Monday, May 11, 2009

Reuben

My Mom's sister Lydia, and her family lived on a farm along 14 A. They also had a small bulkfood store, and so whenever we needed flour or sugar Mom would hitch up Jim to the top buggy and we would drive over to them. John and I liked when the weather was warm enough that Mom put the storm front up and we could stand in the front of the buggy holding onto the dashboard. It was fun watching Jim's feet on the road and try to catch his tail when ever he swished it.
We usually stayed for a few hours as Mom helped Lydia with whatever she had going, and John and I played with our cousins. Since there was only a few months difference in our ages, we had some of the best times whenever we got together.
Then one day on our way home John and I were chattering away in our normal fashion, but Mom was not joining in as usual. When we turned around we noticed tears on her cheeks and we of-course wanted to know what was wrong. She said "Lydia has cancer."
We had no idea what cancer was, but if it made Mom cry it must be bad.
From then on we went over several times a week, Mom would do whatever work she could and make meals and do the laundry for them as Lydia got very weak and couldn't work at all.
Cousin Emma was no longer as much fun. She always looked sad, often we would arrive and she had her dress on backwards and Mom would first make sure that all their children were clean and properly dressed before doing the days work.
Then late one night uncle Alvin stopped in. He was carrying a tiny baby boy. He handed him to Mom, he talked a little and then went off into the night again. We fixed up the bassinet for the baby and Mom let me help fix his bottles. He was the cutest little baby.
Alvin stopped in once a day with their children to see the baby, on their way to Grandpa Mast's where they would stay while he went to the hospital to be with Lydia. Since she had her baby the doctor's could finally do something for the cancer.
By the time baby Reuben was three months old Lydia had won the battle with cancer and we had to give the baby back to his rightful home. That was hard as we were all quite attached to him by then. But we were very happy that Lydia was going to be fine.

16 comments:

  1. I love stopping by and visiting your blog. I also enjoy your stories very much. Thanks for sharing.

    Blessings,
    Elizabeth

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  2. I enjoyed reading your story today. I could picture you trying to catch the horse's tail. :0)

    I'm so glad Lydia is alright! It's great when people pull together and give a hand in hard times.

    Thanks for sharing this! Have a lovely Monday!

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  3. Hi there, Thanks for visiting my blog. We just returned from a wonderful vacation to the beach in Ocean Isle, NC. Fabulous trip!!!!!

    Come and visit anytime.. I'll post tomorrow about the trip (at least some of it)... ha

    I'm going to enjoy reading your blog now.
    Betsy

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  4. Thanks for visitng my blog today. I am not biking to work this week but do bike around the neighborhood but I need to buy a helmet as I almost smacked my head last week on a tree limb. I loved the Lydia story. You have a nice way of writing that I enjoyed. I will visit again. Have a good week and wear a helmet should you decided to actually ride your bike for fun:)
    Joyce

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  5. I am trying to remember back if I knew about Alvin & Lydia, or her cancer. Right now I am blank on it. I love your writings.

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  6. What a sad but happy story... Thanks for sharing your memories. I love it.
    Elsie <><

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  7. Glad things are taking a turn for the better here!

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  8. I was in tears, until I read the ending of the story. I am SO THRILLED that there was a happy ending! Gosh....how is that child now and how is his mother? Wonderful story, enjoyed it very much!
    XOXO
    Joni

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  9. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

    I am so interested to really go through an read your blog. I have always had a deep interest in the Amish.
    I am interested in your story.
    This memory is so tender. I am so glad Lydia beat the cancer. I realized I was holding my breath.

    Have a GREAT week!

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  10. A happy ending to your story, so glad she beat the cancer. Thanks for sharing.
    Have a very blessed week !

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  11. What a story. I enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by. Come back again.

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  12. Great story - action packed and with a happy ending! Hope you're doing well and have a great Tuesday ~

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  13. RE: Old Centenniel Farmhouse
    Reuben has grown to be a fine young (26) man and his mother Lydia is doing great. Her cancer never came back.

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  14. so happy that your aunt won the battle! i was worried for a second there, beinga child of a mother lost to cancer, it is not easy, and am happy to see that she was able to stay and watch and help her children grow!

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I love hearing your thoughts.