Under The Broom Tree: A Memoir With Southern Roots

PROLOGUE

The March weather outside the hospital room where Annie Grace Leonard lay as a terminal patient was sunny, with a chill in the air; —a welcome departure from the rain of the past few days. Her surviving children had gathered from all over the country to be with her during her final days.

The soft voices of the Hospice volunteers spoke quietly, explaining the process of dying to them.

She seems to be dreaming. Is she conscious? asked her oldest son, David.

Yes, she is drifting in and out of consciousness, but she can hear if you would like to speak to her, said the volunteer.

No, I’ll just sit by her bed, he replied.

My children are here, thought Annie Grace. They are with me and they are safe, able to take care of theirselves and each other. I can rest now. But, that wasn’t always true; her memory turns backward to Emanuel County, Georgia and that January day in 1925 . . .

Childhood and Youth

Chapter 1

The cold, early morning sunlight penetrated the muslin curtains of the lean-to room that four-year-old Annie Grace Chandler shared with her brother, two-year -old Seth Lucas, whom she had always called Buddy. The small sharecropper’s shack was cold inside, having only one fireplace for heat. The outside temperature had dipped below freezing just before dawn.

Annie Grace was confused and worried; something bad was

wrong with Mama. Yesterday Mama had showed her and Buddy their new baby sister, Ella. But Ella was not well; she couldn’t breathe, and now she lay very still in one of the dresser drawers that Granny Willow had made into a baby bed and placed on top of Mama’s treadle sewing machine in the front room. During the night Annie Grace had heard Mama crying and Daddy had been talking to her in a low voice. She’d get dressed and go see her, Annie Grace decided. Maybe I can comb her hair and give her a kiss; that’ll make her feel better.

She felt happier as she pulled on her favorite pinafore. Mama had made it for her last fall from the flour sacks she had saved for several months. When Mama had asked her which flour sack she liked best—the red floweredy or the yellow and green checked—Annie Grace had chosen the red because she thought it was a happy color, kind of like the red four o’clock flowers that Mama had planted in the backyard by the well. While she liked the pinafore, she didn’t like the scratchy, unbleached muslin slip and bloomers, but she had to wear them so she dressed quickly, careful not to wake Buddy.

Annie Grace was short for her age, with brown eyes and a small, upturned nose. Her wide mouth and high cheekbones revealed the Cherokee features inherited from Granny Willow, her maternal grandmother. Her fine, brown hair fell loosely on her shoulders as she hurried to get dressed.

Suddenly Granny Willow appeared in the doorway, a scared look on her face.

Hurry and git dressed, Annie Grace. You need to run to the back field and git yore Pa. Yore Ma’s took a turn for the worse, and she needs him now!

What’s wrong with Mama? Is she gonna be alright? Annie Grace cried, her heart pounding wildly. Granny Willow was scaring her, she never acted excited; now she looked ready to cry.

Just hurry, Child. Run as fast as you can! Granny Willow repeated.

Willow McKenzie Corbett was scared nigh to death for her daughter, Evangeline. The anxious look on her gaunt, chiseled face spoke silently of her worry. Why, she’d feared in her mind that birthin’ this child was too much for her tired heart to bear, and now she fretted that she might very well lose this youngest child of her and Caleb’s. Oh, to lose both daughter and grandbaby would be a heavy cross to carry.

Annie Grace ran to Mama’s bedside, but Mama’s skin was pale and her voice was a whisper when she approached her.

It’s alright, Annie Grace, don’t you worry none, Mama said, her dark eyes hollow as she looked at her oldest child.

Run! Annie Grace, Granny Willow said again.

The field lay fallow, and the earth was covered with frost. Annie Grace ran as fast as her short legs could go. Her bare feet were numb with cold as she stumbled then quickly regained herself. Finally, breathlessly, she called to Daddy when she spotted him repairing the back fence. Aaron Chandler pushed his sense of foreboding to the back of his mind, not wanting his little daughter to see the panic in his eyes.

After she hurriedly gave Daddy Granny Willow’s message, her eyes wide with fear, he stooped, gathered her in his arms, and began to run toward the house.

As they entered the back door, Granny Willow grabbed Daddy’s arm.

Aaron, Evangeline’s real bad. She needs a doctor now! Granny Willow said, her voice quavering as she fought to control her fear.

Buddy entered the kitchen in his night clothes, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Sensing that something wasn’t right, he began to cry.

I want Mama, he said.

Stooping to lift him, Daddy said, We’ll go see Mama.

With Buddy in his arms and holding Annie Grace’s hand, they approached the bed where Mama lay.

Aaron, promise me you’ll be careful who you bring in over my young’uns, Mama said weakly.

I promise, Evangeline, I give you my solemn promise, Daddy said quietly as he bent his tall, lanky frame close to hear her soft voice.

Mama looked at Annie Grace and Buddy. Her hand shook as she stroked their faces lightly.

Annie Grace was scared—was Mama too sick to stay with them? She didn’t want anyone else brought in over them; she wanted Mama.

As Mama’s breathing became more labored Granny Willow began to keen loudly. Annie Grace had heard some of the grown-ups say that Granny Willow had second sight, able to see things unseen and unknown to others. Annie Grace recalled how she had been scared of Granny Willow’s piercing keen shortly before a woman who lived on a nearby farm had died. Oh, but it was a sad and eerie sound. Did Granny Willow see something bad for Mama? No, Annie Grace didn’t like this mournful sound for she knew it was because Mama was real sick. Please Mama, get better. Granny Willow! Stop!

Daddy turned to Granny Willow. Take the young ‘uns to Joe and Mattie’s. Ask them to come as soon as they can. I’ll be needin’ their help.

Why? thought Annie Grace. Why does Daddy need Uncle Joe and Aunt Mattie’s help? She didn’t understand, but she felt a deep, heavy sorrow fill her as she and Buddy left with Granny Willow for Aunt Mattie’s and Uncle Joe’s place.

The wind was cold and raw on Annie Grace’s face as she and Buddy sat next to Granny Willow on the wagon seat. Granny Willow’s face looked set in stone as she urged the mule down the red clay road.

I want my Mama, Buddy wailed loudly.

Granny Willow’s work-worn hand patted his head lightly as she said, Yore Ma’s gone to Glory to live with Jesus, Buddy. She won’t be coming back here no more.

Don’ want her to go to Glory! Mama, Mama, he cried, tears streaming down his small face.

Taking his hand in hers, Annie Grace put it in the pocket of her coat and held it tightly while her eyes, filled with tears, stared straight ahead.

Uncle Joe and Aunt Mattie Cullman’s house was warm and noisy when they arrived. Aunt Mattie was Annie Grace’s favorite aunt. She was Mama’s oldest sister and had the same dark hair and smile as Mama.

Seeing them enter, she glanced at Granny Willow questioningly. Granny Willow shook her head slowly.

It were too much for Evangeline’s heart, Mattie. Both her’n the baby are gone, she said stiffly.

Aunt Mattie brushed a stray hair from her brow as her lower lip trembled. She knelt and opened her arms to Annie Grace and Buddy, embracing them tightly as they cried.

She kissed them on their foreheads and said, I’ll have Hannah fix you some breakfast; there’s leftover biscuits and gravy.

Turning toward Granny Willow she said, I’ll call Joe, Ma. He’ll hitch the mule and wagon and we’ll follow you back.

Hannah, at age fourteen, was Annie Grace’s oldest girl cousin. She had six brothers and sisters, and their house was full of noise and laughter. Today, though, everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as Annie Grace and Buddy picked at their food.

The back door opened and Uncle Joe rushed in with an arm load of wood for the cook stove and fireplace. Seeing Annie Grace and Buddy, he picked them up in his strong arms; his fair, ruddy face was solemn as he held them for a moment.

Hannah, you girls can play paper dolls with Annie Grace. She’d like yore new Prince Albert and Queen Victoria paper dolls, I reckon. And Jake, you and the boys can show Buddy that duck whistle I carved for you.

Turning to Aunt Mattie he told her to get her coat; the mule and wagon were hitched and ready.

As she pulled on her coat, Granny Willow said, Joe, you and Mattie go to Aaron. I’ll go git my Caleb; he’ll want to come and he’ll be needin’ to think on his last words for our girl and her baby.

Exchanging glances with Joe, Aunt Mattie said, Mama, I’ll go with you.

No, Mattie, I can make it. You go on with Joe now,

Granny Willow replied.

Annie Grace felt a hand on her shoulder, shaking her gently. Aunt Mattie stood over her, calling softly.

Annie Grace, get up now. There’s a tub of warm water for you and Buddy to bathe in. I’ve laid out a clean set of bloomers and an undershirt. I know you like that red pinafore, so I washed and ironed it fresh for you to wear today.

What about Buddy? What is he gonna wear? Annie Grace asked.

I laid out a set of Jake’s clothes for him; he’ll be fine, but hurry, Child. Don’t you worry none about Buddy, Aunt Mattie replied.

What’s gonna happen next, Aunt Mattie? Are we goin’ back to my house?

They were all going to Annie Grace’s house after breakfast. Grandpa Caleb who was a preacher at the nearby Bible Baptist Church, was doin’ the service for Mama and baby Ella. After the funeral they would go to the cemetery for the burials in the family plot. Most all of the other kin would be at Annie Grace’s house when they arrived, so she better shake a leg, Aunt Mattie told her.

The winter sunlight shone weakly through the gray sky as the wagon entered the yard to their house. Stepping down from the high seat, Annie Grace noticed a black wreath on their front door. She didn’t like the wreath. No; it looked sad, and little scary, too. Quickly turning her eyes away from the wreath, she noticed Mama’s climbing rose bush at the end of the porch. It was bare and leafless now, but Annie Grace remembered how pretty it was last year—full of color, and so many roses, too. Why, Mama had cut them almost every day, putting them in a water pitcher and setting them on the eating table. Now, everything was different; even Mama’s roses looked sad.

She took Buddy’s hand and they followed Aunt Mattie into the house. The front room had been rearranged with chairs lining the walls. There were two boxes—a big, long one and a smaller one next to the center table.

Daddy took Annie Grace by the hand and holding Buddy in his arms they approached the big box. Mama lay inside. She appeared to be sleeping, but Annie Grace knew she would never wake up again. Oh, Annie Grace didn’t like seeing Mama this way. She wished she could come back from Glory and live with them again.

Buddy began to cry, Wake up, Mama; wake up now!

Mama is sleeping with Jesus, son, she can’t wake up, Daddy said, his voice breaking. Yore new little sister is with Jesus, too. Mama and her are together with Him. Then, looking toward Grandpa, he nodded slowly.

Grandpa Caleb Corbett stood erect in his best Sunday clothes. His gray hair and stooped shoulders portrayed both his age and the deep sadness he felt to be preaching the funeral for his beloved daughter and the little granddaughter she had struggled to bring into this world. Now, here they lay in death before him. Only God could help him walk through this valley of sorrow. Saying a silent prayer, he stood before his family and friends gathered to lend their silent support.

He opened the service by asking everyone to sing Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling. Grandpa Caleb said Mama had been a jewel of a daughter to him and Granny Willow. Why, he remembered the first piece of hand stitchin’ she’d done was a handkerchief for him; he had it with him today. He held it up for everybody to see; Annie Grace noticed the uneven stitches where Mama had hemmed the edges. She had been a joy to Granny Willow, too, always tryin’ to spare her from the heavy workload that women-folks had to do from before sun-up to after sun-down. Then he read from the Bible about the lady in Proverbs who got up before daylight to cook and feed her family. She also spun and wove her own goods to make clothes for everybody. He said Mama was like that lady, always trying to serve the Lord and working for her husband and young’uns. Grandpa Caleb also said Mama was one of the newest angels in Heaven and she was most likely doing something mighty pleasing to the Lord already. He knew, too, that their little baby sister was being watched over by Mama, and Jesus was taking good care of them both.

Annie Grace knew that Mama would need to learn how to spin and weave for she had never done that, but she could sew real good. Why, hadn’t Mama made every pinafore Annie Grace ever had? She sure had! She could make all kinds of ruffles and tucks for a pretty frock.

Annie Grace reckoned that Mama was probably the most beautiful angel of all with her long, dark hair and pretty eyes. Why, she must have her wings by now. They would be big, with glimmerings of gold on their tips. Oh, Annie Grace wished Mama could just fly right back to her! What would she do, and how would she ever make it without her? She didn’t think she could stand Mama being gone off to Glory. Annie Grace’s heart had shattered in a million pieces, like a fine, thin piece of China that had fallen to the floor, never to be put together again.

When Grandpa Caleb finished, several men wearing black armbands took Mama and baby sister out to a large wagon that belonged to Daddy’s boss, Mr. Willis. Daddy, Grandpa Caleb, Granny Willow, Annie Grace, and Buddy followed next in their wagon with the others forming a long line behind them.

At the cemetery, Annie Grace saw two freshly dug graves near the back fence. Someone had built a small fire, but the cold, damp air penetrated Annie Grace’s lungs as she took deep breaths to keep from crying. Grandpa Caleb recited the twenty-third Psalm; then everyone sang Precious Memories, which ended the service.

The house was full of people who brought food and came to pay their respects for Mama and baby Ella. Baked hams, roasted chickens, chicken and dumplings, bowls of all kinds of vegetables, pies and cakes—foods that Annie Grace only had at special times, like Christmas.

Annie Grace thought the food looked good, but she wasn’t hungry. Aunt Mattie asked if she wanted her to fix a plate for her, but she refused. Then, thinking of Buddy, who stood next to her sniveling; his nose running, she wiped his nose and asked Aunt Mattie for a small bowl of chicken and dumplings for him.

Eat, Buddy, she said as she helped him into his high chair after Aunt Mattie brought the small dish and a spoon.

Granny Willow motioned to Annie Grace from the room she and Buddy shared. She told Buddy to eat his food and be careful not to spill anything, then went to Granny Willow, who sat in the rocking chair that Grandpa Caleb had made for Mama when Annie Grace was born. Annie Grace felt like crying as she remembered Mama rocking Buddy while she told them the stories of her childhood.

Granny Willow motioned her closer, bidding her to sit in the small chair nearby. Annie Grace’s heart felt heavy as she looked into Granny Willow’s sunken dark eyes. Her long black hair hung in a single plait down her back. Her work-worn hands lay in her lap, tightly clenched together.

I wanted me and you to have some time to talk together, quiet like, without’n no others to hear. Wanted to tell you some things ‘bout yore Mama, my Evangeline. Ever wonder why I give her such a name as that? Long time ago, when I was a girl of no more’n nine year or so, I heard a feller talkin’ on a corner of the town square in Dahlonega where I come from up in north Georgy. He was tellin’ a story poem by a feller named Longfellow ‘bout a young girl who’d been banished from her home land by the Redcoat British. It were a long story but, I stood with my mouth agape listenin’ to her tale of how she looked forevermore for her long lost love, Gabriel. I knew then and there that if ever I had a girl child her name’d be Evangeline. Kind of made me think of her like she was one of us Cherokee. Being banished and all, just like our people had been done. On the day yore Mama was born, there was my Evangeline, pretty as any Cherokee rose you’d ever see. When she were ’bout yore age, I give her somethin’ I’d brung with me from north Georgy. She treasured it all her days, claimed it brung her good luck. It’s this here glinty rock I brought with me from up near the foot of a waterfall in Dahlonega. I’m of mind it should be yore’s now, Annie Grace; come to you from me and yore Mama.

Annie Grace noticed a shiny object in her hand. The small, worn pebble glinted in the dim light of the kerosene lamp as Annie Grace took it from Granny. She held it in the middle of her palm and studied it closely, turning it over and over in her hand before putting it in her pocket.

Thank you, Granny Willow, said Annie Grace. I’ll keep it forever close; it’s the best present ever for I can carry it with me every day. Why, I can even take it to school with me when I’m big enough go! said Annie Grace as she lifted her arms to give Granny Willow a heartfelt hug.

The following morning dawned clear and cold with white clouds high in the sky. The grown-ups were gathered around the kitchen table drinking coffee when Annie Grace ventured from her room. The smell of frying bacon filled the air as Granny Willow removed several slices from the cast iron spider. She stooped to take a pan of biscuits from the oven and saw Annie Grace standing in the doorway.

Aaron, she said to Daddy, there’s Annie Grace now.

Daddy’s head turned toward the doorway.

Come sit next to me, Annie Grace. I’m needin’ to talk to you, said Daddy. Without Mama we cain’t live here no more. I’m goin’ to Savannah to try to get hired on at a payin’ job. We need cash money now. You and Buddy will be livin’ with Uncle Albert and Aunt Flo ‘till I can get settled — then, I’ll come back for you.

What’s Daddy sayin’? thought Annie Grace.

Why can’t we stay here? Why do you have to leave? Savannah is a far piece off from here! I don’t want you to go, Daddy! But, if you have to leave, why can’t me and Buddy stay with Uncle Joe and Aunt Mattie? Annie Grace asked, her voice trembling.

Because, Child, I need a woman to watch you young’uns while I work; you’re too little to be by yoreself, Daddy replied.

Annie Grace didn’t want to live with Uncle Albert and Aunt Flo. Why, Cecil, their son, and their daughter Harriet were almost grown! Annie Grace liked Harriet because she had let her wind her music box once when she had visited them with Mama and Daddy. But, she felt uneasy at their house. Besides, there was no one for Buddy to play with at Uncle Albert’s and Aunt Flo’s.

Daddy, if you hav’ to leave can we stay with Uncle Joe and Aunt Mattie? Annie Grace asked once again. I can help Aunt Mattie wash clothes. Mama showed me how, and I can make me and Buddy a pallet on the floor in the front room, so we won’t need a bed. Please, Daddy! We can be with our cousins, too, Annie Grace begged.

It’s already settled, Annie Grace. Albert and Flo have more room and less mouths to feed. You and Buddy are going home with them today, Daddy said flatly.

How ‘bout Grandpa and Granny Chandler? Me and Buddy could go live with them! Daddy, please!

Powder Springs is too far a piece from here. ’Sides Pa and Ma are up in years now, he replied, with a sternness in his voice.

When are you leaving, Daddy? Annie Grace asked.

Mr. Willis was taking Daddy to Savannah next week. He needed this house for another sharecropper that could work the land come spring when the crops had to be put in.

Granny Willow and Grandpa Caleb would help him move their belongings to their place. They’d store everything in the barn. There’d be plenty of room until Grandpa Caleb’s chair-making business picked up in the spring. Besides pastoring Bible Baptist Church, he made some of the finest chairs you’d see anywhere in Emmanuel County. Every Saturday during the spring and summer he set up his display on the sidewalk in front of the Coleman Building on Main Street in Swainsboro selling to townspeople and country folks alike.

Granny Willow and Aunt Mattie, along with Hannah and Harriet, helped Annie Grace pack her and Buddy’s belongings in two pillowcases. Annie Grace’s rag doll that Mama had made, and Buddy’s toy truck and top, were packed in another pillowcase and carried out to Uncle Albert’s wagon.

Daddy stooped to give Annie Grace and Buddy a hug as he said good-bye and promised he would visit as soon as he was settled. Turning to Buddy he told him to be a big boy and he would bring them both a surprise. Uncle Joe and Aunt Mattie and the other kinfolks hugged them and promised to visit real soon.

I’ll see you soon, Boots, said Aunt Cassie Mae, wife of Mama’s brother, Uncle Ethan, using the pet name she had given her as a baby.

As the horse and wagon left the front yard Harriet put an arm around Annie Grace, and asked her to sit next to her.

I have a big doll with dark hair and a china head. You can hold her when we get home if you want to she’s the prettiest thing you ever saw! Her dress has lots of ruffles and each one is a different color: pink, blue, yellow, red and green. And, her hair, Annie Grace! Why, she looks like a rich Spanish lady with long black hair piled high on her head! Harriet said excitedly.

I want Mama and Daddy, thought Annie Grace as she sat quietly holding Buddy’s hand and clutching Mama’s rock.

Chapter 2

The Maxwell place came into view as the wagon followed the curve in the road. Both Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell were deaf mutes who communicated with their two daughters, Iris, age ten, and Rose, age eight, by tapping their canes on the floor. Mrs. Maxwell could also read lips. Mama and Mrs. Maxwell had visited each other several times. Annie Grace remembered how they had shared some pork meat with the Maxwell’s when Daddy and Mama had butchered hogs last November.

Iris and Rose were in the yard by the well when they saw the wagon approaching. Iris ran inside to get her Mama and Daddy, who came out on the front porch. The whole family waved silently as the wagon passed. Their dog, Booger, chased the wagon as the horse began to trot faster.

The sun had almost disappeared when the horse finally came to a stop at Uncle Albert and Aunt Flo’s house. Annie Grace was tuckered out and Buddy had fallen asleep earlier. Shaking him gently, Annie Grace told Buddy to stand up; they were at their new home.

Although, it was almost dark, Annie Grace could see the house was a right fine place with pots of ferns standing watch on the front porch steps. Annie Grace could hardly remember the house, for she had been what? a little over two when last they had visited? Entering the house Aunt Flo told Harriet to fill the wash pan with water and get some soap and wash rags so Annie Grace and Buddy could wash up before going to bed.

As Harriet showed them the room where they would sleep, Annie Grace saw the doll she had mentioned earlier.

You can sleep with her tonight if you want to but only for tonight, okay? Harriet said. Her name is Isabella. Don’t you think she looks fine enough to be the Queen of Spain, Annie Grace? Do be careful! She’d break real easy!

I’ll hold her tomorrow., I might roll over on her in bed, said Annie Grace. Never had Annie Grace hoped for any such doll as Isabella and she was right scared she might break. Besides, Annie Grace didn’t want to sleep with another doll, she wanted to sleep with the rag doll Mama had made her, Lizzie Mae. As Annie Grace looked at the two dolls, she saw that her doll looked shabby and worn next to Harriet’s fancy lady doll, but she didn’t care; she loved Lizzie Mae.

Lying on the small bed next to Buddy, she thought of Mama and Daddy. Finally, she fell asleep, her arm around Buddy’s waist.

Annie Grace woke early the next morning and dressed quickly. Entering the front room she noticed Grandpa Chandler’s picture over the fireplace. Dressed in his Confederate uniform, he gazed down at Annie Grace with eyes much like Daddy’s.

Daddy had told her how Grandpa had died of wounds he received from the Yankees when General Sherman burned the small town of Millen, Georgia, located just north of Swainsboro. Grandpa and a small group of Rebels had tried to defend the town, but they were greatly outnumbered. Although he had managed to return home, his wounds were badly infected and he died a few days later. After Grandma’s death in 1901, Uncle Albert, as the oldest child, received the picture. Oh, how Daddy had longed to own the cherished image, Annie Grace recalled.

Annie Grace had enjoyed the stories Daddy told her from Grandpa’s life and his time fightin’ the Yankees in the War Between the States. Why, a person could feel the ground vibrate when he pressed his ear to the earth and General Sherman fired his cannons.

Oh, Daddy, I’m so homesick! I miss you and Mama so much!

Aunt Flo was a plump woman with piercing dark eyes and a straight thin nose. She wore her brown hair pulled back tightly in a coiled bun at the nape of her neck. Her long, calico dress hung loosely on her body as she stooped to put a stick of wood in the cook stove.

Go call Buddy to come eat, Annie Grace. After breakfast we’ll start chores, she said.

As Uncle Albert blessed the food, Annie Grace wondered what kind of chores she would be expected to do.

After everybody was served, Uncle Albert turned to her and said, You and Buddy will do whatever yore Aunt Flo tells you and no sass, you hear?

Yes, sir, said Annie Grace, her food sticking in her throat. Young ‘uns are to be seen and not heard, so no talkin’ less yore’re talked to you understand? Nodding her head, Annie Grace signaled she understood.

Yes, sir! You speak to me when I talk to you don’t you nod yore head to me, Girl! You and that brother of yore’n could be put on one of them orphan trains and sent out west if you don’t mind, you hear me? Uncle Albert said, his voice loud and angry.

Yes sir, Uncle Albert, said Annie Grace, her voice quivering.

Albert, I’ll handle them—no need to be so sharp with her, Aunt Flo said.

See that you do, Wife. We need an understanding up front! Uncle Albert said.

Daddy, she’s a little girl, don’t scare her! said Harriet.

You stay out of this, Daughter; it’s none of yore say, he replied.

Buddy looked at Annie Grace, his eyes wide with fright. Annie Grace squeezed his hand under the table and helped him make a bore hole biscuit and fill it with syrup. She was afraid of what Uncle Albert might do to Buddy if he made a mess.

After breakfast Aunt Flo told Annie Grace to make the small bed she and Buddy had used.

Your daily chores are to make your bed, sweep the floors, and help with the supper dishes. You’ll be watching over Buddy, too. You can have some free time when your chores are done, but if I tell you to do something, you don’t dally, understand? Aunt Flo asked.

Yes, Ma’m, said Annie Grace.

Seeing Harriet gather her books for school, Annie Grace wished with all her might she was getting on that bus, too. But, then who would watch Buddy if she wasn’t here?

As Harriet walked past on her way out the door she tousled Annie Grace’s hair.

After supper I’ll brush your hair. I have a real pretty ribbon you can wear, too, she smiled at Annie Grace, and Annie Grace smiled back, happy that a big girl like Harriet was interested in her.

The hot June sun created dark spots before Annie Grace’s eyes as she toted stove wood from the woodpile to the wood box in the kitchen. Keeping the wood box filled was a never-ending job. Aunt Flo cooked three meals daily, using at least one full box each day. Wiping the sweat from her brow, Annie Grace was deep in thought wondering about Daddy.

It had been almost six months since Mama and little Ella had died, and Daddy had not visited once. Last night Annie Grace had overheard Uncle Albert talking to Aunt Flo.

He had called Daddy a sorry, good-for-nothing bum. That made Annie Grace mad; she wanted to yell at Uncle Albert and tell him Daddy was NOT a good for nothing bum! She was scared of Uncle Albert though. What if he did put her and Buddy on the orphan train? Why, they might even separate them. Some folks didn’t want two little young’uns who couldn’t do much work like the bigger young’uns. Why, it might not make any never mind if they were brother and sister. No, Annie Grace was too scared to say anything; maybe Daddy would come soon and they could be a family again.

When she entered the kitchen, she heard the Carter Family singing Keep on the Sunny Side on the radio. Annie Grace liked to hear Mother Maybelle Carter sing Wildwood Flower, but today she needed to hear a happier song. She began to hum along with the Carter Family as she dropped the stove wood in the wood box, filling it for another day.

Harriet was shelling peas on the back porch while Buddy chased after a squirrel in the backyard. Why does he do that? she wondered; he’d never catch that squirrel. But, it kept him busy during the long, hot summer days. Oh, but Annie Grace’s heart was happy to have this little brother of her’n! He made her days glad, and the nights were less lonely when they would lie together, her arm around his small shoulders, and talk softly late into the night about what they’d do and where they’d go when they got grown- up enough to leave.

Annie Grace, come help me shell these peas! We’re cooking a mess to take to Uncle Joe and Aunt Mattie’s tomorrow for Uncle Joe’s birthday. Mama’s baking a coconut cake and peach cobbler, too. But, we have to get busy on these peas!