The Jump

Of course I remember when Buddy jumped off the roof. This is what I mean when I say that children were more foolish then. Of course when I go out and see third graders daring each other to walk the top railing of the railroad bridge I take it all back.

What I remember most was Buddy being laid up for months and Helen and I having to tend to him. With Buddy and I being near of the same age and two peas in a pod it wasn't so bad but Helen couldn't stand it and it seemed every afternoon that it was her turn to watch over him ended with both of them in tears. One time I remember in particular was she decided she would practice her flute in there for him and make the best use of her time that way. Of course Buddy tired of that after about five minutes of listening to scales and started whining and before you know it here was Helen slamming the door and Buddy screaming and Mother coming to me with her hair bedraggled and asking if please I wouldn't mind watching Bud even though it was Helen's turn.

If you could say there were groupings in the family, I'd say it was Helen on her own, me and Buddy, and your Grandpa Baby kind of with everyone, being the baby and all. Sometimes Helen and I'd gang up on the boys but they were so much younger than her, especially Baby, that it hardly seemed fair and it was more the olders against the youngers, like when we wanted to go to the pictures and they wanted to swim in the creek or some such.

I guess it would be different, having only one sister, like you do. As though you have less of a range of choices, or something. Well, say hello to that sister of yours and be sure to ask if she's coming for Thanksgiving.

Love,

Aunt Jessie

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Progress of Time