A few weeks ago, when I blogged from my grandfather's memoirs (HERE), many of you asked to hear more. So today I'm giving you more. These are his words, not mine, although I have edited out just a couple of typos.
Jimmy, Alex, and I were the oldest boys. Kent was only two years old. We did almost everything together; now it seems as I sit here and write that it was only yesterday that we were there as one big happy family.
We worked in the fields, helping Dad plant the crops. Working side by side we could do it all; plant the corn, cultivate, and harvest it. We were really a self-supporting family. We raised or grew almost everything it took to survive on the farm. Wheat that was ground into flour, corn into meal. The wheat and flour mills were only a short distance from our home. We also raised our own hogs, then too we had our own cows for milk and butter, and of course we raised horses for farm use. Yet there were times when things were just a little tough, there was clothing to buy for such a large family. In order to counter this, our mother raised turkeys, sold them and bought our winter shoes, and whatever else was needed to survive.
Christmas was a happy time at our house. Strange, isn't it, that happiness can come from those small gifts such as we received at that time. We never had a bicycle, never had a little red wagon, or a pair of skates. Our gifts consisted of an orange, an apple, and a long stick of peppermint candy. We bought our own cap pistols, and caps from pennies and nickles. We managed to save for such an occasion, but this was only during the last few years on the farm. Through all this, we became humble and meek, but certainly not lowly. Not any of us throughout our life span have ever been proud or haughty. We were taught to respect other peoples' rights, and in return our neighbors would do anything for Ike Leonard's family.
"Chief" as we called him, and his daughter (my aunt) Pam.
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Next week's theme is Family Myths and Legends.
He has an amazing view on what is important. He truly appreciated life and all that was in it.
ReplyDeleteYour grandfather sounds like a wonderful man..such character!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! I'm so glad you posted about your grandfather's journal, again. It is so important to keep your family's past alive.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteHe has great memories... memories of what it takes to make a family. One that is not selfish and materialistic.
I wish I could make my child appreciate little gifts like that and hard work!
what a great memory and way to raise a family. i love it.
ReplyDeleteI love this-and your grandfather's writing describes the way it was for so many people and not that long ago. My grandparents grew up in exactly the same way-on the family farm-and then went on to raise their own families the same way. It's too bad this way of life has pretty much vanished.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, as I read this I think of how our abundance today impoverishes us.
ReplyDeleteYour grandfather gave you a gift that didn't cost him a cent - yet it is priceless. Wonderful man Lisa.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure to have your Grandfathers diary. He is still teaching through his wonderful experiences in life.
ReplyDeleteOH your Grandfather's words give me goosebumps. What a special gift from him you have. And his words are so true.
ReplyDeleteI wish my parents were writers. So much history is going to be lost when my mother is gone. This is a treasure. Thank you for sharing it, Lisa. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it that he wrote that down for you Lisa! That is a real Treasure to have! He sure sounds like a wonderful man! Handsome too!
ReplyDeleteHave a Wonderful Weekend!
Hope it doesn't rain! lol
Angela
It is such an amazing thing that you have access to all these great memories!
ReplyDelete