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Thinking of winds and windfalls

All this cold weather, wind and snow has reminded me of all the years we walked to school. We even had to walk home to eat. We couldn’t take our lunch. It had to be an emergency. Can you picture us kids walking home to eat and then walking back? When it was windy, we’d walk backwards. That wind was too cold for our faces! No buses gave us rides! I think we had to be a mile from home. We didn’t quite make it. Where were the sunny skies in “Little Italy?”

I happened to think at that time I had a hole in my heart. I never gave it a thought. Nobody babied us. And in the summer I picked berries like crazy! I loved it!

I guess we were all in the same boat! I don’t remember feeling sorry for myself. We all were good workers! I’m grateful because I loved work. I still do, but I can’t do much. What do kids do today? I think we grew up at a good time! I was named after Queen Margaret. My sister Grace was reading about her. My father called me the German princess because I was blonde and blue-eyed and when Russ wrote to me at college, my letters were all addressed to “Lady Margaret” and I worked all my life! I loved it! We had good self-images. I feel sorry for the kids today!

When I was a senior, I worked at Murphy’s in the afternoon. I had the advantage of speaking Italian! Nobody speaks two languages any more. I wish I could now! We were ashamed to speak two languages. I think if I wanted to speak another language today, I’d choose Spanish. I traveled a lot and I heard people speaking Spanish.

I hope I can find enough English to fill another page!

Now what would you do if you won a lot of money? You could win a lot of money in a lump sum, or you can win a lot of money weekly. I  think it depends on your age. At my age, I’m trying to get rid of stuff, not add on.

First, I’d help my family. My son Dan and his wife, Dot have hearts as big as all outdoors! I’d see to it that they were set for life! I’m so proud of those kids and my granddaughter, Charlene, has been feeding her family for years! Her sister Lori is married to a lawyer who does a lot of pro bono work, so I’d help  them, too.

Then there’s my church. They are great and not too rich. I would love to help them! Then my son-in-love (married Rusty’s widow) is in the mission field. Great guy! And his son, Luke, is also in the mission field. His wife is so bright! They have two boys and one girl. Great family! I’m surrounded by good people! Not rich, but good. I’d give some to my sister Jo and her family. They are doing OK, but that would be good will.

Then I’d help the needy. It was suggested I should open a restaurant for the needy. There are hungry people. I have a great grand-nephew who is an excellent cook. If he wanted to open up a restaurant, I’d sponsor him.

And of course, I’d help the needy! I love to do that. I wouldn’t hoard it, that’s for sure. We fed the needy who were riding the trains. We were always good to the needy and animals!

Those are good habits to pass on! It all comes back I’m finding out.

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