AN INTERVIEW WITH MY MOM: D.O.B 1924 – One of Twelve

The great Influenza pandemic of 1918, ending in 1923, killed more people in 1918 than the Black Death of the Middle Ages killed in a century, and more people in 24 weeks than AIDS killed in 24 years. It began here, at the height of World War I.  There was no vaccine nor medication for it. My mother did not experience the pandemic, but her mom, my grandmother, Mary Ella, would have.

"For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you" (Psalm 91:3-7).

1929 was the year of the 'Great Depression' in America. My mother was five years old. "You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked" (Psalm 91:8).

Q: What prayer stands out while a child?
A: My first prayer was "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray to the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray to the Lord my soul to take..." Then I'd pray for my family and others.

"For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent" (Psalm 91:9,10).

Q: What other prayer did you pray?
A: Grace was offered before every meal, it was learned from church: "Lord, make us truly thankful for these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive for the nourishment of our bodies, for Christ's sake. Amen." It's a way of expressing thanksgiving for our food, acknowledging God as provider.

Q: What was your most outstanding memory of attending church?
A: I remember attending John Wesley UMC, and later Leadenhall Baptist Church, I walked five minutes to the neighborhood church with Sister Doris, even during the snow of Winter [there was no family car, given 11 other siblings to care for, and having very modest income]. I enjoyed both churches, especially the Sunday School lessons and the songs [Basement was used for the kids, while the adults were in the sanctuary].  Churches were a part of the community, as was most all else, corner stores, bowling alleys, tailors. Mama didn't go regularly as she was almost always pregnant. Everybody except the youngest, Patricia, was born at home.

Q:What do you remember most about your father?
A: Daddy walked to work every day and worked every day except Sunday. He was a quiet man, probably because he was tired. "He loved us, and we loved him." Daddy worked a lot on the docks of South Baltimore. He also baked and sold pies, most often sweet potato, occasionally apple. He sold them at work.

"For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11,12

Q: What and where did you play?
A: All play was in the alley behind the homes, especially stickball. We jumped rope. We played jacks, tag, and hopscotch. We played 'Hide and seek'. We could be noisy but not too much, and not on Sunday. There was no television. There were no cell phones. There were no personal computers. We read books. We did chores. Clothes pins held hand washed clothes on a clothesline outside in the backyard. God brought the breeze.

Q: What memories do you still hold dear?
A: Sister Doris was closest to my age, and I related to her the most- she was very caring and serious. Everybody walked to where they needed to go. School was nearby, also. Until high school, I walked to school. The bus took me to Douglass Senior High School. I walked all my life.
 
Q: Which were your most favorite holidays?
A: Thanksgiving Day was a special holiday with a full plate, including turkey. Mostly, it was just a family affair. A Christmas tree was always present for Christmas, but not so many gifts or toys. We sang songs. Stories were read to us. As we became older we'd read to the younger ones. This was handed down, just like some of our clothes. With a bit of sewing and patchwork old clothes stretched to renewed use.

Across these fragments of recall, there arise the sweet and simple touches of grace, taught across tradition, and family, and community and church: God's effect reaches, and the understanding of Him near prompts comfort across modern chaos. Jesus abides there, with the invitation that we all abide now, affording us a remnant to hold onto, and be held by, as memory waxes and wanes, as friends and family go. Precious Holy Spirit of God, bind within us Your Word for the living out of these days. Peace received, be peace shared... the peace of God. "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11

PRAYER: I pray, In all things said and done, may God be glorified, upon the floor of gratefulness. Praise exceeding this ceiling of our making, touch pleasantly the hearing within heaven. So may we all stand now, and yet stand mightily, for the fitting of grace upon us! Thank You, Jesus. Amen. "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation." Psalm 91:14-16
By Dea. McNeal Brockington