(Part I...as I started typing...I realized that I needed to do in 2 parts.) enjoy.... It was 1935 and Frank and Jane Tollison were getting ready to travel to Missouri to make their millions! They were sharecroppers and thought moving from Arkansas to Missouri would be a great way to make that happen. Polly, JT and William helped their mom and dad gather up their belongings and they headed out to the neighboring state. Willie (as his friends called him) didn't realize on that day in 1935 when he was moving to a new town and a new school that he would soon meet his soul mate. When he got to school, a sweet little red headed girl named Johnnie Beeson made sure he was introduced to all the right people. Johnnie and Willie were not only cousins, but they were the best of friends. Helen saw Johnnie talking to this cute new guy and thought that she was being flirtatious...but Johnnie let her know it was her cousin and made sure that mom (Helen) got to meet the new guy (Willie-my dad). Willie and Helen became friends and went to church at Kewanee Baptist Church that held services in the school there. It was during a 2 week summer revival that they were among 22 people that decided to make a change in their lives by accepting Jesus and were baptized. Also among those 22 was Addie (moms sister that died at age 20), her brother Shelton and sister Violet. What a wonderful memory to have been baptized with the person that you would someday marry. So how did Helen and Willie go from being really good friends to becoming the sweethearts of Kewanee High? Would you believe in a church play that never even happened? Let me explain...it was 1938 and time for the annual Christmas play at church. Helen was cast as Mary and Willie was cast as Joseph...that's when the flirting began and a year later they started dating. The funny thing is...the weather got so bad that they called off the play that year...but a romance between it's lead actors had it's beginning there..... Tomorrow....(Part 2...come back and see what happens) CommentsSondra 09/08/2011 8:45pm
I am really enjoying this Paula. You have a good memory. Paula 09/08/2011 8:56pm
Sondra...I am calling mom to help me fill in the blanks. She has a memory like a steel trap. I just want us to have this written down. I will be on the phone with mom a lot to make sure we get a full picture of her and dad's life. Love all my brothers and sisters and I want us to have these memories. Christine 09/08/2011 9:26pm
Thank you, Aunt Paula. These are stories the grandkids will cherish someday. :) 09/29/2011 6:34pm
Aunt Paula, Bob Maupin Sr 10/10/2011 5:54pm
Paula your great You took after your mom 10/10/2011 5:58pm
sherry 11/09/2011 3:46pm
Hi Paula, Paula Maupin 11/10/2011 8:13am
Sherry...I asked mom about you last night and she knew right away who you were...Thank you for reading my blog...I hope you enjoy it. I write a new story everyday and mom is excited to tell them to me. Thank you for your prayers...don't stop...this is going to be a long process. Sherry 11/10/2011 1:00pm
Thanks for replying to my note Paula. I looked through your blog last night and saw what a wonderful love affair your parents enjoyed. I remember your father as being a very handsome man too and of course your Mom was an attractive woman but last night I got to see her as she looked in her dating days with your father, and she was a beauty. Paula Maupin 11/11/2011 8:44am
Thanks for your concern for mom! She will be in the hospital for a while...St Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO. She is in room 2827 right now but they will be moving her when they start her therapy there. As for an address other than that, I will have to get that to you later, we are taking it one day at a time, so not sure where that will be. Before she went into the hospital, she lived with my brother Larry in New Madrid...I know he wants her back there if at all possible. Again...thanks for you love and concern for mom and I will relay your message to her. Sherry 11/16/2011 1:35pm
Paula, Paula Maupin 11/17/2011 8:43pm
Sherry, I mentioned to Sondra that you were concerned why she hadn't answered your email to her. I haven't heard back from her either LOL! Mom is in the therapy wing now and working hard on her therapy. I talked to her on the phone tonight...her meds make her have a little bit of slurred speech and a little shakey. Continue to pray for her! Leave a Reply |  Author
Paula Tollison Andrews Maupin I am married to Bobby and live in the Nashville, TN area, working as Executive Assistant to both the Director of Sales and General Manager of FOX17, MyTV30 & CW58 television I have 3 wonderful sons and daughters in
love (Brad & Holly Andrews, Bryan & Stacy Andrews and Brandon
& Ashley Andrews) from Tulsa, St. Louis & Springfield
respectively. They have given me 9 precious grandbabies. (Joseph,
Cooper, Margo, Sloan, Jonas, Nora, Everett, Lawson and Blythe & Gma
loves them so much) I also have 2 great stepsons and daughter in love
(Jonathan & Kathryn Maupin and William Maupin) from Lexington,
Kentucky.
As a lady who's lived through both good & bad circumstances in my life, I've learned and continue to learn a lot of "life lessons". Along the way I have been inspired to be a better me. God is faithful in ALL circumstances and His love covers all. My hope is that you will be inspired to be who you were meant to be. I have been writing this blog about my mom and dad since September of 2011. You can find their story from the beginning by going to the Stories link. Happy Reading!!!   ArchivesMarch 2012 |
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