You just never know when Billie Mae (My Mom) is going to come up with a wonderful story.
We were traveling to Logansport to attend the funeral of her cousin, Morris Carson. It was a marathon; three hours up and three hours and 15 minutes back. Billie is 88 and along with her cousin Ellen, they are the last surviving people from their generation from both my Mom’s and Dad’s families. This was an important trip for her. As well, that much time in the 🚙 car allows for loads of conversation and reminiscing.
Story background:
1. My great grandfather Carson grew up near Graham Creek in Jennings County near Streamcliff Farm.
2. On June 24, 1971, President Richard Nixon came to Vernon, Indiana to commemorate a building, as his mother was born in Jennings County.
3. My grandmother, Eva Carson, was living with us at the time and accompanied us to see Nixon.
4. Side story: Nixon arrived via helicopter and I remember someone saying they wish he could more often as the helicopter blew every piece of trash in the area several blocks away.
Main Event: Grandmother Willett was in her mid 70s and was beginning to have some memory issues. She asked Mom a couple of times where we were going and she would reply “Vernon, to see the President.” On one occasion Grandmother thought out loud. “Vernon…Hmm…Papa said he had to hide the horses 🐎 in a cave because the Confederates were coming.” She was of course referring to Morgan’s Raiders during the Civil War and what is significant is that Billie had never heard the story before.
Pretty sure I wrapped up “Son of the Month” for April on this mission! April 1, No Fooling. I appreciate my colleagues covering my classes today and I might see if I can get some Professional Growth Points for the history lessons that Mom delivered!
I may have been a bit suspect about missing school when attendance is one of my strong points, but, the happiness of my Mom deferred all doubts.
“ You know you must be doing something right if old people like you.” – Dave Chapelle
Walt’s Diner 