I loved my grandmother. My grandparents lived in the house next door. I saw her every day, and often spent the night, sleeping with her in their double bed. Granddad liked to sleep on the adjoining back porch with all the windows open; a cross breeze blowing, summer and winter.
It was bedtime, and we always had something good to eat before saying my prayers and climbing in to that big, comfy bed..... I wanted donuts, demanded donuts, and remember crying because there were none, and throwing a fit like a spoiled eight year old. But I had to settle for Gramma's favorite: cottage cheese, with sugar and cream and nutmeg on it. I liked it because she did.
Next morning I climbed out on my side and walked round the end of the bed, looking for my Gramma...
I found her sleeping on the floor.....She was snoring...her hair long and loose from the bun she wore in the daytime..... I reached down and grabbed her toe.... I tried to tickle her....
I called her name.
I ran to the porch. "Granddad, I can't wake Gramma!"
Granddad kneeled down and smoothed her gown.... he went to the living room.
"Operator, get me Dr. Newman"...
"Dr. Newman, please come....Mildred's dying."
I never understood it, but I wasn't allowed back in the room. My brother, Billy came,,,,,he was sobbing.... he was allowed in to see her,....and still I could not go back in.
But, to this day, I can see her lying there..... And I was not afraid.
I wondered if it was because it was his birthday....yes, that was it!
Someone bought three baby chicks and brought them to us. One grey one, one red one, one white.
We named them Spinach, Carrot, and Cotton bottom. I never thought it strange. I was eight.
