•January 23, 2019•

By Evelyn Burtcheard
NP Guest Columnist

One year and one week after the twins were born, the smaller of the two babies passed away in his sleep. His condition with his heart was called a “blue baby”, and he was not as active as Jerry. He had a quick smile and seldom cried unless he was picked up. Dad put a bed in the living room so he could be with the rest of the family. Carold wanted to be left alone on the bed and watch the other boys.
Jerry on the other hand loved life rough and with Donny. Jerry was happiest when he was in his stroller, handles removed, being pushed around the living room or the kitchen table by Donny.
I went too slowly to suit him, and Jerry loved speed. Carold enjoyed being talked to or read to, and I loved to read to him.
Our home was a very sad place after the baby died. There were no more fast rides for Jerry. The laughter had gone from our home. I remember the day Dad picked us up at school and stopped at our mailbox on the way home. Aunt Dora was waiting to talk to Dad.
At this time Dad worked the day shift at Allis Chalmers and got home in time to drive on south to our school and pick us up in bad weather. Now Mom wanted us picked up every day, and she would worry until we got home. We walked most of the time because of the gasoline shortage, but we rode to school with the neighbor kids’ mom if she took her kids. But that was usually when they were late, and we were already at school.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.