Fitness and foolish stubborness combined for an awakening in a predawn beach walk run
Warmth in the Hearth
Chapter 35
Tom and Helen Parker come to Franklin, memories at Christmas are special and so is a young girl’s horse 1986
Joseph and Mary walked through an orchard green
There were cherries and berries,
as thick as might be seen
There were cherries and berries,
as thick as might be seen --
- Martha Sobaje– Cherry Tree Carol Emmy Lou Harris Light of the Stable
Warmth in the Hearth
“Lizzie such a great voice, Christmas Eve back in the old church. It does take me back. When Tom and I were first married we lived here. Carol many of these are the same dishes, I know that roaster was old when we lived here. Lawrence was born while we were here.”
“Lawrence is your brother, Carol?”
“and young Tom’s father.”
“Where did they go?”
“Tom set up one of those little computers in his room and my boys have been in there the entire time, he has been here. Now, Ruth’s kids are in there too.”
“I thought they would be mooning over the tree and presents.”
“Tom’s been a novelty and now they want a computer. Tom says I should get a Macintosh even little kids can do stuff with it and it has an apple on it perfect for Parker Produce and Fruit. “
“The roaster is large and will hold a lot of stew. I rarely have so many here. Although it is not like the first two years when I was eating alone. Even now the two boys make it seem like a big family meal, often some of Ruth’s family and Lizzie are here. Maybe Lizzie’s family will grow now they are moved and settled over at Hillbilly Paradise. I don’t mean to make fun.”
“Oh not at’all, Junior and I are proud Hillbillies. Junior likes it so much over there. I am so glad you bought it Carol.”
“You bought another farm?”
“No Mom, it is only 25 acres mostly good for hunting and a little fishing. It is a few miles from here further down on the creek. I thought Lizzie and her husband would like to live there. I didn’t want to lose Lizzie and Junior was missing Tennessee. I paid 14,000 and it came with a cabin. Junior has been working on making it a home.”
“He is happier than a cat at milking time. I wouldn’t have left Carol; Junior would have just had to learn to live in Franklin. They are nice folks, but out in the country with huntin and fishin well Junior says that is the real living.”
“Junior drives a truck for us in his spare time when he is not hunting, fishing, or working on the cabin. Old man Coon didn’t have power back there, but it had a good well. Making a home is almost like starting from scratch.”
“Coon?”
“He lived as a hermit for over thirty years, they called him Coon Parker. Pastor Harris asked me to play and sing at his graveside service. I guess he would have been a very distant relative. I saw his place and thought it would fit Lizzie and Junior. Those biscuits should be done in three minutes I will start corralling everyone. Let’s set the kids up in here and everyone else in the dining room. Lizzie you watch the biscuits. “
“You have Carol and then a son, Mrs. Parker?”
“Lawrence is our son he’s young Tom’s father and he has a daughter Katie.”
“You all could’ve come; Carol seems to keep finding rooms.”
“Lawrence went to a beach resort. Katie and a friend went along. Lawrence doesn’t remember the farm and his wife has never been here. I think Katie has come out once with her grandfather. This is not only Tom’s home; it reminds me so much of my home. I grew up on a farm in Kansas. I was the youngest, my folks died not many years after we were married. They did get to see Lawrence, but Mom only held Carol that one Christmas. We lived here with Eldon and Grace. We were newlyweds and it was right after the war. Lawrence was born while we were here. This is worth being a little cold; this is home.”
“How did you meet Mr. Parker?”
“He was a flight instructor in Liberal, and I had gotten a job there as a clerk. He had already flown his quota of bombing missions in Europe and was likely to soon be out when we met. The war was beginning to look like it would end. Everyone was anticipating them invading Japan, and then he might have gone to the Pacific. I lived here while he went to law school. He got a job in Chicago and we moved there.”
“Was Carol born while you were here?”
“No Carol came along soon after we moved to Chicago.”
Lizzie turned the timer off, “These biscuits could stand another minute. Don’t let me yak and forget them. I came when Ruth got married. She said Carol could use a partner like she had been. I lived here and then shared in the profits at the end of the season. Now we have a canning operation and a frozen foods market. Carol is super sharp and as fair a person to work for as anyone I ‘ve ever known. That should be about a minute. Perfect looking.”
“I am glad for Carol. When she came, we had no idea there was any possibility for a business like this. We couldn’t believe she wanted to live like our parents and grandparents did. I am realizing she has made something special here.”
“OK Kids in the kitchen and I will sit in here with you.”
“No, No Uncle Tom – Uncle Tom we want him to sit with us.”
“Tom is your cousin not your uncle and he may not want to eat in here with you.”
“Ah Carol I would like to be in the kitchen with them, they said Della was a cousin, I would have to be an uncle.”
“Well Uncle Tom you don’t even have a cabin. Call me when you are finished.”
“Aunt Lizzie has a cabin. You should go see it, maybe you could build a cabin Uncle Tom.”
“Maybe or I could build one in my game.”
--
“All of you sit down and we’ll start. Ruth would you say a prayer.” “Yes, Lord thank you for this wonderful gift and all those here to share it. A special night to gather and rejoice, thank you.”
“The kids won’t be too long, I’m afraid. We will give them a Christmas Eve gift and then they are going to bed. “
“We can finish supper and have dessert.”
“Biscuits look great, these bowls are nice.”
“They were Grandma Parkers best dishes.”
“Mom saved them for the most important occasions, and almost never used them. She did use them for a reception when we first came home after the war. We were married in Kansas, but it was our homecoming here. Many things I had forgotten come to me while being here. It is good to visit.”
The dining room filled with an explosion of energy from the kitchen “We are full up Mommy.”
“I see I suppose it is time for the Christmas Eve present?” A gleeful chorus of yes was the response.
Carol and Ruth brought each child a small present and they opened it. All the boys got an action figure, and the girls got little Smurf figures. Which they all proudly showed to parents and grandparents.
“Time for bed, the girls are sleeping in the bunks and all three of you boys are in sleeping bags on the floor. If I see any of you, downstairs in the morning before seven o’clock, there will be no presents. Am I understood?”
They all nodded in the most sincerest of agreement.
“You have a clock; we will open presents at 7 and then work into breakfast. Ruth and I will get you ready for bed.”
As quiet returned, Lizzie slipped in the kitchen where she and ‘Uncle’ Tom cleared up the kids dishes.
“Carol said you had been in the army Junior.”
“I was one of the first in the new volunteer army. I was thinking of staying in, when Lizzie drove that Roadrunner to Tennessee. I decided if I could find a job up here, maybe they could run the Army without me.”
“Lizzie had a Roadrunner, a muscle car?”
“No, Mr. Parker actually I had the Roadrunner. I had rebuilt the engine before I met Ruth. We decided it was time to sell it with a third kid on the way. There was a collector in Tennessee who wanted one just like mine. He was willing to pay a good price. Lizzie drove it down for us, and she planned on riding the bus back after a family visit. Junior here purely out of the goodness of his heart gave her a ride in that Ford piece of crap he seems to like. He never went home, Ruth had to give him a job.”
“JB putters around in that Chevy, never know when it will be on its side in the ditch like a dead deer. But Parker’s Produce lucky I came. I am one fine truck driver; I can back a trailer like no one’s business.”
“That is true. He is also good at fish frying, so I guess we are glad the Army got on without him. Mr. Parker was in the Army Air Corps every kid in school remembers his plaque and the model airplane. It was the model airplane that we all marveled at when we were little. It was in the trophy case. We lined up beside it on the way to lunch every day.”
“Army Air Corps I didn’t know there was one.”
“It’s the Air Force now that happened after World War Two. A history teacher here made that plane; he tried to make it just like the B-24s I flew.”
“Did they drop the bomb with one of those?”
“No that was a B-29, the 29s were a fine airplane. They were produced just before the end of the war. The B-24 was earlier along with the B-17s. The old liberators of life were the most common bomber in Europe. Some called them flying coffins, but with a good co-pilot they were effective. I flew 28 missions and then ended up in Liberal Kansas. Worse duty than another raid into Germany.”
“Now Tom, you seemed to find much to do in Kansas. At least, I remember him wanting to do something all the time. The base movies were about all there was to do, this is where he met me.”
“Wasn’t that a lot of missions?”
“If you survived enough missions to get sent back to the States, you were lucky, many didn’t. George McGovern flew 35 missions.”
“I thought he was a peace-nik.”
“McGovern never let them use his war record. I encouraged his people to tell his story. He served in one of the most dangerous duties, but they never said a word about it. Now everyone is hanging on Reagan and he was only an actor. He does make people feel good, I guess he was meant for the role of President.”
“Reagan rebuilt and made us strong.”
“Yes Junior, we have spent a great deal of money, a huge naval increase. They refitted the Iowa and those big old battleships from my war. Not sure how strong it made us. All those marines got killed in Lebanon and we began lobbing shells from the sea. I thought it made us look foolish. Reagan promised three things, he would cut taxes, increase defense spending, and balance the budget. I said at the time he could do any two of the three, but not all three. He did the first two, never submitted a balanced budget. Reagan is not such a bad man to be president, but this whole class of young Reaganites. They are nothing but grifters. I have never seen a group so absent of public service. It is all personal advancement. We have a client whose business was completely getting screwed by greedy contractors with political connections to the administration, but I should stop spoiling the wonderful festive spirit of joy and peace we are having.”
“Tom another time, let’s enjoy this time. Doesn’t it bring back many memories. Your mother treated me well and we worked together. It was a special time. We didn’t really appreciate it then. Now enjoy Christmas on the farm. We can put that Walton Christmas to shame.”
Young Tom came back and took his originally intended place added more stew to his bowl and grabbed another biscuit. “was the food always this good here?”
“The food has always been good. Simple, plain, and good was Grace’s advice to me as the young bride.”
Carol and Ruth returned, then with Lizzie they brought out puddings with a meringue top. “Oh, they look lovely.”
“Grandma, I’m hoping they are good not pretty. I still got stew to finish, and maybe another biscuit.”
Carol opened the china cupboard and retrieved a wrapped package obviously a bottle. “Here Dad probably a good time to open this.”
Tom unwrapped a bottle of bourbon, “Thank you it still seems a little wrong to open bourbon in this house.”
“We have all those Kentucky and Tennessee connections now. Junior knew a small distiller and I asked him to bring it back. We are delivering to a gift shop down by the Smokey’s now. Need to find something profitable to haul on the return. I traded for a bunch of country themed junk for our market. We’ll see if we can make this a worthwhile venture. I have a sparkling wine for those who would like one.”
“If Grandfather is opening that bottle, I 'll try a little of it.”
“No, I’ll keep it sealed. I think I can abide by Eldon’s way until we get home.”
“Yep, Mr. Parker held a firm temperance policy, no use for alcohol. I see the good in that more than I used to.”
“JB it seems your life is a good one. A wonderful family you are raising. Everything I ask about, it seems the answer is JB built it, or fixed it, or had some part of it. It has always been good to have the Donaldson family here. I’ve seen the evidence of the evils of alcohol, but my folks were extreme on it. Tommie, I believe we can consider a sparkling wine a fruit punch. You will have to put the bourbon tasting on hold. Now, I’ll concentrate on this great looking desert. “
“Yeah I done a lot of drinkin when I first got home. I thought it made me feel good, my life is much better now.”
“JB needed the alcohol to kill the bad things in the food he was cooking. My, his kitchen skills were a sight to see. He wouldn’t have lived another two years without me.”
“Prohibition was a failure and so is this war on drugs. I thought cannabis would be legalized but that seems even less likely now. At least folks like the Hayes family thought eliminating alcohol would make family lives better, they weren’t out skinning folk’s pocketbooks. What is going on with this Moral Majority bunch. Have all you churchgoers gone crazy? “
“Mr. Parker, I think they are just the noisy ones. They love being on television and keep bringing on more anger. No TV at our loving little community churches. Didn’t you enjoy being there tonight, no one asked for money.”
“I did and it was warm and loving. These noisy Christians as you say, seem very hateful. I’ve seen awful situations. They think they should rule on abortion with iron fists and then they are against birth control. It seems nuts.”
“It is why so many of them homeschool, they are afraid their kids will learn how nuts they are.”
“Public schools have always been the backbone of American society I don’t know why they are trying to ruin it. God came into the schools because people brought God with them. The God teaching was for Sunday School. You thanked God if you had enough to eat back in the 30’s.”
“Mr. Parker, private schools ain’t about God, they’re about Negros, and that is not the word they would use back home.”
“Lizzie it’s just a name like calling you all Yankees. Grandpa used to say Ni - Negroes were just like anyone else, if using that word keeps you happy. It weren’t racist it was just a word.”
“No, Junior, I got to know Jerome Robinson in Vietnam. He saved my life and I saved his. We were together most of my time there and we talked. He was from Los Angeles and we talked about the riots. We are all white people here, rarely see anyone else. I listened to Jerome and I began to understand. No Junior it is never alright not for us, those on the outside, it’s always racist. It’s a hurtful word, we should never use it. We just go about being ourself, but a black man he is always black in this country. I began to see it too, how different it was for black GIs, even in Vietnam. “
“The Black units were all segregated in World War Two. There were many jokes about Black airmen, they used the neegro words to diminish their ability. I’ve met a couple of those guys; they flew the same planes and the same missions.”
“Jerome’s father had been in World War Two they were segregated and very mistreated. It was so dangerous the way they were loading ammo with black laborers, they refused. His Dad ended up in the stockade, but they improved things. I never understood all the fuss over names, but it is plain to see if you pay attention. Being white in our white world lets us ignore it. I always say Black, African American is a little too long. Jerome was in the hospital the last I saw him. They were hoping to save his leg. I got discharged early. I don’t know where he is.”
“Yes JB, men you worked with every day and were close to, but then got different assignments. Never know what became of them, not even sure they survived. I run into to people from time to time who were in the same places in Europe sometimes hear an update. Truman integrated the armed forces, after I was out. I’m sure it rankled some of the old-school boys. Chicago survived our African American mayor, lawyers like lots of words JB. Unfortunately, he didn’t survive us. Washington did well no more corrupt than the old machine and fortunate not to have another huge snowstorm. Some say Daley’s son will be the next mayor, too bad Washington didn’t get two terms. What do Negros have to do with God in schools, Lizzie?”
“They don’t want private schools for Christian values, they want white schools with white values. You don’t have to listen long or close to learn that. They accept lower standards, and they are teaching Bible instead of science. The more their schools withdraw from modern times the more rigid they are on issues. They believe women shouldn’t speak in their churches and they don’t believe women should have careers. They see the world changing and they are afraid of it. I see it with Carol and the business. Every once in a while, you can tell someone doesn’t approve of her running Parker Produce. She handles them all courteous, but she very firmly reminds them she is boss. They soon learn her mind and pencil are sharper than theirs. You should be real proud of her.”
“We are. Carol seems to have understood what’s important in life better than Helen and I did.”
“Yes, I am proud of my daughter, her brother and his family should have come too. All the family together. It would have been a nice thing first time in a long time. Tom and I are glad to relive some of the memories.”
“Grandma, I like that they are not here. You know, Katie and Angie are having the best time in that Turkey and Cakes place. Preening around like pampered peacocks Mom might not survive here no restaurants, taxis, theaters, and you have horses.”
“The horses aren’t entirely my idea; we all have Ruth to thank for that.”
“Aren’t you lucky I did, you know those horse rides are hugely popular.”
“Yes, now we have three teams of those goliaths.”
“Now Tommy, it is a Club Med at Turks and Caicos, which is near the Bahamas. Katie doesn’t preen more than any other teenage girl. Carol do you and Ruth’s family always celebrate Christmas together?”
“We have made coming back after Christmas Eve a habit, but usually the kids aren’t together on Christmas Day. They have a gathering with her family and JB’s sister. We told the kids it was because we had special guests this Christmas, but there’s another reason. A special gift for Della in the morning. I’ll just say it is likely to be found in the barn. When you’re done move into the living room, too bad it so cold it seems like we should all be on the porch.”
“JB and Junior checked out the fireplace for Carol when she said you would be here at Christmas. We put a fire in it. My Junior has his skills. You folks go enjoy it while I help Carol and Ruth.”
“I’ll help carry dishes. Is there another one of those puddings? Those are exceptional, dang that topping is good all stiff and fluffy. Are your making all these things?”
“Meringue puddings are better than bourbon don’t you agree Tommy?”
“Grandpa decided against bourbon so for tonight yes.”
“Uncle Tommy can finish another pudding then start drying dishes.”
--
“I have the fireplace going. Are the kids coming down?”
“Ruth has them in check for the moment. “
“I hope they didn’t keep your folks up too late last night.”
“JB after yu’all went home we stayed up and chatted for a long time. The kids were run down by that time. My folks slept in peace. The kids didn’t start moving until about 6:30.”
“Ruth is going to give Della the horse after all the presents are given; we expect she will be with her horse much of the day. A horse for Della will beat out your computers, Tom.”
“What’s the name of the horse?”
“Ruth is going to let Della name him, Ruth says he is young and may as well have Della’s choice.”
-
“Della took gifts to everyone. Tom was helping the boys play with their Turbo Hoppers, Brenda was playing with her Pound Puppies, but Della knew she hadn’t had a big gift. Usually the special one at Christmas. Mr. and Mrs. Parker were having coffee watching the children in the living room when Lizzie and Junior came.
Lizzie took Della and said “I think you should come out with me. I saw reindeer tracks and sleigh runners out here.”
Della started to say, “I don’t” But Lizzie shooshed her, “just come and look.”
Lizzie and Della followed by Junior, JB, Ruth and Carol headed to the barn.
“I think the tracks headed into the barn” Lizzie guided Della right to a stall holding a small sorrel horse. On the stall were cutout letters arranged to say Merry Christmas Della. Ruth stepped beside Della and she gave her a tight hug.
“This is my horse?”
“Yes Della, he’s a young horse, but he will not be a tall horse. I thought he would be perfect for my little girl.”
“He’s beautiful. What’s his name?”
“You can name him; he’ll get used to a name you give him.”
“He’s not all sad like Eeyore, I think he’s more like Tigger. I want to call him Tigger.”
“Let’s go introduce Tigger to you and our exercise building.”
Della approached her new horse as a girl who had grown up around horses. A young girl trained by a mother with a special gift with them. Della was soon rubbing his nose. He seemed to be bonding with her. Ruth clipped a lead on Tigger and they began to go over to the old machine shed.
Lizzie asked, “What about Santa Claus now?”
“Tigger is the perfect gift there must be a Santa Claus.”
“Ruth, Lizzie and I are going to get dinner going. We will let you know when it’s done.”
“Thank you, Carol we may be out here for a while.”
Ruth and Della ate late in the afternoon. Della was still beaming. Early in the evening everyone went home except Jimmie Donaldson who somehow had convinced Carol and Ruth it was important for him to spend another night. Carol, her parents, and nephew Tom had an evening discussing the future. It seemed promising for all of them.
Photo by EAH2009
