I guess the beginning would be a good idea.
Even though my parents divorced when I was 10 years old, I think I had a really good childhood.
I mostly grew up in the country and at times we had horses, chickens (which scared me to death), a few turkeys, there was always a dog around and cats that always seemed to be multiplying.
Although I don't really remember my dad being around much, my mom says he was. I know he was always there to go to church with us on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings. I was raised Southern Baptist so when the church doors were open, we were there. Besides, my uncle was our preacher and I'm sure if we didn't show up, he'd be calling wanting to know where we were. Actually, going to church was some of my favorite times as a little girl. I loved going! I loved the music, the fellowship, the style of preaching, Bible school, everything!
- The church I went to growing up: Hillview Baptist Chuch
I have an older brother Mark, then there's me, a sister Christine and the "baby" Melissa.
- That's the 4 of us below. Probably around 1973
I seemed to be the "little mother" to my siblings. I think I've now come to realize why I rebelled at 15. I had so much responsiblity put on me after mom and dad divorced. Mom had to go to work and me being the oldest girl, everything fell on me. Mom would call me from work and tell me what to lay out for supper, how to fix it, what clothes to throw in the washer, etc...although at the time, it didn't seem like a big deal to me, maybe it was...It was just something that had to be done, so I did it.
I can remember when it was time to clean up, my sister Chris always seemed to have to use the bathroom and she'd come out right when the last dish was done. I tried telling my mom many times but she would say "Well, maybe her stomach hurts"
Every night at the same time???
Anyway...I remember it like it was yesterday when mom and dad sat all 4 of us kids down on the couch and told us they were getting a divorce. I was totally shocked and devastated. I think I took it harder than the rest of them, although I don't know why.
I remember mom and dad going somewhere that night and I went to bed listening to the radio.
A song came on by Anne Murray called "You Needed Me"
First time I'd ever heard it and I cried and cried.
To this day, anytime I hear that song, it takes me right back to that night.
Funny how a song can do that.
