Extra “Visits” are the BEST! | Grandma’s Stories

Oct 17th 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!)