After a time they had a son. That would be Delbert Leroy (Jake ) Bartholomew. Jake would grow up to be my best friend.
In 1941 a beautiful daughter was born. Her name was Louella Beth Bartholomew. She was named after the mother of the handsome man and the sister in law of the beautiful woman. She would grow up to be ME!!!
Years would pass and more children were born, all girls. The man died. The son died. And this is who was left.
Top row from left. Louella, Mother Christine, Josephine
Bottom row: Mary, Donna, Dorothy.
And since this picture was taken, Mother (Christine Josephine Haas) has passed. Also Josephine Ann Flora, and Mary Belle Shea. Dorothy Mae Anderson, is transitioning as I write. That will just leave Donna Faye Bartholomew , and me Louella Beth Mercer. And that is why I am putting my thoughts together today.
To anyone I wronged, I apologize. To the people I never got around to helping, I am sorry; for those that I did help, pay it forward.
I want to tell all my friends that I love them, in case I do not remember to say it next time. To those who loved me and forgot to tell me or meant to come for a visit, but didn't get around to it, I realize life got in the way as it did from my side of town.
I want to tell my family, that while I may be far away, you are never far from my mind and I love you all from the bosom of my mother to the three times removed nieces and cousins.
I am sorry I never knew my fathers family.
As for my immortal soul, I am good to go and rather looking forward to the trip! This world was not my home, I was only passing through, to coin an old country western hymn. I hope you are all better for having known me, and I know I learned from you. I am pretty sure God is going to let me peek in on you from time to time and I hope you are as happy about this as I will be. And when your time comes I will meet you at the gate and show you around! Until then.......
Once upon a time there was a little girl.
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