Story Do You Feel That

gonewacky

gonewacky

Veteran Member
Do You Feel That

It was the summer of 1870 when the Wagon Train arrived. They camped outside of Fort Boise. The land was nested into the foot of the Blue Mountains. The journey took longer than they had thought. It was mid-September and the baby would be coming soon. Martha and Herman talked about staying until the baby came. Then they would catch the next Wagon Train over the Mountains into Oregon, but it was late and the snows would be coming soon. They knew that they had another Mountain range to transverse. It was the Cascade Range, and it had white top mountains year around. The Wagon Master said they might just make it before the snow hit.

At The Dalles they would take the Columbia River route, or The Barlow Road. The road was built in 1846 by Sam Barlow and Philip Foster. It was a toll road, and Sam Barlow charged pioneers $5 per wagon and 10 cents per head of livestock to cross the Cascade Mountains.

But none of that mattered to them with the baby coming at any time. That night Martha felt the pains starting, and by morning she was in all out labor. The contractions were extremely painful, and she screamed. Two Pioneers Ida and Lizzie came to help, but the time was not yet. Martha cried out in pain all day, as Lizzie put her hand in to check. Lizzie just shook her head. It wasn’t time yet.

Late into the evening with lanterns burning the baby was finely coming. The Wagon Master came to check. Stein asked, “Are we going to be ready by morning? We have to pull out at first light. We are so late at this point we have no choice. I can drop you to the back, but that is the best I can do.”

Lizzie replied, “We’ll have a baby by morning.”

What Lizzie didn’t know was that they would have a baby, but not a mother. Martha died late that night giving birth to Isabella. Herman lost all control and broke down. Jack and Jacob from a neighboring wagon had to bury Martha. Herman was useless and wouldn’t even look at the little girl. Lizzie went to the only one that she knew had breast milk. Virginia’s boy was a little over a year old, but Lizzie had seen her breast feeding him the entire trip.

There she was sleeping under the wagon with her husband Ray and baby William. Lizzie kneeled next to Virginia and whispered as she touched her, “Virginia we need your help. Martha passed giving birth, and we need milk for the baby.”

Virginia rolled over and opened her eyes. Confused she asked, “What do you need?”

Lizzie repeated, “Martha passed giving birth, and we need milk for the baby.”

Virginia instructed, “Bring the baby here and I’ll lay with her.”

Lizzie went back to Ida to find the baby clean and wrapped. Ida explained Herman had wondered off, and no one knew where. Lizzie took the baby to Virginia, and headed to her own bed under her wagon. Cuddling to her husband she heard him whisper, “All done?”

Lizzie sighed, “It was bad Frank. She died.”

He mumbled, “And the baby?”

Lizzie replied, “She’s fine. I’ll tell you about it in the morning.”

Then she drifted off to sleep. The next thing she knew it was the crack of dawn, and the wagon Master was walking down the line of wagons. He was yelling, “Time to get up and get moving people. First wagon pulls out in an hour.”

Lizzie rolled up their bedding, and put it in the back of the wagon. Then went to check on Herman, but his wagon was gone. He had left in the night. She rushed down the line to Virginia’s wagon. Ray was hitching the Oxen to the wagon when she arrived. Seeing Virginia holding the baby Lizzie informed, “Herman ran off in the night.”

Virginia questioned, “What do we do now?”

Lizzie replied, “I’ll go find the Wagon Master and see what he wants us to do.”

Virginia informed, “I’ll just put her in behind the seat in the front of the wagon for now.”

With that Lizzie was off to find the wagon Master. Walking past their wagon she saw Frank had the Oxen hitched to their wagon, and was loading up the last of their stuff. She asked, “Have you seen the Wagon Master Frank?”

Frank replied, “Heading to the front of the line.”

Lizzie kept heading down the line of wagons. Then she saw him. He was a ruff and rugged man with long black hair down to his shoulders. Dress like a cowboy with a hat and chaps. He was mean looking, and had a gun on his hip that he rested his hand on. He had a gravelly voice and was always barking orders. He was a take charge Man that knew what he wanted.

Lizzie approached him and he took his hand from his gun, and put it on the brim of his hat, “Mam. You need something?”

Lizzie swallowed, “Herman’s wife died last night and he ran off. Now we don’t know what to do about the baby.”

Stein threw his hat to the ground and cursed, “Damn it what’s wrong with people.”

Lizzie went on, “He wouldn’t even look at the baby, and Jack and Jacob had to bury Martha. Herman just wandered off. Then this morning his wagon was gone.”

Stein asked, “Who has the baby now?”

Lizzie replied, “The Flint’s have her now. You know the ones with the baby boy.”

Stein growled, “I know the Flint’s. I told Ray not to make this trip with a baby. I told him to wait a year, but they never listen. It’s only by a miracle they made it this far. I’ll go talk to them.”

Stein got on his horse and rode down to the Flint’s wagon. He stopped next to Ray and said, “I hear you have the Fisher baby. What do you plan to do with it?”

Ray replied, “Haven’t given it much thought yet, but my wife is the only woman that can nurse that child. That is unless you know of another woman with breast milk in this wagon-train.”

Stein replied, “Not that I know of. I would tell you how bad of an idea this is, but I told you that six months ago with your child.”

Ray insisted, “Then it’s us. Not much any of us can do about it.”

Stein barked, “I’m going to go get this wagon train moving.”

Ray declared, “We’re ready.”

Stein rode to one of his trail hands and ordered, “Heinkel keep an eye on the Flint’s wagon. If they need any help take care of it. We lost another wagon last night, and that brings us down to eighty three. We started with a hundred and four. Then 15 dropped out in Utah and another six broke down or quit. I’ll be damned if I’m losing another wagon. You got that?”

Heinkel replied, “I’ll take care of it sir.”

Then that’s where Isabella’s life began. Her first memory came on the trail. She was lying on her back. Then there was something above her and it had blotches on it. Her head rolls to one side and a big shape was coming toward her. The shape makes strange little noises, “Feeding time,” for good or ill it comes closer and closer. It hovers over her, and it encircles her. Then it lifts her up and holds her as it thrusts something into her mouth. She’s a baby and she’s 12 days old. This was Isabella’s first memory.

She was not like any other child. She never cried, and just laid quietly behind the wagon seat. She slept with Virginia nursing her every night. Then it was back to her spot behind the seat.

It was mid-October by the time they got to The Dalles Oregon. This was way too late to take The Barlow Road, so they stayed until spring. Ray and Virginia teamed up with another wagon family Joseph and Sophia Heides, and their ten year old boy named John. They pooled their money and rented a one room Shanty with a dirt floor for the winter. The cost was high at twenty five dollars, but the twelve fifty each made it easier to except. It was cramped, but it did have a small wood stove.

Joseph and Ray hunted for food and gathered fire wood. They got more Flour and baking powder, and lived off of cakes fried in the pan. Ray and Joseph had some luck hunting, but mostly it was flour cakes.
 
After a week Sophia got the nerve to say something, “I’ve never heard that baby cry. I think she might be a mute.”

Virginia replied, “You know you might be right, but I’m enjoying it. I just got done with that day and night with William. I’m glad I don’t have to go through that again. We were so glad when he started sleeping through the night. Ray complained he was turning into a zombie.”

What they didn’t know was that Isabella was incapable of feeling anything. She never felt at all not even hunger or pain. She had never felt hot or cold so why would she cry. It wasn’t that she couldn’t cry. She just never had a need too. There was something else they didn’t know. She had no emotions and would never know Sadness, Anger, Disgust, Fear, Anxiety, Happiness, Joy, Love, Shame, Surprise, Confusion, Disappointed, Embarrassment, Excitement, Pride, Acceptance, Attraction, Gratitude, Calmness, Contentment, Doubt and most of all she would never know Affection.

This would make it so they would never understand her mind. Her thoughts would be foreign to them. It also meant she would never make a decision based on feelings. Only on what she could see and hear. That would be what controlled her thinking.

The winter was cold, but not frigid. It did snow twice, but that only lasted a few days. The first snow was at the end of January, and the last snow was in mid-March. They heard it was a mild winter, and were thankful for that.

Soon it was the end of April, and they were getting their wagons ready. Soon they would be on The Barlow Road, but they had to find a Wagon Master to take them on first.

On March, 3 1871 they set out with a Wagon Train of left behinds like them. On the west slopes of Mount Hood the Wagon Train stopped for the night in a settlement called Sandy on the Sandy River. It was known as the, "Gateway to Mt. Hood." Sandy had that stunning natural beauty. Being located near the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and is surrounded by pristine forests and rivers. The area was known for great fishing and hunting. It was a mix of forests, valleys, and meadows. The beauty of the land made them decide this is the place. Ray and Virginia said their good buys to Joseph and Sophia. Then they dropped from the Wagon Train in Sandy Oregon, and plotted out a piece of land on the Sandy River. Joseph and Sophia continued on with the Wagon Train to the Willamette Valley.

The area was booming with all the settlers coming to Oregon. Thomas Blackwell had started a Lumber Mill, and was hiring loggers and Mill workers. Ray got a job working at the Mill for a dollar a day. He worked ten hours a day, so he made about ten cents an hour. Thomas his brother Lawrence started the Mill ten years earlier in 1860. Ray worked stacking lumber and filling orders.

He used the money to buy what they needed and lumber. He used the lumber to build them a one room shack. By the end of summer Isabella start crawling around. She would follow her brother William around. Virginia knew she could hear, because she would look at people when they talked. However Isabella still never made a sound. She never babbled or murmured a sound. Pointing was the only action she’d take.

The first winter Virginia took to slapping Isabella’s hand to make her stay out of things, but this started another problem. Isabella started looking into her eyes and slapping back. This made Virginia take a different approach. She would look Isabella in the eyes and put her hand on hers, and say, “No.”

Soon Virginia could just say, “No,” and Isabella would stop whatever it was. Isabella was always wide eyed watching everything. Always watching what was going on. She used her sight and hearing to make up for her lack of feelings.

Ray kept buying lumber and started building them a house. They were still living in the one room shack, but board by board Ray was building them a house. Time went by and Isabella turned three. That was when she spoke her first word. Her mother fell asleep, and her brother William got a stick from the wood box. Then he went to the wood stove and reached for the handle. Isabella yelled at the top of her little voice, “William no!”

Virginia awoke and opened her eyes. Then she saw William trying to open the fire box. She gasped as she heard Isabella yell again, “Noo…”

Virginia barked, “William!”

He froze in his tracks. She moved across the room and took the stick from his hand and lectured, “You know you’re never to touch the stove.”

Then she turned to Isabella, “So you can talk. I had given up on you. I had thought a sound would never come from your mouth.”

Isabella just looked wide eyed at Virginia not making a sound. Then Virginia praised Isabella, “You did good thank you.”

Isabella just heard words and felt nothing. No affection or gratitude Just words. Virginia rubbed Isabella’s head and mumbled, “I love you,” not knowing it meant nothing to Isabella. Love wasn’t in her realm of existence.

As time went on she would answer yes and no to things. Then she added Mom and Dad. Then the day came when Ray came home all excited and announced, “Virginia you got a letter from Sophia Heides.”

Virginia asked, “Did you read it.”

Ray replied, “No it’s addressed to you.”

Virginia took the letter and sat at the table. Ray took a seat next to her, and Isabella and William now four and five climbed up in the other chairs. Getting a letter was a big thing, and only twice before had they got one from family back east. Trembling with shaky hands Virginia opened the envelope, and pulled the letter out.

Unfolding it she started reading, “Dearest Virginia. I would have written sooner, but we’ve been living out of our wagon the last three years. Joseph finely finished the house, and thought about you and Ray. We got a piece of land on the Clackamas River. There’s no school around here, so John has been working with his dad. I’ve been teaching him after dinner at night. Joseph spent our money on breeding stock when we got here. We’re raising livestock. We have pigs, cows, and chickens.

I keep thinking about the little girl. Did she ever start making any sounds at all? I guess I should tell you I’m pregnant. I know… John is almost fifteen, so I thought it was now or never. How is your little boy doing? I bet he’s a hand full running everywhere. There is nothing around us out here. The closest place to get supplies is Oregon City. It’s a day by wagon to get there. We go there once a month to get supplies, so you can write me there. Hope all is well Sophia.

P.S. I saw Lizzzie and Frank on a trip to Oregon City.”

A tear slipped down Virginia’s cheek, and Ray took her hand and said, “You should write her back sweetie.”

Virginia whimpered, “I will.”

Isabella stared at her mother. Then got down from the chair and walked over to her staring wide eyed. Seeing Isabella looking up at her with the tear on her cheek Virginia pushed her chair back. Then she pulled Isabella up on her lap. Isabella reached up and touched the tear as she looked at her mom.

Virginia whispered, “Yes mom is crying a little.”

The only one Isabella had ever seen cry was William. In her mind though it was something only boys did. She didn’t understand this emotion but she knew the words. Then a new word came from her mouth. In fact it was words joined together. Something she had never done before. “I Love you.”

Virginia pulled her tight and whispered, “I know.” Not knowing Isabella felt nothing but the thoughts in her mind.

Ray insisted, “Come on William. Let’s go get some wood. Mom needs some time with your sister.”

Virginia rocked Isabella and whispered, “I knew you were in there. You’re going to talk soon, but she didn’t. It was still simple one word answers. It was not that she didn’t know the words. She just didn’t see a need to use them.

That fall they moved into the three bed room home that Ray spent the last three years building. Now they had a house, and each had their own room. Isabella didn’t like being alone, so she refused to use her room. She would sleep on the floor at the foot of Ray and Virginia’s bed.

This was upsetting to Virginia. She wanted to try for another child, but it would be just like the one room shack. No time alone with Ray.
 
At night when they thought Isabella was a sleep they talked about what to do. They had no way of knowing Isabella’s mind never stopped, and their words slipped into her dreams. The next morning Isabella went to Virginia and looked into her eyes. Then she did the unthinkable. She put words together again, “You make baby. Me sleep with William.”

Then that night Isabella slept at the foot of William’s bed. The next morning Isabella went to Virginia and asked, “Make baby?”

Virginia smiled and went down to her knee, “Oh child, it takes time. It will be many nights before we know. We have to keep trying until it dose. I know you don’t understand. Everything is so simple when you’re four.”

Using only hearing and seeing to interpret the world made Isabella’s mind way beyond her years. She understood more than they knew. Isabella just looked wide eyed at Virginia and said, “Time.” In her mind that word explained it all. It was going to take time. All the other words meant nothing.

Virginia laid in bed talking to Ray, “School will be starting after the harvest. I think we should find a way to send William to school.”

Ray replied, “We live about a mile from town, and I think that’s too far for William to walk. I could drop him off in the morning, but how would he get home. I was thinking of getting him a pony to ride to school.”

Virginia replied, “I think they both would like that. I want to get a dress for Isabella. That flour sack dress is up above her knees.”

Ray offered, “If we take the wagon tomorrow you can go by the Mercantile. I’ll give you some money to do the shopping.”

Virginia cuddled to Ray and whispered, “I love you.”

Then she drifted off to sleep. Across the hall in William’s room Isabella was asleep at the foot of his bed, but her mind was going like a freight train in a snow storm. She was dreaming she had the power to move things.

Ray heard a noise and went to investigate. It was coming from the combination kitchen dining room. Peeking in the door he saw the chairs sliding around the room. His heart pounded hard and he closed his eyes. He rubbed his eyes and looked again and the chairs were back in their place. Ray walked around the room. Then pulled out a chair and looked at it. Then he pushed it back. He went to the back door and looked out. Not seeing anything he peed out the back door, and went back to bed. Ray chocked it up to being half asleep, and never told anyone about it.

The next day Ray hitched up the team, and went in and ate Hot Cakes with the family. Then they loaded up and went to town. At the Mill Ray gave Virginia six silver dollars and said, “That’s a week’s wages so don’t go wild. Get trousers and a shirt for William and a dress for Isabella. You should see if you can get shoes for them too. If you have enough to get some coffee and sugar it would be nice.”

Virginia took the team and went across the settlement to the Mercantile. Then she took the kids and walked around the main street waiting for the Mercantile to open.

When it opened she went in and talked with Mr. Farrelley. She asked about the shoes first. Mr. Farrelley informed, “The shoes are $1.50 a pair.

Virginia called William over, “This is Mr. Farrelley and he is going to get you some Shoes.”

Mr. Farrelley guessed, “You look like a size 4 or 5. Let’s see what we can find.”

Virginia was looking through the socks, and handed a pair of socks to William and said, “Here put these on.” Then she put two more pair on the counter. Then it was Isabella’s turn. Virginia picked up a pair of pants and held them up to William’s back side. Looking at Mr. Farrelley Virginia questioned, “What do you think Mr. Farrelley?”

Mr. Farrelley replied, “They look good now, but he’s growing like a weed. He’ll out grow them in no time.”

Virginia put them back and got the next size up and grabbed a belt. Then set the stuff on the counter. Then she started looking at the dresses. Isabella yelled, “No.”

Then she slapped her hand on the stack of trousers. Virginia pulled a dress from the display and Isabella shouted, “No!” then slapped her hand on the stack of trousers again.

Virginia insisted, “Those are for boys. You’re a girl and girls ware dresses.”

Isabella gave Virginia her wide eyed look, and she gave in, “Okay then, but I’ll have to him them up for you too.”

Mr. Farrelley added all the stuff up and informed, “That’s $6.50 do you want to put it on your account?”

Virginia declared, “We don’t have one.”

Mr. Farrelley informed, “You and Ray have been here three years now. I believe you’re trust worthy.”

Virginia replied, “No, Ray gave me six dollars, and he wanted me to get some sugar and coffee too. Sugar is 10¢ a pound and coffee is 12¢ a pound. If put back the socks I could get a pound of each.”

Mr. Farrelley proclaimed, “There is a rumor that your girl is a mute, but I heard her say no twice. If you can get her to talk to me I’ll give you the goods, and throw in the coffee and sugar.”

Isabella looked at Mr. Farrelley and said, “What do you want me to say Mr. Farrelley?”

Virginia just stood there with her mouth hanging open as Mr. Farrelley said, “I’ll weigh up the coffee and sugar.”

Virginia could tell Mr. Farrelley was embarrassed, but she didn’t say a thing even though she was shocked herself. Virginia thought, Isabella was five now after all. Then Virginia left the six dollars on the counter, and Mr. Farrelley took the box of goods to her wagon.

Then Isabella went back to her one word responses. Then Virginia went to the school to see about starting William after the harvest.
 
Chapter 2

Ray got and old Pony named Misty for twenty dollars. She was old and slow, but would work fine for their needs. It took no time at all for Isabella and William to learn to ride Misty.

Time went by and William was riding Misty to school. This left Isabella home without a play mate. Not that she ever played, but William kept her mind busy. Virginia was writing a letter to her friend Sophia at the table. Isabella sat in the chair next to her watching. After writing some Virginia read back what she had written, “Dearest Sophia life is good here. William started school, and Ray got him a Pony to ride back and forth. Ray just got a promotion. Now he’s filling orders and giving estimates for the lumber. We’ve moved into the house, but Isabella doesn’t like her room and won’t use it.”

Then she went to check the beans on the stove. Like always Isabella watched her every move and listened to every sound. Virginia turned and smiled as Isabella listened to the clinking of the spoon in the pot. Like always Isabella’s expression never changed. She just watched stone faced. Virginia came back to continue the letter.

Isabella pointed to Sophia’s name and said, “Sophia.” Then she moved her finger to the word Pony and said, “Pony.”

Then she looked at Virginia. Surprised Virginia asked, “You know words?”

Isabella replied with her one word response, “Yes.”

Virginia requested, “Show me again.”

Expecting Isabella to point to Sophia’s name she was surprised when Isabella pointed to house and said, “House.”

Virginia just stared at Isabella with amazement. Then thought of all the times Isabella sat with her as she wrote letters. This made Virginia wonder how much she knew. Virginia requested, “Show me another?”

Isabella pointed to the word lumber and said, “Lumber.”

Virginia pushed her chair back and stared at Isabella. Then she asked, “Can you read this letter Isabella?”

Isabella replied, “Yes.”

Virginia insisted, “Then read it.”

Isabella replied, “No.” In her mind it would just be a waste of time. She already knew everything on the page. Isabella’s thinking was, I already showed you I know the words.”

Virginia let it go and went back to her letter as she thought about Isabella. Virginia thought about reading to Isabella and William every night at bedtime. Isabella would sit on her lap, and William would sit on the floor in front of them. Their favorite was “Aunt Judy's Tales.” The book was fairy tales, fables, and stories with strong moral messages. Virginia thought she was teaching values like gratitude, obedience, and the importance of cleanliness. The tales often featured moral lessons and explored themes of kindness, honesty, and moral character. She had no idea she might have been teaching Isabella to read.

Virginia finished the letter and went and got the book Aunt Judy's Tales. She set it on the table and asked, “Can you read this book?”

Isabella replied, “Know.” Isabella knew every story in the book. She had heard them many times. She saw no need to read it.”

Virginia replied, “Then you can’t read it?”

Isabella pointed to her head to explain, “Know.”

Virginia exclaimed, “Oh you already know all the words?”

Isabella replied, “Yes.”

Then Isabella got up and said, “Out.” and went out the door. Virginia just stood there not knowing if she should be amazed or dumbfounded. Five years old and she can read.

Later when William came home from school Virginia went out to meet him at the corral. They talked as William put away the Pony. Virginia inquired, “Tell me William did you know Isabella can read?”

William replied, “No. mom, but she talks at night. I know she can talk I hear her. She talks in my head too.”

Virginia gasped, “What do you mean she talks to you in your head?”

William explained, “You know mom. I hear her but her mouth isn’t moving.”

Virginia demanded, “How long has this been happening?”

William muttered, “I don’t know. That’s just how she is. A new boy came to school today his name is Mikey. I like him a lot. I think we’re going to be friends.”

Isabella came walking up and William handed her the gunnysack over the corral fence and said, “Can you take my bag to my room Izzy. My Slate is in there you can write on it if you wish.”

Isabella took the bag and went to the house as Virginia asked, “She writes on your Slate?”

William climbed over the fence as he said, “Sure mom she helps me with my writing. She doesn’t know numbers though. I’ve been trying to teach her, but she doesn’t care for it.”

Virginia’s head was spinning as she walked to the house with William. She felt like she was living in a bubble. All this stuff was happening around her and she was clueless. Her thoughts were spinning around in her head. She didn’t know if she should be proud of her, or fear her. The talking in William’s head thing was a bit unnerving, but boys can tell a wild tell now and then. With Isabella and William in his room Virginia started dinner.

Then she sneaked down the hall and peeked in William’s room. There sat Isabella and William on the bed with the Slate spinning around in the air. Virginia gasped and Isabella and William looked at her as the Slate fell to the floor. Virginia stepped back from the door, and thoughts raced through her head. Slowly she headed back to the cook stove. She tried to convince herself she didn’t see what she saw, but you can’t unsee something like that. It was so shocking she couldn't forget it or ignore it; the image remains in her memory. There was no way to get it out of her mind. It made it difficult if not impossible to return to a state of not having seen or known it. What should she do about it, or rather what could she do about it?

Then she yelled, “Isabella!”

Isabella came to the cook stove and looked wide eyed at Virginia as Virginia asked, “What did I just see?”

With no expression Isabella placed a thought in Virginia’s mind, “I was just doing it for William.”

Virginia blurted, “Are you reading my mind?”

Verbally Isabella replied, “Yes.”

Virginia demanded, “Well stop it!”

Isabella placed another thought in Virginia’s mind, “I can’t it’s just there. It’s always there.”

Virginia had come to the conclusion she had to except Isabella or send her away. She went down to one knee and explained, “You can never let anyone see or know you can do these things. They will try to hurt you and make us go away. Do you understand?”

Isabella placed another thought in Virginia’s mind, “Do you want to send me away?”

Virginia pulled Isabella to her and whispered, “No sweetie I love you and want you to be safe.”

Virginia had no understanding that Isabella didn’t know what Love was, and only her words made since to her.

Isabella understood Virginia’s words and said, “Okay.”

Then she went back to William.

Ray worked from six to six Monday through Saturday and got home at about seven. Virginia had the table set and the children at the table when he came in the door. Heading to the washbowl Ray announced, “I’ll be right there. Go ahead and put it on the table. It smells wonderful.”

Ray poured some water from the pitcher into the bowl and washed his hands and went to the table. He commented as Virginia set the stew on the table, “I see we’re having flat bread with the stew.”

Virginia explained, “The bread is in the oven. It’s getting colder and it took longer for the dough to rise. I should have put it by the stove instead of leaving it on the table.”

After dinner Virginia read a story to the kids and sent them to bed. That is when Isabella put a thought in Virginia’s head, “Dad’s too tired to try making a baby,”

This made Virginia ask, “How was your day Ray?”

Ray replied, “It was a tough one. I had to load three wagons today.”

Virginia suggested, “Then maybe we should go to bed. You’ll need your rest for tomorrow.”

Virginia tried to talk to Ray about Isabella in bed, but he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
 
The next day after a good night’s sleep Virginia had accepted what Isabella could do. She knew she would have to teach and treat her different. She knew it would be difficult, but it had to be done if Isabella was to have any kind of life outside their home. When Isabella and Virginia where alone in the morning doing the dishes. Virginia decided to talk to her, “You know you are special Isabella, and have some wonderful gifts. A lot of responsibility comes with being able to do those things. You will have to learn what you can and can’t do with them. You’ll have to learn about reading peoples thoughts. You see people don’t always think what is true. When people are mad they think about doing things that they’ll never do. Then when they’re in love they fantasize about things that will never happen.”

Virginia saw Isabella staring at her stone faced. She knew Isabella never showed her emotions and was always quite, but did this little five year old girl even understand what she was telling her? Isabella shook her head slowly side to side as Virginia said, “Okay, lets try this a different way. I know you don’t lie because you never say enough to make one, but do you know what a lie is?”

Isabella moved her head up and down slowly. Virginia went on, “People think lies in there head, so just because you know what their thinking. Doesn’t mean it’s true. Do you understand that?”

Isabella planted a thought in Virginia, William thinks about flying, but he can’t.

Virginia smiled, “Yes that is what I’m trying to teach you. Now you can never let anyone know you know what their thinking. They will hate you for that, and some might even try to hurt you. People will be scared of you for doing that. I know I was at first, but my love for you overcame it. The way you are I bet your mind is racing like the rapids in the river. Now that I know you can read. I’ll see if we can get you some dime novels. That should slow your mind down a little, and help you learn about fiction. It’s important you understand how people think with your gift.

Isabella wiped the last plate dry, and placed it on the stack. Virginia smiled, “I hope I can help you with this Isabella. If you want to go to school you have a lot to learn between now and next year. I don’t want to send you there to just be hurt. Kids can be cruel, and I don’t want you to go through that.”

Isabella just looked at Virginia thinking, What are you talking about?

Virginia didn’t understand that nothing the other kids could say or do would hurt Isabella. She had no feelings to be hurt. It would just be a logical response to her way of thinking. Which would most likely be for Isabella to do nothing?

As the days went by Virginia talked with Isabella every morning. It had become their special time together. On this morning Virginia put a plan into motion to get Isabella to use her room. Doing the dishes she planted her thought, “If you want to try to do things. You can hide in you room. If you go in there and shut the door no one will bother you, and you can do whatever you want. I’ll make sure everyone knows to knock, and wait for you to open the door. Then you can try things we shouldn’t see.

Isabella was skeptical of this. Not having any feelings to guide her she always used William. She would read his thoughts for fear or joy. She would let him guide this part of her life. That was how she knew not to let anyone know she could move and levitate things. When Virginia saw her levitating the Slate it was William’s thoughts that made her drop the Slate. Now that her mother knew Isabella could use her thoughts to guide her, but alone in her room. Isabella was unsure about that. She had always used other people for that. This went back to when she was a baby. It went all the way back to that first memory of being breast fed by Virginia.

It was now winter and getting close to Christmas. William would be home for Christmas break, and Isabella wonted that. She had got a dime novel about a boy and a dog. She had been saving it for this time so he could read it to her. She knew the story would make William happy, and she needed those thoughts from his mind. Emotions were a mystery to Isabella, and she couldn’t understand them. She liked to explore the changes they made in people, and William was perfect for that.

No one knew that Isabella had been trying to understand that little voice in people that would say don’t do, or don’t say that. Isabella had no such voice, and didn’t understand it. There was no voice to tell her, “That will hurt them. Don’t do it.”

She had read that thought in William’s head, but could only relate it to something like a burn or cut. She had no understanding of your feelings being hurt. How could you hurt something that was just in your thoughts. You can’t see it or touch it, so how could you hurt it? This would just be a mystery Isabella would never solve.

Virginia’s time of the month was late, but she had been late before. This was too soon to get her hopes up, but that morning doing the dishes. Isabella spoke to her using connected words. Being something Isabella rarely did. Virginia listened intensely, “You make baby.”

Virginia replied, “We’re trying.”

Isabella insisted, “Baby in you now.”

Virginia just stared at Isabella then question, “Are you sure?”

Isabella put her hand on Virginia’s belly and said, “Baby boy in there.”

By now Virginia had no doubts about Isabella’s abilities and smiled, “A boy huh?”

Isabella replied with her typical one word response, “Yes.”

Virginia pulled Isabella and hugged her saying, “I love you child. What a gift you are.”

Isabella thought, There is that word again, but what is Love? Isabella tried to diagnose this Love by the symptoms. The heart beats a little faster. Her palms are sweaty. Her face looks flush especially around her cheeks, and her mind tells her she has butterflies in the stomach. Then she added this to her list of emotions.

It was sad that Isabella would never know emotions, but it protected her from the cruelties of the world. She would just have to learn what emotion a person was having by their symptoms.

In the middle of January it started snowing, and it snowed for a week straight. Isabella’s dad got sent home until further notice. The lumber business was always slow in the winter, and they had planned for it. Ray wouldn’t let William ride Misty to school, and made him stay home. He said it was too hard for the old girl to stand in the snow all day. She would just have to stay in the barn.

At dinner that night Virginia asked, “Ray do you think Mr. Blackwell will work you a couple days a week like last year?”

Ray informed, “I think he understands I’m a family man. He did tell me he planned on starting up the Mill at the end of March like last year. I know he wants me to help him rebuild some of the sawing equipment in the off season.”

After dinner Ray sat in his chair in the Parlor drinking coffee. The Parlor was the one room they didn’t use because it wasn’t finished yet. Virginia and Isabella were in doing the dishes when William came in. He had his toy horse and was hiding it under the end table in the corner.

Ray questioned, “William what are you doing?”

William put his finger to his lips and replied in a whisper, “It’s a game Izzy and I play. I hide the horse and she finds it.”

Ray smiled and whispered, “Oh,” as he looked around at what he needed to do.

Then later he heard William say. “Izzy I lost my horse again.”

Then Ray saw Isabella make a B-Line right to the horse. It was just like she saw him do it. In fact that was just what she did. She saw the horse in William’s thoughts, and went right to it. She got the horse and took it to William.

William complained, “Can’t you make it like you’re looking for it.”

Ray picked up one of the Dime Novels and thumbed through it. Then he called out, “Virginia.”

Virginia came and asked, “You need something.”

Ray asked, “Is this one of the books you got for Isabella?”

Virginia replied, “Yes.”

Ray declared, “You mean she can’t talk, but she can read this? I know men that can’t read at this level.”

Virginia insisted, “I wouldn’t tell you that if it wasn’t true.”

Ray asked, “What else can she do I don’t know about.”

Virginia secret was coming out. She was worried what Ray would do if he knew everything. She did the only thing she knew to do and said, “Spend some time with her and ask her yourself.”

Ray called out, “Isabella come!”

Isabella came to the Parlor and Ray requested, “Come over here and sit with me.”

Isabella climbed up and sat on Ray’s knee and he said, “Your brother tells me you can find things. Is this true?”

Isabella nodded her head and Ray pulled his pocketknife from his pocket. Then looked to Virginia and insisted, “Go hide my knife, and do it good.”

Then he put his hand over Isabella’s eyes. Virginia returned and said, “Done.”

Ray insisted, “Izzy go find it.”

Isabella looked to her mother and Virginia said, “It’s okay you can show him.”

Isabella got down and walked to her father’s room with him right behind her. She stopped and pointed to a spot on the mattress.

Ray insisted, “Well get it if it’s there.”

Isabella stepped back and looked at her mother and Virginia exclaimed, “She can’t Ray. It’s a knife, and she’s not allowed to touch it. Pick up the mattress and look for yourself.”

Ray picked up the mattress and there was his knife right where Isabella pointed. Ray demanded, “How did you do that?”

Virginia stepped between Ray and Isabella and proclaimed, “She doesn’t know Ray she’s just a child. She is still trying to understand the world.”

Ray calmed down and spoke softly, “I’m sorry Izzy. I just lost it for a moment.”

Isabella had another emotion to add to her list. Lost it, voice change and muscle tension.
 
Isabella’s dad had turned the old one room shack they lived in into a workshop. He spent most of his time out there working on things. Ray would go out and start a fire when he got up. Then He’d come back and eat with the family, and head back out.

Later that day Virginia sent Isabella to tell her father the soup was ready. Isabella went to the old shack, and opened the door. Ray looked up and said, “Well get in here and shut the door.”

Isabella slipped through the gap in the door and pushed it shut. Ray picked her up and sat her on the table he used for a work bench. Then inquired, “Well out with it. What are you out here for?”

With her normal stone face look Isabella used the typical one word reply, “Soup.”

Ray went on, “You never look happy. I want you to be happy.”

Isabella thought about the emotion, Happy the same as joy or being excited and not being hurt, and having a sense of confidence or satisfaction.

Then she slid down from the table and said, “Happy.”

Ray took Isabella’s hand and said, “Let’s go. We better get in there before your mother comes looking for us.”

On their way their neighbor Jim rode up and announced, “Hi Ray. “I got a couple quarts of milk for yah.”

Ray questioned, “That’s 10 cents per quart. Right?”

Jim replied, “Sure, but your wife already paid me for the month.”

Ray insisted, “Well at least come in for a cup of coffee.”

Climbing down from his horse Jim replied, “Don’t mind if I do.”

Jim untied the bag from the saddle horn and went in with Ray and Isabella. Inside Jim set the bag on the table and opened it up. Then he pulled out the two quart jars of milk and set them on the table.

Ray asked, “Virginia would you bring Jim and I a cup of coffee. We got some catching up on to do.”

Jim looked at Isabella and smiled, “Have you been working on that smile. Let’s see how it looks.”

Isabella forced a phony smile and Jim said, “You need to keep practicing. It still doesn’t look quite right.”

Ray exclaimed, “I think that’s the only time I’ve ever seen any expression on her face. How did you do it?”

Virginia butted in, “It started about a year ago. Jim wouldn’t leave the milk unless she smiled. He’s been making her smile for the milk ever since.”

Jim took a sip of his coffee and added, “It’s just not right for a little girl not to smile. Virginia tells me she’s always calm and quite like this. I don’t know if I should be happy for you, or sad for her.”

Ray explained, “She has always been this way since birth. She never even cried when she was a baby. We just learned to accept her the way she was. Good or bad that’s just the way she is.”

Jim insisted, “She’s a one of a kind that is for sure.”

Reading Jims thoughts Isabella thought this was the time and smiled at him. Jim responded, “That’s getting better sweetie.”

Ray explained, “Don’t let her fool you. She’s smart, and understands everything we’re talking about. She’s already reading Dime Novels.”

Isabella got up from the table and walked down the hall. Then she came back with a Dime Novel, and pushed it at Jim. Taking the book he read the title, “Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid.”

Ray blurted, “What kind of stuff are you having her read Virginia?”

Virginia explained, “You know she is having trouble with her emotions. I thought reading about them would help her understand what they are.”

Jim thumbed through the book then looked at Virginia and asked, “She can really read this?”

Virginia replied, “Sure she already did. She wants you to read it.”

Jim replied, “I’ll have the wife read it to me. I heard tell that there are people that remember everything they see. They can remember things just like going back and looking at pictures in a book. I wonder if she’s like that.”

Ray revealed, “I don’t know that that’s a good thing. I’ve seen some stuff I wish I couldn’t remember.”

Jim added, “You and me both Ray. Well thanks for the coffee. I better get going before the wife wonders what happened to me.”

Jim picked up the sack and headed for the door as he informed, “See yah the day after tomorrow.”

After Isabella told Virginia she was going to have a baby. She started sleeping at the foot of Virginia and Ray’s bed again. This forced Virginia and Ray to use Isabella’s room for love making. What they didn’t know. Was there was no need to hide to make love, Isabella was always in their mind. She was connected to all the family members day and night. She had no control of it. It just happened. As the winter went on she started having dreams of other people. Sometimes it would happen right in the middle of the day. She was having sensory perception overload. Her brain interpreted and organized information gathered from outside places. This muddied her thoughts and made it hard to think at all.

Then a woman appeared to her one night and said, “Child awake.”

Isabella opened her eyes and there stood a woman and she planted a thought in her head, “I’ve come to help you. You need to learn to turn things off. I know it’s hard, but I’ll give you some tricks that work. Distract yourself by engaging in activities. Like writing, knitting, or needle work can provide a temporary escape from the overwhelming thoughts. Other distractions include spending time in nature. Like taking a walk and being outdoors can reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Keep a Journal, writing down your thoughts can help you process them and release them from your mind. Physical activity is always good. Exercise can release endorphins, which will have mind slowing effects. Even a short walk can help clear your head.

The ritual of making and drinking tea can be soothing and help you unwind. This is what I would do when I was alive.

Then connect with your senses. Engage your senses by focusing on the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of your environment. The most important advice I can give to you is. Talk to people. Your mind will focus them and push the other stuff to the back. It will still be there, but it will be like a bird chirping.

Try these things and find what works for you. If you need help just think of me and I’ll come. I’m a spirit now, but I lived your life and understand.”

Then she faded away, and Isabella slipped back to dream land.

Then Isabella started talking and things got better. Isabella and her mother would have tea after doing the morning dishes every day. As time went Isabella got better and was more like a normal kid.

Then the spring came and the Mill started back up. The stragglers that wintered over in The Dalles would be coming through soon. The Barlow Road was ruff and tore up the wagons. They would be needing lumber to fix them before continuing to the Willamette valley.

It was worm now and the flowers were blooming. Virginia thought it would be a good day to walk to town. She had Isabella ride behind William on Misty, and she walked along side. At the school William hitched Misty on the hitching-post next to 15 year old Brian’s horse. Then he pumped some water and added it to the trough, as his mom and Isabella walked off.

Walking into town they heard the School Bell ringing and Isabella said, “Will’s going in now.”

Virginia replied, “Yes he is.”

Isabella asked, “Where are we going to first mom?”

Virginia replied, “To see the Black Smith. I have something I want him to make for me.”

Arriving at the Black Smith Shop Virginia saw Mr. Tulley the Blacksmith, and Isabella saw a boy about 12 brushing a horse and said, “I’m Izzy. What is your name?” Isabella already knew his name was Ben, but this is why her mom made these trips. Isabella was to learn to interact with people.

The boy replied, “I’m Benton, but you can call me Ben.”

Isabella asked, “How come you’re not in School Ben?”

Ben replied, “I don’t need it. My Pa can teach me all I need to know. Heck if you can shoe a horse you can always make money.”

Isabella mumbled, “Oh, you know all about horses then?”

Mr. Tulley saw Virginia and announced, “Good day Mrs. Flint. What can I do you for?”

Virginia replied, “I need a Gridiron made Mich. With the weather getting hotter I’m going to cook outside. I need to be able to have a frying-pan and a pot on the coals at the same time.”

Michael replied, “Give me a week, and it will be two dollars.”

Virginia acknowledged, “See you next week.”

Then she turned to Isabella, “Let’s go sweetie.”

Isabella said, “Bye Ben.”

Ben replied, “See yah later Izzy.”

Virginia muttered as they walked away, “You trying to make friends?”

Isabella replied, “Trying mom.”

Virginia continued, “Let’s go see Mr. Farrelley at the Mercantile. I’ll get you a peppermint stick.”

Coming in the door Isabella got picture of the man at the counter hitting a woman. This was something she had never seen in her sheltered life. She stood next to him as he said, “I’ll take a plug of Red Man chewing tobacco.”

Well Mr. Farrelley was getting the tobacco Isabella asked, “Do you like hitting girls?”

The man became angry and barked, “What you talking about little girl?”

Isabella repeated, “Do you like hitting girls?”

The Man raised his hand and barked, “Why you!”

Mr. Farrelley yelled over the counter, “Isaiah! She’s just a little girl.”

Isaiah dropped his hand down as Mr. Farrelley dropped the tobacco on the counter and said, “That’s 15¢.”

Isaiah dropped the change on the counter and got the tobacco. The he remarked on his way out, “You need to control that child woman!”

At the counter Mr. Farrelley informed, “Don’t worry about him Virginia. He gets drunk and beats his wife. He deserves worse than that.”

Then he looked at Isabella and said, “I bet it was a lot better when you didn’t talk, but don’t ever be afraid to tell the truth. You did the right thing. I just wish a lot more people would speak up when needed around here. What can I do for you?”

Virginia said, “Izzy wants a peppermint stick.”

Mr. Farrelley looked down at Isabella and informed, “I got a new flavor in called cotton candy. You want to try that?”

Isabella replied, “You decide.”

Mr. Farrelley replied, “Alright then two cotton candy sticks coming up.”

Setting the candy on the counter he said, “That will be 1¢”

Virginia paid and they headed out.

Isabella asked, “Where to now Mom?”

Virginia informed, “To Bill’s Cook Shack to meet your dad for lunch. Then we’ll go to get Will from School, and home to make dinner.”
 
Just a note of some stuff I found about children back then. It wasn’t like Little House on the Prairie, or the movies.

In the 1800s, some children faced difficult lives marked by cruelty and neglect. They were often seen as property of their parents, with little to no legal protection. This led to widespread abuse, abandonment, and exploitation, especially of children from impoverished families.

Joe
 
gonewacky said:
At night when they thought Isabella was a sleep they talked about what to do. They had no way of knowing Isabella’s mind never stopped, and their words slipped into her dreams. The next morning Isabella went to Virginia and looked into her eyes. Then she did the unthinkable. She put words together again, “You make baby. Me sleep with William.”

Then that night Isabella slept at the foot of William’s bed. The next morning Isabella went to Virginia and asked, “Make baby?”

Virginia smiled and went down to her knee, “Oh child, it takes time. It will be many nights before we know. We have to keep trying until it dose. I know you don’t understand. Everything is so simple when you’re four.”

Using only hearing and seeing to interpret the world made Isabella’s mind way beyond her years. She understood more than they knew. Isabella just looked wide eyed at Virginia and said, “Time.” In her mind that word explained it all. It was going to take time. All the other words meant nothing.

Virginia laid in bed talking to Ray, “School will be starting after the harvest. I think we should find a way to send William to school.”

Ray replied, “We live about a mile from town, and I think that’s too far for William to walk. I could drop him off in the morning, but how would he get home. I was thinking of getting him a pony to ride to school.”

Virginia replied, “I think they both would like that. I want to get a dress for Isabella. That flour sack dress is up above her knees.”

Ray offered, “If we take the wagon tomorrow you can go by the Mercantile. I’ll give you some money to do the shopping.”

Virginia cuddled to Ray and whispered, “I love you.”

Then she drifted off to sleep. Across the hall in William’s room Isabella was asleep at the foot of his bed, but her mind was going like a freight train in a snow storm. She was dreaming she had the power to move things.

Ray heard a noise and went to investigate. It was coming from the combination kitchen dining room. Peeking in the door he saw the chairs sliding around the room. His heart pounded hard and he closed his eyes. He rubbed his eyes and looked again and the chairs were back in their place. Ray walked around the room. Then pulled out a chair and looked at it. Then he pushed it back. He went to the back door and looked out. Not seeing anything he peed out the back door, and went back to bed. Ray chocked it up to being half asleep, and never told anyone about it.

The next day Ray hitched up the team, and went in and ate Hot Cakes with the family. Then they loaded up and went to town. At the Mill Ray gave Virginia six silver dollars and said, “That’s a week’s wages so don’t go wild. Get trousers and a shirt for William and a dress for Isabella. You should see if you can get shoes for them too. If you have enough to get some coffee and sugar it would be nice.”

Virginia took the team and went across the settlement to the Mercantile. Then she took the kids and walked around the main street waiting for the Mercantile to open.

When it opened she went in and talked with Mr. Farrelley. She asked about the shoes first. Mr. Farrelley informed, “The shoes are $1.50 a pair.

Virginia called William over, “This is Mr. Farrelley and he is going to get you some Shoes.”

Mr. Farrelley guessed, “You look like a size 4 or 5. Let’s see what we can find.”

Virginia was looking through the socks, and handed a pair of socks to William and said, “Here put these on.” Then she put two more pair on the counter. Then it was Isabella’s turn. Virginia picked up a pair of pants and held them up to William’s back side. Looking at Mr. Farrelley Virginia questioned, “What do you think Mr. Farrelley?”

Mr. Farrelley replied, “They look good now, but he’s growing like a weed. He’ll out grow them in no time.”

Virginia put them back and got the next size up and grabbed a belt. Then set the stuff on the counter. Then she started looking at the dresses. Isabella yelled, “No.”

Then she slapped her hand on the stack of trousers. Virginia pulled a dress from the display and Isabella shouted, “No!” then slapped her hand on the stack of trousers again.

Virginia insisted, “Those are for boys. You’re a girl and girls ware dresses.”

Isabella gave Virginia her wide eyed look, and she gave in, “Okay then, but I’ll have to him them up for you too.”

Mr. Farrelley added all the stuff up and informed, “That’s $6.50 do you want to put it on your account?”

Virginia declared, “We don’t have one.”

Mr. Farrelley informed, “You and Ray have been here three years now. I believe you’re trust worthy.”

Virginia replied, “No, Ray gave me six dollars, and he wanted me to get some sugar and coffee too. Sugar is 10¢ a pound and coffee is 12¢ a pound. If put back the socks I could get a pound of each.”

Mr. Farrelley proclaimed, “There is a rumor that your girl is a mute, but I heard her say no twice. If you can get her to talk to me I’ll give you the goods, and throw in the coffee and sugar.”

Isabella looked at Mr. Farrelley and said, “What do you want me to say Mr. Farrelley?”

Virginia just stood there with her mouth hanging open as Mr. Farrelley said, “I’ll weigh up the coffee and sugar.”

Virginia could tell Mr. Farrelley was embarrassed, but she didn’t say a thing even though she was shocked herself. Virginia thought, Isabella was five now after all. Then Virginia left the six dollars on the counter, and Mr. Farrelley took the box of goods to her wagon.

Then Isabella went back to her one word responses. Then Virginia went to the school to see about starting William after the harvest.
Click to expand...
I sure feal for this little girl. It would be a hard life in the 1870's. Thank You for writing.
 
It was now June and school would be ending soon, and William would be out of school for the summer. Then Isabella and Virginia wouldn’t have a private time anymore. Isabella was using the advice from the lady that came to her. The voices and pictures in her head where just like the lady said, like birds singing in the trees. They were there, but she could look at one thing and she could see it clearly.

The day was hot and in the eighties, so Virginia was cooking outside. Isabella was helping Virginia open all the windows in the house. Then they went out to start the fire. Virginia stacked the kindling then stopped to talk to Isabella, “I was just wondering if you can still see things and know what I’m thinking? I haven’t seen you move anything, or felt your thoughts in my head for a long time. I fear if you don’t use them you’ll lose them, and not be able to do it anymore. When you’re little things like that can happen to you.”

Isabella’s mind kicked into gear. This is mom telling me she loves me. Love, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. Visual, smiling, kissing, and hugging. Isabella smiled and wrapped her arms around her mother as she planted a thought in her head, I love you.”

Virginia’s thoughts raced through her head. This was the first affection she had ever received from Isabella. A tear of joy slipped down her cheek as she heard, “Woof,” and then the fire was flaming up. Virginia was frightened and jumped back. Filled with fear she looked at Isabella demanding, “Did you do that!”

Virginia’s fear raced through Isabella like an out of control wagon going downhill. Isabella’s mind kicked into gear, Fear, someone or something as likely to be dangerous, painful, threatening, dread or worry. Isabella wasn’t sure what the response for fear should be so she said, “I saved you a match mom.”

Virginia scolded, “Oh my god! Don’t ever let someone see you do that! They will kill you for doing that! Do you understand? Well do you?”

Isabella was back to her stone faced look as she saw her mother’s face turn bright red, and every muscle in her body tighten up. Isabella’s mind kicked into gear, but this emotion was unknown to her. She just looked at her mother stone faced waiting for the right thought to go through her mind, but her mother’s thoughts were a mess.

Virginia pulled Isabella to her and hugged her as she whispered, “They will think you are evil and want to destroy you if they see you do that. I tell you this because I love you, and don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Isabella understood what her mother was telling her, but she didn’t understand her mother’s emotions. It wouldn’t matter anyway. Isabella just knew the meaning of emotions and they didn’t affect her anyway. Isabella said the only thing she knew, “The fire needs wood mom, or the kindling will go out.”

Virginia stared at Isabella stone faced looking back at her and insisted, “Do you understand what I’m telling you?”

Isabella placed a thought in her mother’s mind, “Never let anyone see me start a fire. I understand,”

Virginia knelled next to the fire and said, “Hand me some wood.”

Virginia stacked some wood on the kindling and instructed, “Let’s go get the pot roast ready.”

Walking in the house Isabella divulged, “Mom I hear you thinking about the baby moving in you, and dad sleeps with his hand on you so he can feel it. Do you think I could feel it sometime?”

Virginia was six months along and had been feeling the baby for a few weeks, but Ray had never felt the baby move yet. Virginia replied, “Dad hasn’t felt the baby yet, but as soon as he dose I’ll let you fell him.”

Virginia set the pot with the roast on the table, and added the carrots and potatoes. Then she added some water and salt. Putting on the lid she said, “Now get the Dutch Oven so we can add the dough for the bread.”

Virginia put on the lid and said, “Now we go for your walk so the fire can make some coals.”

The next day was Saturday and Ray was always late on Saturday’s. He would stay after work and load the wagon with wood scraps from the Mill. This would be their firewood for cooking and the winter. It was William and Isabella’s job to unload the wagon. It usually took them a few days to do it, but sometimes their Dad would help get it done on Sunday. Ray only took the wagon on Saturday’s and rode one of the horses to work the other days. This left a horse for Virginia and the Pony for the kids. Monday was a Milk day and Jim would be coming by, so Virginia waited for him before going to town.

Ray had made Virginia a little cooler for the Milk. He dug a hole about five feet deep. Made a square tube with four boards, and put it in the hole. Then he backfilled around it, and tied a rope to a basket. He lowered the basket down to the bottom of the hole and put a lid on it. Then when Jim came she pulled up the basket and put the milk in it. Then lowered it back in the hole, and put the cover back on.

She exchanged a few kind words with Jim. Then she saddled the horse and got the Pony. With William and Isabella on Misty they rode to town. Stopping at the Barber Shop Virginia asked, “You doing this by yourself Will?”

William climbed down from the pony and said, “I got this mom.”

Virginia replied, “Here is a dime. We’ll be down at the dress shop.”

William took the dime and said, “Okay”

At the dress shop Isabella was taking a stand, “I don’t want a dress. I won’t wear it.”

Virginia insisted, “Look Izzy you half to wear a dress to go to school. You can wear pants at home and to town if you want, but girls have to wear a dress to go to school.”

Overhearing this, the dress maker Susan Hunter spoke up, “Your mom is right Izzy. They won’t let you go wearing pants, but I have an idea. I can make the dress so you can wear your pants underneath the dress. I can make a belt that will make it so you can pull the dress up around your waist. Then you can tie it off, and it will hang down like an apron. What do you think mom?”

Virginia knew her daughter well. Any decision she made wouldn’t be made by if she liked it, because emotions mint nothing to her. It would be based through facts and her knowledge of what she wanted. Virginia coaxed, “Let’s just look at some pictures and see if you see something you want.”

Susan pleaded, “Come over here Izzy and look at some of the pictures. I’ll even let you call me Sue instead of Miss. Hunter.”

Isabella was reading her thoughts and they were full if doubt that she could find something. Isabella questioned, “You don’t think you can do it. Do you.”

Susan confessed, “I have my doubts, but that’s no reason not to try. How do you know if you don’t try?”

Isabella’s mind went to work on her words. Doubt, a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction, feel uncertain about, questionable, unlikely, hesitate to believe. Try, Trying is essential for learning, growth, and achieving outcomes, as it allows you to gather information and improve.

Isabella informed, “Maybe we can try to improve one.”

Virginia let out a sigh of relief and said, “That’s a good decision Izzy.”

After Isabella and Miss. Hunter had made a plan and Susan got some measurements. Isabella and Virginia were on their way. Out on the board walk they saw William coming at them.

Virginia called out, “Looks good Will.”

William inquired, “What do you think Izzy?”

Isabella replied, “I think mom is going to get us a candy stick.”

William yelled, “I want Root Beer. Are you going to have Cotton Candy Izzy?”

Virginia scolded, “Isabella! That was my surprise.”

Isabella answered, “No I think I’ll try a Cinnamon one this time.”

In the Mercantile Virginia said, “I need a can of Baking-Powder, and the kids want candy.”

Mr. Farrelley looked down at Isabella and asked, “You want cotton candy Izzy?” Isabella replied, “No I think I’ll try Cinnamon this time.”

Mr. Farrelley replied, “It’s a little spicy Izzy.”

Isabella insisted, “That’s alright.”

Mr. Farrelley looked at William and asked, “How about you Will?”

William replied, “I’ll have the Root Beer please.”

Mr. Farrelley announced, “Okay two candies and a can of Baking-Powder.”

Setting the candy and Baking-Powder on the counter he said, “That will be 10¢ for the Baking-Powder and a penny for the candy or a smile from Izzy.”

Isabella forced one of her fake smiles and Mr. Farrelley said, “Then it’s just the 10¢ for the Baking-Powder.”

Virginia put the dime on the counter and picked up the Baking-Powder as Mr. Farrelley handed the candy to the children. Then they were off on their way home.
 
The summer went by and it was September. The baby was only weeks away. Virginia was big and having trouble getting around, but she kept at it. She performed the duties of a wife and mother. School had started, but most of the bigger kids wouldn’t start until after the harvest. It would be the same for William and Isabella. Virginia was keeping them home until after she had the baby. The last of the settlers were coming through, and Sandy was flush with cash. This flowed over to the Mill as well, and kept Ray busy filling orders.

Then in the middle of September Isabella woke up in the middle of the night. Her mom and Dad were cuddled together sleeping, but Isabella knew the baby was coming. She woke up William and told him his brother was coming. She made him get up and get dressed. No sooner than he was dressed and sitting on the bed with Isabella they heard their mother yell, “Ray the baby’s coming.”

Ray jumped from the bed and went to William’s room. Seeing him dressed and ready he said, “Get Misty and ride to Jim’s. Tell him it’s time and we need Margaret.”

William got Misty from the barn and headed out. Everything looked so different in the dark, and William was getting scared he wasn’t going the right way. Then there it was the cow trail to the barn. William knew right where he was. He just had to follow the trail to the barn and he’d be there. Soon he was there and could see the house in the darkness. William got down and wrapped the rains around the porch rail, and went to the door. He pounded on the door and yelled, “Mr. Conner its Will. The baby is coming!”

Jim got up from bed and looked out the window and hollered, “Margaret, It’s the Flint boy. The baby must be coming. I’ll go saddle a horse. You need to get ready.”

William heard Jim yell and waited by the door. Jim came out in his long johns and said, “Let’s go Will we need to go saddle a horse. In the barn Jim lit the lantern and said, “Get that blanket over there and I’ll get Ruby from her stall. Jim tossed the blanket over her, and pulled the Saddle from the rail. Pulling the cinch Jim instructed, “Get the bit and reins hanging on the wall.”

Slipping the bit in Ruby’s mouth Jim pulled the hoodpiece over her ears and said, “Take the reins and take her to the house.”

Jim put out the lamp and followed William to the house requesting, “Tell your dad I’ll be over as soon as I’m done with the milking.”

Margaret came out the door as William replied, “I will.”

Margaret insisted, “Get on your pony boy. We got to go.”

Then Margaret put a foot in the stirrup and leaped on the horse and demanded, “Give me your reins boy.”

William gave Margaret the reins and she took off at a trot. William had no saddle for the pony so he had to wrap his arms around Misty’s neck to stay on. Margaret looked over and asked, “Are you alright Boy?”

William replied, “I’m holding on good.”

Margaret went on, “Let me know if you start having trouble.”

William assured, “I’m fine.”

Margaret asked, “Was she screaming yet.”

William informed, “I didn’t hear her screaming.”

Margaret disclosed, “That’s good. That means we should have plenty of time.”

Arriving at the Flint homestead Margaret dismounted and ordered, “Put the animals in the barn. We won’t be going anywhere soon.”

Then she headed to the house as William put the horse and pony away. In the house Margaret hollered, “Where are you at?”

Ray’s voice called, “We’re back here.”

Ray had moved Virginia to Isabella’s room to deliver the baby. Entering the room Margaret took off her coat and tossed it on the chair. Then she announced, “No men. Go get some hot water going. We’ll need a lot of it. Think like taking a bath, and bring it to a boil for as long as it takes to drink a cup of coffee. Then bring me every clean towel you have. Now go.”

Margaret pushed the door closed behind Ray, and she went and sat on the edge of the bed. Taking Virginia’s hand she asked, “You want Izzy to see this?”

Virginia knew she would see and know everything if she staid or not so she asked, “She’s only six Margaret. You think she’s old enough for this?”

Then Virginia was having a contraction, and Margaret went and got Jim’s pocket watch from her coat. Looking at the watch she mumbled, “We’ll know where we’re at when the next contraction comes.”

The contraction passed fast and Margaret commented, “There still a lot of time, and yes I think she is old enough. She needs to learn this. It’s part of the life of being a woman. The more she knows about it now. The more it will help her and others later in life. It might be her someday doing what I’m doing.”

Isabella was standing by the door watching and Virginia called her over. With Isabella now standing by the bed Virginia whispered, “Now you do just what Margaret tells you to do. Then we’ll have you a brother.”

Margaret smiled, “So you think it’s a boy?”

Virginia replied, “Izzy told me she saw it in a dream, and it was a boy.”

Margaret looked at Isabella and asked, “Is that right? You saw it was a boy in a dream?”

With no expression Isabella nodded her head, and Margaret disclosed, “Well we’ll know how good that dream was by the end of the day. Now go tell your dad we need a water Pitcher and Wash bowl, and have him fill it with boiled water.”

Isabella was connected to Margaret’s thoughts as she looked intensely at her, Hope they have a porcelain water pitcher set.

Isabella knew just what to do. She went to Mom and Dad’s room and got the Blue and white speckled set that they used on the wagon trail. Then she went to the kitchen and saw to pots of water on the cook stove next to the coffee pot. Looking through the window she could see her Dad and William standing by the fire with the Washtub on it. William was thinking, How come Izzy gets to be in there?

Isabella set the wash basin on the table. Then she took the pitcher out to her dad. Standing next to William Isabella informed, “Margaret wants you to fill this pitcher with boiled water.”

Ray insisted, “Put it on the table. The water on the stove will be ready first. Tell her it will be some time for the water. You can take the towels and washcloths on the table to her.”

Isabella replied, “Okay,” then she looked at William and said, “Their just talking. I’ll tell you all about it.”

Then she headed back in, and set the pitcher on the table. Taking the stack of towels she headed back to the room.

Outside William asked, “How come only women and girls can be in there when the baby is coming?”

Ray smiled, “It’s a girl thing Will. You don’t want to be in there when the screaming starts anyway.”

Ray went in and added wood to the cook stove and checked the water. Sticking his hand in a pot he jerked it right back out and commented, “It’ll be boiling soon. You want me to make us a hotcake Will?”

Will replied, “Sure dad,”

Pulling the bowl from the shelf Ray set it on the table. Then went and got the milk from the cooler outside. He poured some of the milk in the bowl and cracked an egg into the bowl. Then he got the can of baking powder and started sprinkling a little over it. Grabbing a fork Ray started whipping the egg into the milk and baking powder. William insisted, “That’s not how mom does it. She puts the flour in first then uses a spoon the scoop the baking powder into it. The milk and egg go last.”

Ray smiled, “I’m not mom and this will work.”

Then Ray started adding the flour a little at a time. He did this until he got the batter the right thickness. He went to the pan on the stove and put a dab of lard in it and said, “There we are. Now we just start pouring in the batter and make cakes. Can you get a jar of that Black Berry jam your mom made? We’ll have that on the cakes.”

Will got the jam and put it on the table as they heard Virginia scream. Ray muttered, “The water is boiling and the coffee is perking. Get your plate over here Will. The first cake is coming out.”

Ray took a pot holder and picked up one if the pots of water and carried it to the table. Then he poured it into the pitcher, and set the pot on the table. Picking up the pitcher Ray headed to the room. He knocked on the door and Isabella opened the door as Ray announced, “It’s boiling hot. It just came out of the pot.”

Margaret insisted, “I’ll get it.”

Taking the pitcher Margaret barked, “Close the door Izzy.”

Margaret set the pitcher in the wash bowl. Then she opened the window, and moved the pitcher to the windowsill explaining, “I need to cool it down so we can wash our hands. We’ll have to wash every time we do something. There’s going to be a lot of hand washing.”

Virginia screamed, “Oh it’s another one. Oh stop please stop.”

Margaret looked at the watch as she comforted Virginia, “Just breathe, that’s it breathe. Well we were at ten minutes apart. Now we’re down to eight. Looks like were moving right along. As soon as the water cools enough I’ll check and see where we’re at.”

Jim rode up and Ray went out to meet him. Climbing down from his horse he asked, “What’s the deal with the tub of water?”

Ray replied, “Margaret told me to boil a lot of water.’

Jim laughed, “I don’t think she mint that much. They’re just going to wash the baby. Not try to teach it to swim.”

Ray muttered, “What the hell. The coffee is ready. Come on in.”

Taking a seat at the table Jim looked at William, “Where’s my hotcake? You took my cook you know.”

Setting a cup in front of Jim Ray asked, “You want me to make you one? The pan is hot and I have batter.”

Ray took a sip of the coffee, “If you cook as good as you make coffee I’m in.”

In the room Margaret insisted, “It’s time to get your night close off and cover you with a blanket.”

Then Margaret help Virginia get undress and covered her with a blanket. Then she talked to Isabella, “We need to wash our hands.”

Margaret poured some water in the washbowl and said, “Now wash your hands and I’ll pour water over then to rinse them off. Just shake them dry and don’t touch anything.”

After Isabella’s hands were washed Margaret washed hers. Then she pulled back the blanket from Virginia’s feet up to her waste and requested, “Would you bend up your knees so we can check and see where we’re at?”

Virginia pulled her feet back so her knees were up in the air, and Margaret slipped her hand between her legs. Isabella was across from Margaret on the other side of the bed. She was watching Margaret’s every move.

Margaret looked up at Virginia and said, “We’re at two fingers. We got a long way to go. Now Izzy I want you to reach in there and see if you can find the hole.”

Thoughts were racing around in their heads about what Isabella was thinking. She looked at her mom and she smiled as Isabella slipped her fingers in the little hole. Margaret asked, “Did you find it?”

Isabella nodded her head and Margaret asked, “How many fingers can you get in there?”

Isabella replied, “Three.”

Margaret inquired, “Three flat or squashed up?”

Isabella replied, “Squashed up.”

Margaret went on, “Okay you can take your hand out now. We need to keep checking like this until that hole gets to four fingers. Then your mom can start pushing. Now we go wash our hands again.”

Then Margaret pulled the blanket back down over Virginia’s legs.

After they washed their hands Margaret dumped the washbowl out the window, and sent Isabella for another pitcher of boiled water.

The day started to drag on and Virginia just wanted it to be over with. Isabella held her mom’s hand and put positive thoughts in her mind. Isabella could tell the enthusiasm and excitement of having the baby was gone, and replaced with sorrow and disappointment from the baby taking so long. Isabella had done all she knew. She needed help and asserted, “Margaret, I think my mom’s getting sad.”

Margaret took Virginia’s hand as she muttered, “No, just tired sweetie. I just want it to be over. Oh no here it comes again!”

Margaret announced, “We’re at the five minute mark. We need to get ready and keep checking. It could start happening fast. We could have a baby any time now.”

Margaret checked and said, “Oh yes we’re close. Izzy put your hand in there. Feel around. You feel that in there? That’s the top of the baby’s head.”

Then a gush of water came out and Isabella pulled out her hand and said, “I think I did that.”

Margaret insisted, “No child, the baby did that. That is the baby telling us its coming.”

Virginia screamed, “Oh God I want to push!”

Margaret barked, “Hold it, breathe, take deep breaths. That one was four. If the next contraction is at the three minute mark you can start pushing.”

Margaret looked at Isabella and said, “Wash your hands and get the washcloth. When the head comes out you wipe the baby’s mouth clean.”

Then Virginia started screaming again and bellowed, “Push you can do it push. Okay relax and breathe. Then get ready and when you feel it push.”

Virginia started screaming again, and Isabella stood ready with the washcloth as Margaret bellowed, “Push! I can see the head. The baby is coming.”

Then the baby’s head popped out and Margaret blurted, “Hold it right there. Relax and breathe get ready. Then when you feel it we just need one more big push.”

Isabella wiped the gooey slime from the baby’s mouth, and her mother was screaming again and Margaret bellowing, “Push!”

The baby slid out on to the towel, and Margaret unwound the umbilical cord from around the baby’s leg. Then she picked up the baby by its feet, so it was hanging upside down. Then she slapped the baby on the butt. The baby sucked in a deep breath and started crying.

Margaret smiled, “Dreams do come true Izzy. It’s a boy. Get me the scissors.”

Virginia questioned, “How’s my son Margaret.”

Margaret replied, “Ten toes, ten fingers, and crying, looks good to me.”

Isabella got the scissors and Margaret cut the umbilical cord and explained, “I cut it a little long so it’s easier to tie the knot. You want to get the knot as close to the baby as possible. Then I just cut off the extra. Now pay attention Izzy.”

Then Margaret pushed around on Virginia’s midsection and explained, “We’re trying to make sure the other part of the cord gets broke lose.”

Then Margaret pulled on the umbilical cord and pulled out the placenta and instructed, “Look close. This is important. You have to get all the stuff connecting the baby to the mommy out, or it could kill her. You understand? This is an important part of delivering a baby. Now let’s wash up the baby. Your mom wants to feed him.”

Isabella came out and announced, “Mom said any one that wants to see the baby can.”

Ray and William came in to see the baby and Margaret remarked, “She’s all yours now.”

Then she walked out to the kitchen. Looking at Isabella she disclosed, “I’m hungry how about you Izzy. You want some fried potatoes? That is if Jim remembered to bring them.”

Jim replied, “There out front I’ll get them.”

Margaret looked the stove over and muttered, “We got some lard, and it looks like we got some bacon grease too. You want me to make some gravy to go with the potatoes Izzy?”

Isabella was reading Margaret’s thoughts. She was thinking about where she would sleep and what to cook for dinner. Isabella couldn’t hold back and asked, “You going to stay here Margaret?”

Margaret smiled, “Just a few days until you mother is getting around good.”

Isabella offered, “Mom can go back to her room and you can sleep in my room.”

Margaret stopped and looked at Isabella, “You relay can talk child. That was a mouth full. That’s the most words you said all day.”

Isabella thought this was the time and forced a smile. Margaret admitted, “That’s a nice looking smile. Jim tells me he taught you to smile.”

Isabella replied, “I had too. He won’t leave the milk if I don’t smile.”

The baby was born on the fifteenth of September 1876
 
About the chapter I just wrote.

Children in the 1800 only had a 50/50 chance at living to the age of 5.

In my story William is now 7 and Isabella 6. They beat the odds on that one, but the new born boy is just starting. Estimates range from 20% to 30% of children dying before their first birthday. In this time period.

Women had several children, and would face the risk of maternal mortality more than once. It is not a simple calculation, as it needs to take account of the risk of surviving the last birth and the chance of another pregnancy as well as the risk of dying in childbirth. The overall lifetime risk for a married woman was about 5.6 percent, or one in 18 married women dying (because not every woman married, the risk of any woman dying in childbirth will be a bit lower).

Women routinely came down with puerperal fever, an infection of the uterus that could lead to sepsis and death. Childbirth hygiene was often poor, leading to dangerous complications. Midwives often didn't wash their hands before attending births, transmitting infections like puerperal fever. This highlights a major disconnect between medical knowledge and the practical application of cleanliness in childbirth.

This is why I had them boil the water, and washing their hands so much.

At 5 percent per pregnancy at the 6th child a woman would be up to a 30 percent risk of dying in childbirth. Most died as a result of complications such as fetal distress, maternal exhaustion, dehydration, infection, hemorrhage, or convulsions. Another thing that killed women after childbirth was a stillborn child that had poisoned her body.

Women as a whole were sheltered and their bodies hidden under plenty of clothing. It was unseemly for any man to take part in the intimate process of childbirth, and midwives did not want to give up their power or expertise in the area. Midwives had experience on their side, but physicians had the authority that comes with the title. Therefore, most of the writings and advice from the period come from prominent physicians, and a lot of their advice was guesswork.

Complications were more common in first births, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), eclampsia (seizures due to preeclampsia), and placental abruption (premature separation of the placenta from the uterus) So the rate of preeclampsia was nearly twice as high in the index (first) pregnancy (12.6%) compared to the rate of incident preeclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy among women who did not have it in their first pregnancy (6.7%)

Just to let you know it was not all Little House on the Prairie life back then.

Joe
 
Margaret stayed with them the next four days. Then it was the weekend and Ray was off on Sunday. Monday was the day William and Isabella started school. Isabella rode behind William as he went on about how well he handled Misty. At school William slipped down and helped Isabella off. The kids started gathering around, and William announced, “This is my sister Izzy. She’s kind of quiet and don’t talk much.”

William hitched Misty on the hitching-post. Then he pumped some water in the bucket and added it to the trough.

Girls were starting to gather around Isabella, and their thoughts raced through her mind, I wonder if she can talk? I hope she’s nice. Maybe I can help her with the alphabet.

A girl with brown hair and green eyes about eight said, “Hi I’m Cindy.”

Then the girl about her same age with red hair and freckles said, “I’m Mary.

The last girl the biggest one maybe about ten said, “I’m Margaret and I can help you with your reading if you need it.”

Mrs. Simes came out and pulled the rope ringing the bell. Cindy bubbled, “You can sit by me.”

Isabella replied, “I promised my brother I would sit by him.”

Isabella saw her emotions and expression change and her brain went to work, Sad, sorrow, unhappy, disappointment, loss of interest.

Cindy whined, “Oh.”

Isabella forced a fake smile and replied, “I’ll talk to him about it. Okay?”

Cindy perked up, “Alright.”

William walked up and insisted, “Come on Izzy. We have to go in now.”

Every one took a seat, and some were still talking. William and Isabella sat on the left side of the in the third row back. Isabella could see Cindy sitting on the other side of the class in the second row.

Mrs. Simes went to the front of the class room and announced, “Okay, school is starting now. It looks like we have another student today. Would you stand and tell us your name. Isabella’s head was spinning from all the thoughts that were bouncing around the room. She was trying to block them out. She was sitting in a daze when William pushed her as he thought, Tell them you name Izzy.

Izzy focused on William and said, “Izzy.”

William blurted, “This is my sister Izzy. She doesn’t talk much.”

Mrs. Simes asked, “Do you know you’re A,B,C’s Izzy?”

Isabella nodded her head and Mrs. Simes went on, “Good then we can start you on a McGuffey's Reader.”

Then Mrs. Simes looked at Cindy and she stood at the blackboard and announced, “I want you to practice G and H on you slate today.”

Then Mrs. Simes went around to each child and talked to them.

William went right to work copping the first math problem from the board to his slate. It was a three columns three digits addition problem. Then he worked the problem and raised his hand. Mrs. Simes came and looked at the problem and informed, “That’s right Will. Go ahead and do the next one.”

All the kids had started working and their thoughts were bouncing around in Isabella’s head. She knew she had to focus on one thing so the rest would drop to the back of her thoughts. Then the teacher worked her way around to Isabella.

page one.jpgMrs. Simes opened the McGuffey's Reader and said, “William told me you could already read last year. Can you read this?”

William had bragged that his sister could read last year, so all the kids were looking at Isabella. She nodded her head and Mrs. Simes said, “Then I want you to practice writing the words from this page on you slate. I’ll give you a spelling test on them at the end of the week. You have to leave the book here in the school, so you should copy part of it each day to take home.”

Isabella forced a smiled and nodded her head. Then Mrs. Simes went back to the front of the class.

The days went on and older kids came back to School. Isabella was sitting on the steps of the School when this mean boy Billy about twelve started teasing her, “Izzy can’t talk, Izzy can’t talk, Izzy can’t talk.”

This enticed some others to join in, “Izzy can’t talk Izzy can’t talk, Izzy can’t talk.”

Isabella just sat on the steps stone faced looking at Billy as more kids gathered around. All their thoughts were flooding Isabella. She picked up one thought from a girl a little older than her, Someone should push him down. Then Billy started to move closer to chant louder. He stumbled and fell on his face. It was just as if someone had pushed him down. It went quite as some of the kids gasped.

Then Mrs. Simes came to the door asking, “What’s going on our here?”

Another boy informed, “He was teasing Izzy and fell down.”

Mrs. Simes looked at Billy sitting on his butt with tears in his eyes and blood dripping from his nose. She went to him and took his arm pulling him up as she said, “Come on Billy let’s get you cleaned up.”

William commented as Mrs. Simes walked Billy inside, “You do bad things and bad thins happen.”
 
My grandfather's 6 month old baby sister died, here is her death announcement from the local paper:
Jefferson County, Missouri, February 18th 1885
Dr. Brewster's little girl Angeline died last Sunday. She was weak-minded and though doubtless possessing a warm corner in the affections of her parents, the visitation of the Death Angel should be considered a merciful one.
 
Nature_Lover said:
My grandfather's 6 month old baby sister died, here is her death announcement from the local paper:
Jefferson County, Missouri, February 18th 1885
Dr. Brewster's little girl Angeline died last Sunday. She was weak-minded and though doubtless possessing a warm corner in the affections of her parents, the visitation of the Death Angel should be considered a merciful one.
Click to expand...


I’m so sorry. I knsad.jpgow we are disconnected from our past now days, but this is real life. What I write is just a story, but you just made it come to life for me. I'm sad now because our connection.

I just got back from my wife’s doctor appointment. I’m writing now and will try to get something out tonight.

Joe
 
Oh gosh! At first I found it amusing that the writer thought that she could tell that a 6 month old was "weak-minded," and that she got away with printing it in the papers, about the local Doctor/Compounding Pharmacist/Coroner in the 1880s.
It wasn't very kind. My guess is that they didn't like each other, or they went to different Churches?
Now every time I read it, I feel some kind of way, but not really sad or amused.
I certainly didn't share it to make anyone sad.
You story is more alive to me, than that article. Thank you for sharing your talent!

Liz
 
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