I have been going through some of my papers. It is a never ending job. I have saved letters Beth and Tom wrote Mom and Dad when they were young. I have saved all kinds of greeting cards. I wish I could throw things away more easily. Anyway, I found a story typed by our mother which she intended to send to Reader's Digest. She addressed the story to the Life in these United States Editor. The paper is dated December 4, 1957. The story describes a conversation between two young sisters which our mom overheard. The two young sisters are Ellen and I. I asked Ellen for permission to post the story on Fiddler Kin and she gave it to me.
Life in these United States Editor:
Several years ago we had a hot and humid summer. There was very little rain for several months. With each passing day we kept hoping for the rain we needed so badly. At night when our two young daughters aged three and five would get ready for prayers and bed their daddy would say to them "Now don't forget to tell God to tell the weatherman to make it rain." This went on each night all summer and without success.
Toward Christmas time and after hearing many stories about the birth of Jesus, the girls began to make a cradle and place a small doll in it to represent the Baby Jesus. One day while they were playing I overheard the following conversation, the youngest said, "I want to be God." "No" said the oldest, I'm older, I'll be God." They argued back and forth for a few minutes then suddenly I heard the youngest say very defiantly "OK, you be God and I'll BE THE WEATHERMAN."
Mrs. N. L. Fiddler
9000 State Avenue
Bethel, Kansas
I do not remember Christmas time and learning about baby Jesus. I do remember the hot summer and the dry conditions. I remember that we were supposed to pray for rain. I do not remember the discussion between Ellen and I. I am glad Mother wrote the story down so we can read it now. She preserved a part of herself and our childhood for us. Mother was an excellent writer and I wish that she would have had a chance to develop her talent more fully. If she were alive and well, I know she would be a contributor to this blog.
Getting physical
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Training sessions have been going really well these past few weeks. I
swim, lift, and run on my own (or with the masters swim team) during the
week, and o...
12 years ago
5 comments:
Very nice. I think Ellen thought she was getting one up on Ole God by being the weatherman. Honor perhpas you could submit it to Readers Digest on Mother's behalf posthumously and give them the background of it. It might make a nice little human interest piece for them. Mom's little story would finally be published. Mom probably had little dreams like that---seeing her story in Readers Digest. Thank you for sharing.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this story!! I'm so glad that you save these sentimental cards and writing, Honor. Grandma Fiddler is contributing to the blog through you.
What a delightful story!! I think this story is an example of the wonder and delight that children bring to our lives. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Honor.
Beautiful!!
When I posted this story I felt a strong connection to Mother. Maybe she knows we still love and care for her. And we know that she was very aware of what her children were doing. I think this demonstrates the power of words. Even beyond death's vale Mother is still speaking to us. I am glad you like the story Fiddler and Katie.
At last, one of mother's fondest wishes has come to pass.....her own words published and for her best audience...us! Thanks Honor Louise for sharing this vignette. I must be a lot like dad...."always thinking
of the next thing"....mmmm...
Ellen
This story reveals that at age,3, Ellen you were already showing signs of being very intelligent. You could think on your feet and you could express yourself well. It is clear that you would be a take charge kind of gal. Mom was so impressed with your ability that she captured it on paper. Take a bow, Ellen.
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