Story No.1 – Lessons to Learn | Grandma’s Stories

Jun 11th Story No.1 – Lessons to Learn

When your parents request “HELP” from the Church they attend – some help in the care of three small children – since “TWINS” are going to soon arrive at our “house-hold” – ready or not – they are for sure to come! The real problem is that my Mother was a very small bone-type-person and the main concern for her was the three children she already has – were very big babies at birth and for twins, now – she is unable to walk and get around – giving proper attention to the children and a husband that will not support his family.

So, after our family checking out institutions that take care of children – this is the 1940’s and there were not “DAY CARE CENTERS” available like they are today to drop off children? My Aunt Irene Riley, working for her Church – discovered a “HOME” that would accept both boys and girls – and that we could be together at the German St. Vincent Orphan Home. As soon as my Mother was well enough – to make the trip to visit the “HOME” and with the three of us children to get our view – – would we like it or not – we were all taken by automobile, since it was a couple of hour’s trip by bus.

The day we made the trip to visit and take a tour of the “HOME” – was a day to remember forever! The Nun in charge of the “BAKERY” – was baking some of the best smelling stuff – the place smelled so good – you would want to immediately move in and live there forever – You know the terrific good smells you get when you pass a neighborhood Bakery – well how much better the good smells linger all through the three floor building that you almost think – just any minute they will be serving the biggest and best “Turkey Dinner!”

My parents were thinking – ( this is me guessing now) this place smells so good – no matter where you go in the building – this is sure to make our kids feel at home – they will not mind being here for a few, short months – they may not even miss not being at home? My Father was a Chef by trade – and he did most of the cooking – he could have a big meal on the table in short order! He worked so fast and knew just how foods were to be cook and seasoned so well – you could not get a better meal anywhere – than at our house. Our inspection tour even took us to the Bakery and we were given a cookie – and that is what sealed the deal – that this would be the best place for us, temporarily?

How easily – we were fooled – we did go to this “HOME” – only and after all the paper work was completed – my Mother packed all of our clothes and personal toys and things that we could possibly need – but when we got to the “HOME” – all our personal things and clothes were sent to Germany – as the kids in the “HOME” wore uniforms – for each time of the day and weekend. Were we ever fooled – this was not “HOME – like our own HOME” – that we left! We were going to live here till the day we graduated from the eighth grade – no matter what!