When our children were very small, I took them to my parent’s home each Thursday and Sunday for the day. One December day in 1954, as I was driving with our five children to dad and mom's farm home, Christmas was in the air and Wayne Jr, April and Jimmy were talking about the gifts they wanted to give to others for Christmas. I was extremely proud that they were talking about giving gifts instead of what they hoped to get. Susan was less then two and a half years old and very "Dutchy". Since she was so small and very hard to understand, the others talked over her, not giving her a chance to express her feelings. Danny was too young to join in at that time.
After the kids had expressed what they would like to give to others for Christmas, they began revealing what they wanted to give to me. I listened with pride. All of a sudden, Susan excitedly raised her voice and announced "I'm donna' dit' mama a bull" The kids all broke out into giggles. I managed to muffle my laughter. For several moments, I wondered what she meant, knowing she did not mean a bull as in cattle. Then, I realized she meant she wanted to give me a bowl. I hushed the siblings, who were still snickering, and reminded them that Susan was being very sweet. I really did need bowls anyway.
Wayne Jr holding Danny, April, Susan and Jimmy
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