Daddy brings Bicycle – for ME!
One thing that I still wanted – was the “Bicycle” that was in our basement at home and just gathering dust! It was not a new bike – but that did not matter to me – it was that I sure did not want to forget how to ride a bike and at the Orphanage there would be plenty of time for me to ride??
At one – Christmas time – my long time girl friend Eleanora Faucher and her sister RoseMary each received brand new bikes – and there was one thing that I just could not do and that was to be asking my friends to borrow their personal things! What if for some reason – I was to damage it in some way – how would I ever make it up to that person to repay for the damage that I had caused?? In the Orphanage – it was easier to learn to do without – what ever someone else had – there was always something else you could find to do with yourself. It seem to me – that it was more important to have a friend than an enemy – so that way it was something that even after leaving the Orphan home – that I was glad that I did learn – and I wished several times – when I was ask to lend something and never ever got it back – others would have in same – learn that same lesson?
But on this particular day – that – – my “DADDY” took the time to bring this bike – in his “ole Jalopy” out to the Orphan home – just for me – I did let some of my more special friends take a ride! I knew that when my Daddy would have to leave – that I would have plenty of time to ride the bike – but now was the time for me to share time and visit with my DAD! It wasn’t everyday that my family had the time to make a long trip to Normandy, Missouri – as that is where the Orphanage was located – just as far as possible for most families. Also, when my DAD would come out to visit – he would bring something good to eat – and something that I could also share with others.
Now, that I think back to those years and think about all the “KIDS” that had parents – and the parents never came out to see their very own children? We really do live in a very mixed-up and selfish world! The “TIMES” – Today are a reflection of the mental cruelty to those children – then and all because – there was such a lack of “LOVE” for your very own “FAMILY” members! What is really wrong with people that – they can not share “LOVE” with their very own children??
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“Daddy brings ORPHANS a Surprise!”
The year could be 1947 or 1948 – and there was something “new on the market” – something that only those that were not in the “Orphan Home” would know about – like my DAD! Also, in those years after WWII – those that are working with all kinds of chemicals – trying to come up with something new and highly usable an “invention” and maybe for use by the government, first – the #1 buyer with the money to pay top dollar (collected from the good tax-payers) – and then – for the “KIDS” who had money to try something in the “experimental stage” – that has no real good use as yet – but could be discovered – sometime???
This could be early Fall Time – maybe in the month of November – not too cold for us KIDS to be playing outside on the playground – (that’s something that today’s kids don’t do). The main thing that I was doing in those first years in the Orphanage – was roller skating all over the playground and really got the best of exercise you could get – fresh air and no one to disturb me – as I was singing what ever songs were popular then – as we knew all of the “TOP TEN HITS” – and I did my fair share of singing in competition with my brothers before we ever came to this Orphanage! If I didn’t use my skates – someone else would want to use them and I had had a hard time talking my parents into buying for me – “my very own pair of skates” – very few of the KIDS had skates – much less their own pair that were – -worth skating on?
Well, here’s my Daddy coming in the side entrance and some of the girls and I skate to meet him as he was coming in – for an unexpected visit and also with something “new” that he just had to bring to us to see if we would liked it? Daddy had some “tubes” that almost looked like today’s’ glue that the boys would use to glue their airplanes together. Seems like the “tubes were of a soft flexible metal” that could be squeezed – to force some of this soft and gooey stuff out of the tube – a kind of plastic and or rubber dab – that with some care and patience you could blow into a “BUBBLE” and play with?
As you “squeezed this dab of stuff” – into a small – less than an inch size ball – you would insert this straw that came with the tube – so then and very carefully – you would blow air into this soft-ball – and as blowing you needed to be careful that any “little tears” were closed right away – by just giving a little pinching together the area around the tear – and using your free hand to try to control the developing size – till you had the size of ball you wanted? Then you would pinch off the small hole around the straw -having pulled out the straw – you now had a small or large size ball to play with. This ball was good to use with someone by pushing up and into the air as this was not the type of ball that could be bounced on the ground.
We had so much fun just watching each other trying to make a nice ball and all the little techniques each of us tried using to make a bigger and better ball – this was one heck of a good and never to be forgotten time with some of my “Orphan Home Friends” – the “FUN TIMES” we had back then – and I am always Grateful and Thankful – that the Almighty was directing my Dad to find something that was a real “SURPRISE” for us ORPHANS – at least someone was thinking about – sharing and having a “FUN” afternoon with us! “A Forever Memory!”
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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 “HANDY-MAN” 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 Daddy to have that – ole 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 make – unannounced and unexpected – but each and every time was the “HIGH-LIGHT” of the week for us, Orphans!
This highly unexpected visit was during a very hot summer spell that Saint Louis and surrounding Counties were experiencing and there was even a shortage of water – even for the 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 “WATERMELON” slices – and the best part – all – “FREE!” “A first time “Watermelon ” Party for the Orphans!”
As I and all my friends were all around my DAD – he was 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 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 tuff -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 tuff -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 – were reminiscing the “good old times” we 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 – 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 – my parents loved kids!)
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In the “Right” Place…???
When – My two brothers and I were placed in German St. Vincent Orphanage – it was because they accepted boys and girls – so, instead of my brothers being placed in the St. Joseph Home – and me in the St. Mary’s Home – at the St.Vincent’s home – we could all be together?? Also, the children accepted had to be over the age of two (2) years of age – no infants accepted.
The reason that we needed a place to be temporarily placed – was that my Mother was going to be having twins, girls – as twins run in MOM’s family – and each of these girls – at birth weighed in at 8 ½ pounds – just entirely too much for my small bone Mother! This Orphanage – when we were placed – only had one child who was truly an “ORPHAN” – all children came from families with some kind of unresolved problem – and with the size of St. Vincent’s home – there was plenty of room for at least 400 children – even more – if the time would have required it?
Circumstances change as time goes on – and as we did not get to go home to our parents – after the “TWINS” were born -– looks like we are going to have to half way learn to like living here? Most kids – could hardly wait till the day that – they would get to leave – and no matter how strong your “PRAYERS” were – because I know, as I was praying, but no results of getting out earlier? – But – maybe there would be the possibility of my sister Karen – the surviving twin to live – would be able to come to the Orphan Home when she would reach two years of age?
So, one day when I was on the swings and facing the “KITCHEN” area – the area where outside deliveries would make their inquiries – there were some people who had a small child with them – and I started to really pay attention to what was going on – and what some of the people were saying? The words that I overheard – “We are bringing Mary’s younger sister out here as she is old enough, now – to live here!” All I could think – was that is my little sister “KAREN” and finally – she will be here with me!
I knew that everyone could see me on the swings – and I could not imagine – why doesn’t someone call me – here I am, so close – why in the world – is there a delay? ?Not everyone gets so easy an answer to prayer – because, I was way off base – thinking that my prayers were answered – – this was not my sister “KAREN!”
Little did I know that- that this was the little sister of “MARY LEE BOYER” – “MARY” was a couple years older than me and she – also had a couple of brothers – also in the Orphanage – and she was very happy to get to see her little sister and that their family was getting to be a little more united – something that I was hoping for – for our family – to someday be reunited – something that I always thought that all these “organizations” – who spout off with – that they are working for “FAMILY UNITY” – but that is the last thing that they had in mind for us and or our family – at anytime at all??
I sure thought that – that on that day I was in the “RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME” – but since this is not “HEAVEN” – will have to continue to PRAY and WAIT!??
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Some Things Not Allowed?
As a “first child” in the “FAMILY” could usually get whatever I would ask for. When my brothers and I were in the Orphanage – we were so lucky to have parents that would come out to visit every 2nd and 4th Sunday – as those were the allowed Sundays for a visit and the hours were from 1:00pm to 5:00pm – which was a very short time for me. So, to keep in touch with my parents – I would write letters and also had “PENNY POST CARDS” to use and sometimes would write nice and small and put so much information –as my Mother would do the same with lots of information to and for me.
The Orphanage had a side road along the side of the building for delivery and the workers who were coming there to do whatever they needed to do – and usually to report in at the Kitchen, for their deliveries – so that – that Nun could check exactly what they were to do or where to bring whatever they were there for?
So, as long as this road along the girl’s side of the building was where I was – I just told my parents that whenever they want – they can come out to visit me – as I will always be on the look-out for them? This was just a terrific idea – as my Mother was working in an area not too far the Orphanage – so she would get a bus transfer and after her day’s work would come out to see me.
One such afternoon – I was on the swings – just swinging away and for all the joy of just having fun – and some of the girls that were playing near this side entrance road – started to call me, “Hey Mickey…Your Mom is coming down the road!” I was not about to stop swinging – till I knew for sure – so continued and just howler back – “Just as soon as I see her I’ll be right there!” Someone, that must have “EAGLE- EYES” yelled back – “Your Mom is carrying a big bag – she must have a lot of stuff – for you!”
Well, with that I just jumped off the swing and ran as fast as I could – thought that – that was too long a walk for my Mother to be carrying a bag – so I just ran on out and down the road – to meet my MOM! I think my MOM was absolutely the “BEST” she was always bringing us kids something – and I knew she didn’t have the money for everything that we kids wanted – but she enjoyed seeing us happy – regardless of what it cost her or what she would have to do without?
These little extra visits that my Mother would make – were the “BEST of BEST” visits – as my Mom would always have something that I would be able to share with my friends – and this time was even better than most. This time my Mother had bought some white and round balls of candy and if I remember – had in the center some kind of crushed nuts and chocolate –I don’t know – but it seems that they were much larger in size – than moth balls – but were they ever so good! The kids and I knew that it was wrong to ask my Mom to visit between visiting days – but these “VISITS” were so much more enjoyed by me and my friends – as My Mother would always have the “BEST stories to tell us – “A VISIT from My Mother was worth a Million!’
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Rules and Regulations…
Some “Rules and Regulations” end up being very costly to me! I know that we must have “ORDER” in all of our lives – and especially in the “ORPHANAGE” – but – what happened to a little “HONESTY” when you have the rules that you want the Orphan children to adhere too? With all the nice things that I have given Sister Florence credit for – I just cannot forgive her for causing a “RIFT” between my MOTHER and myself.
When I was in the 3rd and 4th grades in Sister Florence’s classroom – certain rules were directed to all the children – and I have to guess that all of us did obey these rules – one was everyone must turn in all money received on “VISITING DAY” which was good for most of the kids – but do not misbehave – because the money you had on the books – you lost for misbehaving! There was one girl friend of mine – Audrey , who told me that she kept her money and did not turn it in – just because they kept all her money – so now she has a large size “DOLL” and one arm was missing – and everything of value goes in a sock and she puts that inside the “DOLL!” Audrey was one gal that you would not want to be an enemy of – she would do some real harm to you when you weren’t ready – I’ve seen that happen.
Another rule was that any food – cakes and cookies you would bring to the BAKERY – any FRUIT and COLD FOODS – you would bring to the KITCHEN – and hope that no one else decides to help themselves to your goodies? Several times I did have a “Birthday Cake” that I did bring to the BAKERY – and it was always safe there for me – so no complaints in that department.
The subject of my complaint is that of turning in “BOOKS” to your “SCHOOL TEACHER” for their approval? I know that there are some books that are real trash – but that was not the case with me. My Mother would not waste her money on trash. On this particular Visiting Day – my Mother brought three (3) books for me. Like the obedient child – I took these books to the classroom for inspection – as other children were bringing some stuff that they had received and or money? The one book was “Song of Bernadette” – I had taken the name “Bernadette” for my Confirmation Name – no problem – this book was okay to keep and take, but the other two she said she would have to inspect – further???
One of the other books, title “Razor’s Edge” and another book I do not know the title and never did pay any attention to it – – at the time – only wish that I would have written the title names down –as Sister Florence – never gave these two books – back to me and when the next Visiting Sunday came – my Mother ask how I liked the books? All I could say – was that I only have the “Song of Bernadette” and will have to find out where the others are???
Sister Florence was not available that Sunday – so when at school the next day asks her for them – that My Mother wanted to read those books! Well, the story was she cannot find them? She never could find them – all the years that I was there – I’m guessing that all the NUNS read the books and that they were thoroughly worn out – as books sure can tell a story all by themselves – “I have been well read – or – No one has even opened me?!?”
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