January 31, 2011 Monday
This morning the phone rang, Orson answered it and a little old lady asked, “Where’s the boys?” She had some sandbags she wanted moved. He told her we’d be over. About an hour later, we drove up to a nice middle class home. Sister Clinch greeted us with a handshake and said she was so glad we had come. A few minutes later her home teacher and another brother showed up. She’d called them too. There were only 4 sandbags (big ones). The Kiwi picked up 2 and Orson and the Australian each struggled with their one. Orson asked her what else we could do, and she quickly said she’d like her back yard raked. Thank heavens it was a small area of grass. The home teachers left and we got acquainted with one of the sweetest 87 year olds you’d ever wanted to meet. She was raised in the church, joined the military during WWII, married an American, and gone to California when he finished his tour in Australia. They had 2 daughters. She didn’t like it over there. I’m not sure when they divorced, but she’s been alone a long time. Both her daughters have died of pulmonary fibrosis. She nursed the older one ‘til she died and is now living in her house. Both her daughters spent time in the states and one of her granddaughters married an American dentist and lives in the Salt Lake area somewhere. She says friends describe her as a “tough old bird.” Instead of “tough,” I’d call her “strong.” She said it was hard to cope with her daughters’ deaths, but she’s certainly not bitter. She goes to church when she can and loves to go to the temple when she can get a ride. She totaled her car and now has a “gopher,” a motorized chair to get around. She was raised on a farm up near Hartog Island and was excited to hear about our family “connection” there. Because of her farm background, she enjoys taking care of her yard. She feeds hard boiled eggs to a goanna that lives in the back yard and loves “her” birds. I hope I can be like her when I grow up!
(Hurray—the shelves and drawers in the kitchen are all lined!)
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And WHAT is dad doing lifting those sandbags? Between his heart & back....hmmmmm.....At least he was able to have help. I am glad you were able to do some yard work. I guess I will have to do some too, to keep up to you!
ReplyDeleteMel
Wouldn't we all like to be like the 87 year old when we grow up. At 73 I cannot even do what she does. I wish that I could. I am happy you got the drawers and shelves line.
ReplyDeleteAnd now our good bishop is in the hospital with a heart problem similar to your dads. They are running the tests today.
ReplyDeleteYour dad is find. An occasional sandbag won't hurt.