The Radio... 10/19/2011
Helen and the kids were enjoying the beautiful weather and sunshine this spring day. They had spent the better part of the day outside playing and visiting with her mom.  She told her mom that she had heard that since the war had begun, most of the men had either joined the military or had been drafted. This left jobs that needed to be filled, so the single women had stepped up and had taken the jobs that were left behind by the men. Soon even the married women took jobs. She was by no means thinking she should work, though. Helen knew she was doing the most important job she could do...taking care of these babies. She had been nervous ever since she had heard how the war had been escalating. She tried to keep it calm on the home-front, but knew at times it showed on her face just how concerned she was for Willie. She had to be brave for the kids, because she knew that their dad was in danger every single day. As the kids finished up their bowl of white beans with cornbread crumbled up in them, she cleared the kitchen table and sat down to listen to the radio. It was just a small battery powered radio (similar to the one in the picture) that didn't have the best reception, but served her well enough to stay up on some of the news...especially news from the war.  She listened intently for what was happening in the Philippines, Leyte or for any mention of the USS West Virginia. This radio along with her few and far between letters were her only connection to Willie. Well, that is not quite true...she could look at Larry and see his daddy's eyes looking back...there was so much about Larry that made her think of Willie...first was those dark brown eyes then his thick dark hair. When he played in his little sailor suit, she would think back to those days before Willie left and the pictures taken in front of the school. She would open her wallet and take out out that picture and also the one with her and Sondra in it too. She just wished he was back home with them safe and sound. She listened intently through the static and heard the news reports about the invasion at Okinawa. They reported that not only were the foot soldiers taking part, but also many battleships were lending there antiaircraft and gun power. She wrote another letter to Willie ...that's all she knew to do.....signed it love, Helen. Comments Your comment will be posted after it is approved. 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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