“When Sharing Watermelon with Others is FUN”

Oct 15th “When Sharing Watermelon with Others is FUN”

Extra “Visits” are the BEST!

During the 1940s – my DAD had an “OLD JALOPY” which was handy for him to do repair work on “FIX-UP” properties that cousins of my MOM’s family owned and rented out.

Anyone in the “RENTAL” business – learns in a hurry – that you need to be a “HANDYMAN” or at least know someone that you can hire cheap. “MAC” – my DAD’s name that everyone called him and in a nice way – if they were wanting something done in a hurry – as he was also called “JACK of all trades – Master of none” – he could do everything and anything – if he wanted too?

Well… It was good for our Daddy to have that … old Jalopy… when we were at the Orphanage… because he was able to also visit us by just driving in the side entrance… along the girls side of the building and seems that… some of the girls always had their eyes peeled for the occasional visits that my parents would be making… unannounced and highly unexpected, but each and every time was the “HIGH-LIGHT” of the week for us, Orphans!

This particular highly unexpected visit was during a very hot summer spell that Saint Louis as surrounding Counties were experiencing and there was even a shortage of water… even for us poor Orphans!

So, when my DAD rolled around the side road and turned the “ole Jalopy” right in and onto the playground area… were we ever in for a big surprise???

My DAD had several real cold “WATERMELONS” cradled in the back of his “Jalopy” and were we Orphans in for a “real treat” to have huge “WATERMELON” slices… and the best part – all – “FREE!” “A first time for a “Watermelon” Party for the Orphans!”

As I and all of my friends were all hanging around with my DAD… he was so busy slicing up melons and handing out as many pieces as fast as he could – and now – more of the kids were gathering around – all with their hands out and waiting to be served a slice of cold “WATERMELON!”

Even the boys from the boys side were coming on over – the ones that were not afraid to get into trouble for being on the girls side of the playground – as there was an “invisible line” in the back of the building – indicating that you should stay on your own – side of the playground – or you – just may have some kind of a tough time explaining what you are doing – where you don’t belong?

The NUNS were always watching from “special hiding- places” … just to see who was doing what – why – where and how – so, some kids were always having a tough time … with some of the NUNS!?

Anyway, on this particular afternoon, which was a very “SPECIAL” time for all of us “ORPHANS”… we sure had fun eating and while also enjoying the occasion with my DAD … as we were reminiscing the “good old times” we, all had long before we came to the Orphanage!

My DAD was a real “JOKE-STIRRER –UPPER” and he would have all kinds of silly stuff to say and do… just making sure all the kids were having lots of fun and enjoying as much “WATERMELON” as they could!

I sure had fun and am guessing that all the kids… who were there… way back then… remember the “FUN TIMES” … too!

“Sharing some good times to remember forever!”

(Some of the “KIDS” … never received a visit… from their parents and really enjoyed the times they were sharing with my parents as my parents loved all… us kids!)