OUR GRANDMOTHER

We were one of the few families that lived 1n our area as an extended

" "’ family. After we were married, Joe continued to live at home with his mother where his farming operation was located, and I joined them in their residence.

The rewards were two-fold because Gram was very healthy and able to watch the children while I was away teaching school during the day. On the other hand it gave her space to do as she pleased when I was not there.

Sometimes the younger children would be outdoors with Joe and those of school age would be in school. Gram loved to bake, so when the children were gone, it would give her time to do something that she was happy doing. Her lemon pie and rolls were superb, and were highly praised by everyone.

There was one supper meal that Gram prepared that no other cook could make any better. It was her home-made baked beans and fishcakes. One might wonder why she excelled in this provision, but the difference was, she could make fish cakes without the addition of fish. There were times When we had no fish, but those golden brown fishcakes were so good, no one even detected that they lacked the fish ingredient.

For the evening meal, all nine of us sat around our round table and talked about the issues of the day. This pleased her for she was up to date on the current news. She insisted that each child eat all the portion of food that was on their plate. It was a must before dessert arrived.

The house was kept relatively clean, for Gram insisted that the toys be PUt away when they were finished playing with them. It was her belief that the children must be obedient and know the good from the bad. Daily PraYCrs were an important part of their everyday lives. Every evening, eSl)eCi'cllly when they were watching TV, Gram would announce that it was

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