POTD Nineteen

One of my distinct December memories from my childhood was my sweet Momma being sad and crying a few days before Christmas. She would tell me that she missed her mother who’d died just before Christmas many years ago. But children don’t seem to comprehend that their parents once were children and what a blow this had to be for my own mother.

Elsie Marie & baby Elsie Louise summer 1913

Sadly, my granddad’s world came crashing down around his ears when his sweetheart wife, Elsie Marie Ernestine Pump, died and left him with 3 children; my mom, Elsie, 14, Jack, 8 and baby Fred, only 3 months old. From family photos and what I remember my mom telling me my mom was sent to a Catholic Boarding School (Presentation Convent graduating in May 1930) and Jack and Fred went to the IOOF Orphans' Home Gilroy CA (I have a photo dated May 1928 taken there) and eventually ended up with Mrs. Tennant in foster care (where I’ve found them listed on a census as boarders).

Bill and El circa 1910

After graduation young Elsie, just 17, came home and raised her brothers.

Undated photo of Elsie Marie Ernestine Pump probably 1910

That is all I know about this Gra’ma I never met. But as I get older I feel more and more longing to know her and the woman that she was. I can’t help but think of the Primary hymn (again, with the Primary songs! LOL) The Hearts of the Children… another one that speaks to my heart.

The hearts of the children turn to their fathers.
Malachi prophesied the hearts shall turn.
Elijah fulfilled the prophecy.
And fam’lies can be sealed for eternity.

An interesting aside: I don’t remember specific lessons or teachers but I have hundreds of primary song that fill my mind. I suppose that tells plainly why they effect me.