Pioneers of My People
Viewing comments for Chapter 20 "Lucille 's Story, Part Two"Vignettes of my ancestors who made me who I am.
12 total reviews
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
I like this continuation story of your mother, it has a good taletelling, smooth, with good flow of thoughts, highlighting the character and type of personality of your mother; general but impressive; well said, well done, post god speed more, share post not 4 self-joy-pride but 4 God and readers worldwide Alcreator Litt Dear (DR)
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2022
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I like this continuation story of your mother, it has a good taletelling, smooth, with good flow of thoughts, highlighting the character and type of personality of your mother; general but impressive; well said, well done, post god speed more, share post not 4 self-joy-pride but 4 God and readers worldwide Alcreator Litt Dear (DR)
Comment Written 19-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2022
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Thank you DR, I haven't seen you lately. I'm glad you back reviewing my stories. I enjoy your comments.
Beth
Comment from Judy Lawless
Much of what you described sounds like my mother. She went through frequent spells of depression and cried a lot, when people didn't live up to her expectations mostly. But she also thought she wasn't smart enough to do anything other than be a good wife and mother, by forcing her beliefs on us. :) I admire your mother for having left to improve her own education, and glad you dad learned something after that. Well written.
One little spag: "there were certain things my friends were allowed to do, which (and) I wasn't.
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2022
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Much of what you described sounds like my mother. She went through frequent spells of depression and cried a lot, when people didn't live up to her expectations mostly. But she also thought she wasn't smart enough to do anything other than be a good wife and mother, by forcing her beliefs on us. :) I admire your mother for having left to improve her own education, and glad you dad learned something after that. Well written.
One little spag: "there were certain things my friends were allowed to do, which (and) I wasn't.
Comment Written 17-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2022
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Thank you again for reviewing this one. Others have said she reminded them of their mother. I guess it had something to do with the times in which they grew up. Thank for calling my attention to word I needed to omit.
Beth
Comment from nancy_e_davis
I like your mother. She was a real person and did the best she could every day it seemed. She was amazing to go back to school to get her GED. She sounds like she came from my generation. Well done, telling us about her, Beth.Well done. Nancy:)
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2022
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I like your mother. She was a real person and did the best she could every day it seemed. She was amazing to go back to school to get her GED. She sounds like she came from my generation. Well done, telling us about her, Beth.Well done. Nancy:)
Comment Written 17-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2022
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Thank you Nancy. I think I'm probably more your generation. I was born in 1937. I do think her generation acted much the way she did. I really enjoy your comments.
Beth
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I was born in 1935. My brother was born in 1937.
Comment from LateBloomer
Hi Beth, the story of Lucille is so endearing. Your writing has high sensory appeal and quickly pulls the reader into the story. Lucille was born in 1914, and this is the way the world was back then--the husband was the leader of the family and made all the rules. However, your mother, Lucille, was a woman ahead of the times. She had dreams and ambition to be her own woman--an educated with woman with choices. In the story, Lucille returns home to her husband, your father. Did she ever become a teacher? Beth, your parents lived through hard times, their grandparents lived through harder time, and hard times wear a person out. It makes them snap very easily 'cause getting through
day-to-day life was hard and difficult. During the time that you were raised, mothers picked out their daughters clothes--you wore what you were told to wear. No disrespect or backtalk like today. Raising a young refined lady was first and foremost important. I can still hear my grandmother saying to me, "Margaret, always be a lady even if it kills you." Of special note:
He used swear-words she'd never heard from her father's lips.
(The above made me feel sad for Lucille. I could relate because my mother went through the same thing with my father and worse. She, too, came from a loving family. My grandfather use to bring a cup of tea to my grandmother's bedside every morning before he left for early morning mass and then off to work. Unfortunately, this was not the type of marriage my mother had. Let's face it, in Lucille's time, women were basically a husband's possession.)
A well-told story. Lovely photo of Lucille. Sorry you never got those dancing lessons, but I have a feeling that you play the piano quite well.
Six stars for you. Keep the blue waters flowing. LateBloomer ~ Margaret
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2022
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Hi Beth, the story of Lucille is so endearing. Your writing has high sensory appeal and quickly pulls the reader into the story. Lucille was born in 1914, and this is the way the world was back then--the husband was the leader of the family and made all the rules. However, your mother, Lucille, was a woman ahead of the times. She had dreams and ambition to be her own woman--an educated with woman with choices. In the story, Lucille returns home to her husband, your father. Did she ever become a teacher? Beth, your parents lived through hard times, their grandparents lived through harder time, and hard times wear a person out. It makes them snap very easily 'cause getting through
day-to-day life was hard and difficult. During the time that you were raised, mothers picked out their daughters clothes--you wore what you were told to wear. No disrespect or backtalk like today. Raising a young refined lady was first and foremost important. I can still hear my grandmother saying to me, "Margaret, always be a lady even if it kills you." Of special note:
He used swear-words she'd never heard from her father's lips.
(The above made me feel sad for Lucille. I could relate because my mother went through the same thing with my father and worse. She, too, came from a loving family. My grandfather use to bring a cup of tea to my grandmother's bedside every morning before he left for early morning mass and then off to work. Unfortunately, this was not the type of marriage my mother had. Let's face it, in Lucille's time, women were basically a husband's possession.)
A well-told story. Lovely photo of Lucille. Sorry you never got those dancing lessons, but I have a feeling that you play the piano quite well.
Six stars for you. Keep the blue waters flowing. LateBloomer ~ Margaret
Comment Written 17-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2022
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Margaret I truly appreciate you in depth review and lovely comments. I was especially pleased that you shared some you own family story with me. You are right. I think men in those days were brought up to believe it was their duty to be in control of their wives. I really am pleased with the six starys.
Beth
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Did mom ever become a teacher? M
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No got she more into nursing and elederly care since after she didn't get to finish college. She would have made a good teacher and she did teach in church but it isn't the same as teaching school.
giving after she didn't get to finish the college. She would have made a good teacher. She taught at church but not the same as teaching school.
Beth
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No got she more into nursing and elederly care since after she didn't get to finish college. She would have made a good teacher and she did teach in church but it isn't the same as teaching school.
giving after she didn't get to finish the college. She would have made a good teacher. She taught at church but not the same as teaching school.
Beth
Comment from Ric Myworld
It says something about marriages that last so long. None are perfect, and everyone goes through difficult times, but these days, people don't tough it out and make it work. They just get divorced and marry bigger problems. LOL. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2022
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It says something about marriages that last so long. None are perfect, and everyone goes through difficult times, but these days, people don't tough it out and make it work. They just get divorced and marry bigger problems. LOL. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 15-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2022
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Yep. Marriages aren't perfect but with the right attitude and the ability to overlook the obnoxious and work around the other flaws, It's worth the effort to stick it out. Thanks for the review and comments.
Beth
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
This is a fantastic account of your mother's life--as a wife, a mother and apparently an evangelical Christian. It sounds like she managed to help instill a deep faith in God in you, and that you were receptive to it, despite her unyielding stance on some debatable issues affecting you as a young girl.
People in your family got married young! Today many 17-year-old girls can't keep themselves out of trouble, and there she was, at that young age, busy building a life as a (nearly) perfect homemaker. You started your own married life at 18, and you showed the same commitment and determination as your mother.
Here are some minor suggestions for your consideration:
Part one covers her early life as the baby in a family of 15, This includes ...
=>
Part one covers her early life as the baby in a family of 15. This includes ...
In 1932 the US was just emerging from the great depression,
=>
In 1932 the US was just emerging from the Great Depression,
The new wood shrank allowing snow to drift through ...
=>
The new wood shrank, allowing snow to drift through ...
In spite of thinking he didn't want children; Glover was also excited by the new addition.
=>
In spite of thinking he didn't want children, Glover was also excited by the new addition.
Of course, I was the baby that got all of this attention.
=>
Of course, I was the baby who got all of this attention.
She started singing and reading books to me ...
=>
She started reading books and singing to me, ... [putting "singing" after "reading books" makes it clear that your mother wasn't singing the books, although most people would realize that because it makes more sense.]
My dad, on the other hand had me braying like a donkey.
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My dad, on the other hand had me braying like a donkey. [Now that must have been rather funny, and fun for you as well. Your father sounds like he was a real character!]
She was my world until I got old enough ...
=>
She was my world, until I got old enough ...
but wouldn't let me take dancing lessons which I would have preferred.
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but wouldn't let me take dancing lessons, which I would have preferred.
She didn't allow me to choose the clothes I wore even when I started to school.
=>
She didn't allow me to choose the clothes I wore, even when I started going to school.
She was so God conscious she embarrassed me ...
=>
She was so God-conscious that she embarrassed me ...
...there were certain things my friends were allowed to do and I wasn't.
=>
...there were certain things my friends were allowed to do, which I wasn't.
She took in Dad's parents and his aunt ...
=>
She took in Dad's parents and his aunt, ...
She visited people in nursing homes bringing them treats.
=>
She visited people in nursing homes, bringing them treats.
***
Your mother was a wonderful woman, though it sounds like she could be legalistic in her determination to run a Christian household. Although it embarrassed you in your youth, she probably helped a number of people come to faith in Christ. She apparently lived her faith extensively, doing good works from her heart. And it's clear that she loved you very much. These days, she might have lived past 80, because our medical technology often helps people detect heart problems before they become fatal.
Lucille endured a lot of trouble and difficulty with your father, but it's amazing that she gave him a second chance, after he'd had time to consider his behavior and express his intention to change it. Those are real family values, showing true love and deep commitment. I'm sure God was building her mansion in Heaven.
You've written a beautiful tribute to Lucille, both loving and authentic.
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2022
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This is a fantastic account of your mother's life--as a wife, a mother and apparently an evangelical Christian. It sounds like she managed to help instill a deep faith in God in you, and that you were receptive to it, despite her unyielding stance on some debatable issues affecting you as a young girl.
People in your family got married young! Today many 17-year-old girls can't keep themselves out of trouble, and there she was, at that young age, busy building a life as a (nearly) perfect homemaker. You started your own married life at 18, and you showed the same commitment and determination as your mother.
Here are some minor suggestions for your consideration:
Part one covers her early life as the baby in a family of 15, This includes ...
=>
Part one covers her early life as the baby in a family of 15. This includes ...
In 1932 the US was just emerging from the great depression,
=>
In 1932 the US was just emerging from the Great Depression,
The new wood shrank allowing snow to drift through ...
=>
The new wood shrank, allowing snow to drift through ...
In spite of thinking he didn't want children; Glover was also excited by the new addition.
=>
In spite of thinking he didn't want children, Glover was also excited by the new addition.
Of course, I was the baby that got all of this attention.
=>
Of course, I was the baby who got all of this attention.
She started singing and reading books to me ...
=>
She started reading books and singing to me, ... [putting "singing" after "reading books" makes it clear that your mother wasn't singing the books, although most people would realize that because it makes more sense.]
My dad, on the other hand had me braying like a donkey.
=>
My dad, on the other hand had me braying like a donkey. [Now that must have been rather funny, and fun for you as well. Your father sounds like he was a real character!]
She was my world until I got old enough ...
=>
She was my world, until I got old enough ...
but wouldn't let me take dancing lessons which I would have preferred.
=>
but wouldn't let me take dancing lessons, which I would have preferred.
She didn't allow me to choose the clothes I wore even when I started to school.
=>
She didn't allow me to choose the clothes I wore, even when I started going to school.
She was so God conscious she embarrassed me ...
=>
She was so God-conscious that she embarrassed me ...
...there were certain things my friends were allowed to do and I wasn't.
=>
...there were certain things my friends were allowed to do, which I wasn't.
She took in Dad's parents and his aunt ...
=>
She took in Dad's parents and his aunt, ...
She visited people in nursing homes bringing them treats.
=>
She visited people in nursing homes, bringing them treats.
***
Your mother was a wonderful woman, though it sounds like she could be legalistic in her determination to run a Christian household. Although it embarrassed you in your youth, she probably helped a number of people come to faith in Christ. She apparently lived her faith extensively, doing good works from her heart. And it's clear that she loved you very much. These days, she might have lived past 80, because our medical technology often helps people detect heart problems before they become fatal.
Lucille endured a lot of trouble and difficulty with your father, but it's amazing that she gave him a second chance, after he'd had time to consider his behavior and express his intention to change it. Those are real family values, showing true love and deep commitment. I'm sure God was building her mansion in Heaven.
You've written a beautiful tribute to Lucille, both loving and authentic.
Comment Written 15-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2022
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Thank you. You do such a marvolous job of finding the things that need work, and putting them in way that makes it so easy to find and correct. My mother was a wonderful Christian and she did bring a lot of people to Christ. She even started a small church. You're right about people waiting until later to marry now. I have one daughter who in spite of a lot dating never married and my granddaughter at twenty-eight isn't planning on marrying any time soon. I might have waited, but I didn't want to risk losing the one I believe God wanted me to marry.
Beth
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You're very welcome, Beth. I really enjoy your writing, especially these chapters about your parents. Thanks for sharing. I see, now -- you didn't want to take the chance that Evan might get away! It makes a lot of sense, after all your mother went through with your father, that you didn't want to let a kind and reasonable husband slip through your fingers!
Love and blessings, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from royowen
I can see that her nurturing heart was determined to create in you a sense of order and a person who would be upright, I think as parents we always love our kids and desire for them to do well, as you have. Good on her, no wonder you loved her, you were likewise a firm foundation for your kids, beautifully written, blessings Toy
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2022
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I can see that her nurturing heart was determined to create in you a sense of order and a person who would be upright, I think as parents we always love our kids and desire for them to do well, as you have. Good on her, no wonder you loved her, you were likewise a firm foundation for your kids, beautifully written, blessings Toy
Comment Written 15-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2022
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Thank you Roy. I really appreciate you affirmative review and comments.
Beth
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Bless you
Comment from lyenochka
Thank you for sharing about your mother and I love the honest portrayal. It wasn't a perfect relationship when one side is a controlling mom who knows best. If she had more children she'd learn that fast! But she made the best of a hard marriage and sacrificed herself in caring for others.
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2022
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Thank you for sharing about your mother and I love the honest portrayal. It wasn't a perfect relationship when one side is a controlling mom who knows best. If she had more children she'd learn that fast! But she made the best of a hard marriage and sacrificed herself in caring for others.
Comment Written 15-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2022
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Thank you Helen. I'm sure think might have been different if Mom had been able to have more children. She wanted the best for me and alway thought she knew what was best. I felt guilty at times for not appreciating her efforts. None of us a perfect.
Beth (Thank you for again using a member pump on my story)
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Was happy to learn more about your mom. I'm glad she got to see your children even though it was probably too much for her as she never dealt with twins or having four children! 💖
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She spoiled my children rotten and the three older ones adored her. She always gave them money, so I'm not sure that wasn't where they got the idea they were entitled. Connie never had a real close relationship with her but we lived further away by the time she came along. She got to see and hold her greatgrandchild only once.
Comment from Ulla
I loved reading this, Beth. Your endearing way of writing about your family is very powerful. You really engage the reader.
Now, in my experience at least, a mother and daughter relationship can be rather strained.
I want to read more. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2022
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I loved reading this, Beth. Your endearing way of writing about your family is very powerful. You really engage the reader.
Now, in my experience at least, a mother and daughter relationship can be rather strained.
I want to read more. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 15-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2022
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Thank you Ulla. As I got to be a teenager and older our relationship was strained at times. I always felt there were things she wanted to change agout me. In spite of my dad's physical problems, I never felt that from him. He gave her a hard time but not me.
Beth
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
You did a great job, Beth, with this part describing your
mother. Her picture was beautiful. I liked how you spoke
of her hard work, dedication, and faith. I believed she
did all the things you wrote about because she could
control those whereas she couldn't control her husband's
feelings about anything. I know she meant well, however
I wasn't there. It's just my opinion. The ending line was poignant.
Thanks for sharing, Jan
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2022
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You did a great job, Beth, with this part describing your
mother. Her picture was beautiful. I liked how you spoke
of her hard work, dedication, and faith. I believed she
did all the things you wrote about because she could
control those whereas she couldn't control her husband's
feelings about anything. I know she meant well, however
I wasn't there. It's just my opinion. The ending line was poignant.
Thanks for sharing, Jan
Comment Written 15-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2022
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Thank you Jan, I think you have a good impression of what things were like for my mom. I always felt dad was too hard on my when I was home. He did mellow out later. He never tried to control me like he did her.
Beth