 1954 and also in March 1954

"Surely did appreciate your letter last week. You can never know just how much it means for us for the interest you have taken in Bill and he really loves you too. It is worth so much to know he is among such good Christian people and I know he will never forget his days spent in Ardmore. We are so thankful he has had the privilege of being out there. Thank you so much for what you are doing for Bill."

Mr.  M, (father) from Milan, Tennessee, November 1953 

"You don't know how much I appreciated your sweet letter. I sure am proud of the interest you folks are taking in the soldier boys. William has told me you sure are friendly people. It does me so much good that the boys go to church like they did at home. I want to thank you again for your sweet letter."

Mrs.  A (mother) from Many, Louisiana, January 1954

"Thank you so very much for the lovely gift. We are so glad that George is at work in the church there. We want to thank all of you good people for being so nice to him. It makes us feel good to know that he has good friends up there."

A family tradtion of sewing

This month I'm adding family memories to my blog posts.  Several things that I've read and heard recently have impressed upon me the importance of writing down memories and stories, especially those concerning family members that have passed away.  My mother has dementia so her memory is not reliable anymore and we don't really have a good documented family history.  For many of my deceased relatives, I'm the last one to remember them, their stories and to write them down. One of my goals this year is to write these family stories down in a journal for my daughters and I'll also be sharing some of them here in my blog.  I come from a long line of women who sewed for their family and taught the next generation how to sew as well.  My maternal great-grandmother, Bamah Masters, called Mammaw, who I was named after, sewed clothes for her 4 children and my mother, who she helped raise when my grandfather passed away. She had a stoke when I was young so I have no memories of her speaking or being active but heard stories about her from my mother and grandmother. She was an accomplished seamstress, making suits for her daughters and a winter coat for my mother. My mother once asked her if she loved sewing since she did it so well and her answer was not really.  She saw it more as a chore that needed to be done. She taught her 2 daughters, my grandmother and Aunt Dorothy how to sew and they both sewed their whole lives including sewing clothes for me. Grandma also taught me how to sew.  She felt similar to her mother about sewing.  She didn't really love doing it but saw it more as a necessity. My mother was also taught how to sew but she never could manage a sewing machine very well so didn't really make clothes.  She could hand sew and did beautiful work that way.  Aunt Dorothy loved to sew and was the best seamstress of them all. She could just look at a picture and copy it to make a dress without a pattern. My mother told stories of how if she loved one of her paper doll outfits, Aunt Dorothy would make a dress like it for her.  One of my favorite memories of Aunt Dorothy was when she made me dresses for school.  My family was living in California when I was really young and before school started for my kindergarten and first grade years (maybe second grade as well, I don't remember) a box would come for me from Oklahoma.  Inside the box would be 6 dresses, 5 for school and 1 for Sunday.  I got so excited and immediately tried them all on, my own little fashion show. They were all a basic A-line pattern, sleeveless, cotton dresses in various colors, all decorated with ribbon, rick rack or buttons, with or without pockets. I'm pretty sure a least one had a collar making it a sailor dress, I always had at least 1 sailor dress for school growing up. The Sunday dress was always a little different, making it special.  It was still an A-line pattern but with a waist and a belt or sash, usually a wide ribbon, most of the time velvet ribbon. I remember wearing one of those Sunday dresses that was a lavender floral print with a lavender velvet ribbon sash.  After church we went out to eat and the waitress spilled something all over me and it ruined the velvet ribbon.  I was so upset that Aunt Dorothy sent me another ribbon sash to replace it.  I also got a Christmas dress sent the first part of December.  I was always excited to receive those boxes of dresses, handmade just for me.  I was so proud to wear them and told anybody who'd listen that my Aunt Dorothy from Oklahoma made them for me.  It was just like Christmas. I love to sew and have taught both of my daughters how to sew.  I believe my youngest, Aubree, has taken after Aunt Dorothy for she is an excellent seamstress and has surpassed her sister and I. We have an extensive fabric collection including pieces inherited from Grandma and Aunt Dorothy.  I'm so thankful for these wonderful women in my life and the legacy they have left behind of sewing and so much more. 

Aunt Dorothy and Mom (Dorcas)

Memories are meant to be shared. And speaking of memories, another one of my goals is to go through and organize  many, many years of family photographs.  My daughter, Tabitha, is helping me with that so I'm sharing some of my mother's pictures from the mid 40's and 50's that we recently went through. The pictures of my mother in the little white winter coat is the one her grandmother, Mammaw, made for her.  The top picture is of Grandma, Mom and Aunt Dorothy sitting on the front porch of their home in Marietta, OK.  I'm pretty sure they made the clothes themselves since I recognize the fabric from Grandma's blouse. The picture of Mom and Grandma taken in the 50's is one of my favorites. It's in pretty bad shape but Tabitha manage to scan it and clean it up. I also recently found my baby book and had to put the pictures back in that had come out.  I have a photo of my great-grandma, Bamah, holding me when I was a year old. Bamah holding Bamah, priceless.

Enjoy,

Bamah



Little Dorcas and her homemade coat

Another shot of coat to include hat

One of my favorite pictures of Mom and Grandma

My great-grandmother, Bamah, holding me