Sunday, October 8, 2006

October 8, 1939

"October 8, 1939, Miss Edythe Irene Stern became the bride of Mr. William Henry Smith in the garden of the bride's parent's home, as family and friends looked on.  The bride wore a lovely navy flared skirt dress and the groom wore a navy suit."  That's the way the account of this wedding written in the Sunnyside, Washington paper  read.   I always wondered why she didn't have a white dess..she told me it was during the depression and they felt it was wasteful to spend money on a dress she would never wear again.  She was a registered nurse by then and he was a telegraph operator on the Milwaukee RR.  Her parent's were hop farmers and didn't have a lot of money and his mother was a single (divorced) woman supporting herself.   Their first home was in Hyak, WA.....up in the mountains.  No running water or power.  She'd haul water in a bucket from a stream and heat it for baths, dishwashing, whatever on the wood kitchen range.  She passed money and their grocery list to a passing train crew and a day or two later another crew would bring back the groceries.  That life only lasted about 6 months however, then they moved to a real city and into a house with electricity and all the things needed to live a normal life.  He had been promoted on the railroad and she went to work as a RN in the local hospital until she became pregnant with yours truly.  They became parents of a little blonde girl,they named Linda,  on January 4, 1942.With war recently declared, he joined the Army and left in July 1942 for Camp Shelby, Mississippi. So for a few years during World War II they were seperated on their anniversary.  She was working in a hospital in Yakima, WA (raising a little girl) and he was in various locations in Europe or North Africa...doing what he loved...dispatching the trains of the US military railroad service.  After he came home, they moved back to western Washington and settled down...she became a stay at home mom, he continued to work for the Milwaukee RR until he retired.  They had one more child...my "little brother" (they told me I was getting a surprise, I thought it was a puppy & it turned out to be a brother) in June of 1950.  Bill always fancied "farm life" so in 1952 they moved out of the city onto 10 acres and he became "Farmer Bill" and continued to work on the railroad because we needed to eat, etc.  There were cows, chickens, pigs, ducks (Mr & Mrs Quack) a black cocker spaniel named Skipper and numerous barn cats.  We sold milk to the neighbors and always had plenty of milk and butter for ourselves (thank you Daisy!) they continued to celebrate those anniversaries and the kids got older and left home.  They were active in their church, they dearly loved each other and my brother and I always knew we were loved, even when we made a mess of things. And they loved their 5 grandchildren, with all their hearts.   The afternoon of their 48th anniversary  October 8, 1987, she passed into the arms of her Heavenly Father. She had congestive heart failure and that big, loving, caring heart gave out that afternoon.  He was devestated as were the rest of us.  He kept saying "but it's our anniversary and we're all going out to dinner."  I know that when she died a part of him died, too. He was still Bill Smith, devout Christian, loving father, devoted grandfather but he was never the same after that day. He was with us long enough to see the oldest grandchild (Julie) married and then 11 months later in Sept 1990, he joined mom in Heaven.  This year, they once again celebrate their anniversary (their 67th) at the feet of their Heavenly Father.  Happy Anniversary mom and dad...I love you and miss you!

Again, I took this entry  from my entry of last year.  There's just nothing more I can add in regards to the memory of my parents.  I miss them still, wish they were still here and healthy to see their 5 grand children grown and all but two of them married with families and their 6 great grand children...but they are not.  Someday, we will join them in a big family reunion.  Until then I will continue to remember them on their birthdays and this most important day..the anniversary of their marriage.  Until next time........Linda

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Linda what a lovely entry ~ how devoted they were to each other ~ Ally

Anonymous said...

Your parents sound like they had a happy life with each other, it's so sad when one dies and the other is left alone. They're together again now.  My dad was over in North Africa too, with the 8th Army. Wonder if they ever met! Jeannette xx  

Anonymous said...

I remember you writing about this last year (is it a year!)it is a lovely story Linda hard times and good ,but love is the theme running through this lovely real life story ,.,.,Jan xx

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story!    I had tears by the time I finished reading.   Your parents sound like exceptional souls here on earth.    You are so right...one day in Heaven..you'll live with them again, only this time forever!
~Meg

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful entry about your mom and dad. Thanks for sharing it!
hugs,lisa

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the story of your parents, Linda.

Anonymous said...

How proud they must be of you...beautiful tribute Linda.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tribute to your parents Linda, thank you for sharing it with us. :o)

Sandra xxxx

Anonymous said...

((((((((((((((((((((((LINDA)))))))))))))))))))))That was a beatiful,moving,touching story,almost made me cry.I know your parents are very proud of you.I hope you have a nice SUnday.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful entry about your parents.
Barbara

Anonymous said...

What a lovely tribute to  your parents.  Your love for them comes thru so tenderly.  I know they would be so proud of what you wrote.
Hugs, Kathy

Anonymous said...

Linda I also thought your tribute was beautiful.  I remember your Mom especially, and your Dad and brother a little.  But I always had a good time when I came to play at your house.  I also remember doing 4H there.  It sounds like you know so much about what your parents went through, that is so great.  It's amazing that your daughter got married so close to your parents anniversary.

Anonymous said...

what an awesome entry and tribute. Remember one day you will see them again :)

hugs
angelrose

Anonymous said...

Very sweet...Jae

Anonymous said...

What a lovely tribute to some awesome people. I think they raised a pretty swell daughter and even though I don't know your brother, I bet he is a good guy as well.  Happy belated anniversary to your beloved parents.
Barb  

Anonymous said...

This was beautiful, Linda. How strange that your mom died on the very day of their anniversary. I'm glad that your dad was able to be around a little longer, but I know what you mean about a part of him dying that day.
Take care, Chrissie