Then Life Happens...

Saturday I was nearing the end of my heritage album project. As I was wrapping it up I thought, "Daddy died that summer... why don't I have any photos?" A quick call to my sister Ann... the tears started to flow when I told her why I was calling. Wouldn't you think that after nearly 42 years... well, maybe not!**

Daddy's funeral, July 18, 1970 was the day I met my half-sister Sarah Jane, 47; and half-brother, Richard, 44. (Keep in mind I was only 17.) I always knew that Daddy had other older-grown-up-children and it was nice to finally meet them. I never saw or communicated with Richard after that day (he was a Catholic Monk) but I did keep in touch with Sarah Jane.

SUE, SARAH JANE, ANN, JOANIE, RICHARD- THE CARAWAY CHILDREN

Now here is an epiphany... we'd lived for years in our little house with the falling-off-asphalt-siding. It embarrassed mom so badly but we never had the money to do anything about it.  It occurred to me, as I looked at these photos, that perhaps Mom was finally able to hire a local tradesman to re-side and spiff up the house because she'd  received a survivor's annuity or life insurance from daddy. How could I have never thought of that before?

This is Ann and baby-Andy behind Mom's house (always the worst side... which I invariable took photos of) before it was painted. (I couldn't figure out whose orange house this was)

When I came back home in September 1970 from Virginia for a short visit this is what I found! What a beautiful and happy exterior for Elsie's little house!

** So what of *Then Life Happens...*?
That summer of 1970 marks the beginning of some very difficult years for me. I suppose that is part of what brought on the tears. After spending all of those happy hours reminiscing my childhood I felt overwhelmed with what I know, now, would occur in the next 11 years.
I'm grateful to be at this end of my live with all of that Life-Happening behind me.  I'm grateful to know that I've been strengthened and comforted by my loving Savior.