71/p/ly 14. A As the children grew older, they grew more independent, and would sometimes take the initiative to go visit their grandparents. If Henri and Mary Anne were too busy to go, Alphy, Edmond, and Josephine sometimes would make the trip on foot. It was approxi¬ mately two miles to Grandmere and Grandpere Poirier's in St. Louis , and seven miles to Grandmere and Grandpere Doucette's in . One hot day in summer, Alphy and Josephine decided they would walk to Grandmere and Grandpere Doucette's for a visit. It had taken them several hours to make the trip. On their way back, they were tired and stopped to rest at Palmer Road Church. There was an evening service at the church, so they decided to attend. It would be good to rest, and they would also receive the benefit of attending the service. Once inside the church, it didn't seem so hot, as they were out of the direct sun. Alphy spotted some of his friends, and went to sit with them. He didn't notice where Josephine went to sit, but after the service was over, he couldn't find his sister in church. He asked his friends if they had seen her, but no one seemed to know where she had gone. When Alphy stepped outside, he found Josephine sitting on the church steps. She had felt sick from the heat and exhaustion, and had stepped outside for some fresh air. They both continued their journey home, tired and hungry. 31