Ho! Ho! Ho! 12/07/2011
It was the week after Thanksgiving, and time to pick out the Tollison Christmas tree! They would go to downtown East Prairie, MO and find the perfect tree (if you call a "Charlie Brown" type tree perfect). There would more than likely be a tree lot set up beside the dime store with the smell of pine filling the air. The temperatures had dropped, and the kids were excited singing "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way..." They had no idea that their family didn't have a lot of money...they just knew they were happy, and ready to put some tinsel on their very own tree. They found the tree that would fit perfectly in their little living room, took it home and put it in a make shift tree stand. They gathered around the tree, hung the lights and put their homemade ornaments on it along with some silver tinsel mom purchased at the dime store while they were downtown. The big colorful bulbs on the string of lights lit up the whole living room! They bundled up and went outside to see their tree from the street....and ya know what? It looked wonderful....to them the prettiest on the block. Was it what Norman Rockwell paintings were made of? I personally think quite possibly yes! Imagine a painting with wonder in the eyes of the kids as they look at the tree they just decorated...I think I can see it now! Helen was probably even more excited about Christmas than the kids, if that was possible. She and Willie had worked hard pulling cotton bolls a few months back, and saved their money to get the kids some things that would bring smiles to their faces. Even if she and Willie would have to do without...their kids wouldn't...not at Christmas! It was Wednesday, December 24, 1952 and there was lots of excitement at the Tollison house. The two bedroom house was cozy and warm, with the smell of a fresh baked cake and the sounds of kids getting ready for bed. Mom and dad told them "If they didn't get to bed soon and get to sleep, Santa wouldn't be able to visit and leave presents." The two double beds in the kids bedroom were turned back where Sondra shared a bed with Linda, and Larry shared with Jimmy. They hurried to get their hugs and kisses so they could jump into their beds cause they could hardly wait until morning was here. Mom turned out the light, and pulled the door shut as she said..."Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!" (just something they said) After feeding Paula and rocking her to sleep, Helen put her down for the night in her little bassinet. She had actually outgrown the little bed, but would still rest there better than in the bed with mommy and daddy! Tomorrow is Christmas...Willie and Helen did their part for Santa, and hit the sack. They slept soundly for several hours and then in the wee hours of the morning...they heard something stirring in the living room...what was that? Come back tomorrow and find out what was making that noise in the living room. 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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