Meanwhile, at home, Mama realized that she didn't hear Charlotte talking to the dog and cat anymore. She went to the backdoor; "Charlotte, what are you doing?" There was no answer so she went outside and called a few more times, "Char--lotte! Maybe she went to the toilet," Mama said to herself. She walked to the toilet and found the latch unfastened. "Charlotte, are you in here?" When Charlotte didn't answer, Mama opened the door, only to find it empty.
"Oh no!" she gasped, "not the well!" It was every mother's biggest fear that one of her children would fall into the dug well. Mama ran quickly back to the yard. Her heart beat rapidly and she stumbled as she hurried down the hillside path to the well. The lid was still over the top of the well! She slumped to the ground in relief and sat for a moment to catch her breath.
"She must have gone to Dane's house. Why didn't I think of that in the first place!" she thought.
As Charlotte stepped up to the side of Dane's crib to wake him up, Mama came to the door. "I'm sorry she's bothered you Leola. Now, little lady," she said to Charlotte, "let's go home."
Mama gripped Charlotte's hand firmly and with a tug they started home. Before they reached the gate, Mama broke off a keen switch from one of Grandma's peach trees. She gave Charlotte's legs a little swat with the switch.
Surprised, Charlotte jumped up and down and squealed as the switch stung her legs. All the way home Mama explained, "I was worried to death about you! I don't like to switch your legs but you have to learn not to disobey me."
At bedtime, Charlotte climbed up on Mama's lap and put her arms around Mama's neck. She hugged Charlotte close and gently rubbed the little legs.
(Mama would have been 97 years old today. See post for 4-11-09)
That's a special story. All mothers can relate to the fear your mother had - not only worried about where you were, but then the fear of the well, too.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that today would have been your mom's birthday. My mother's was April 17. She would be 101 this week. My post on Sunday will be a tribute to her.
Thanks for sharing this story!
I've had the same fear your mother had. Awful.
ReplyDeleteYour momma was a good one.
I am loving reading this. History is so important. I love it when my elders tell of their lives and how they grew up. Can I ask how old you are? My mother would have been 68 this year.
Folky Dots, I was 70 on the 5th of April. It's not too bad, but when I think of how fast time flies, ten years will be gone and 80 may not be so fun. I'm in good health, take no medications and don't have enough time in the day to do all I'd like. These stories are taken from a short book I wrote for my grandchildren so they'd know how it was "back then".
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet story. I can certainly understand how your Mama felt!
ReplyDeleteI am so blessed to still have my Mom here. She will be 88 this August.