A Baby In Each Arm

It’s time for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, the photo provided by Danny Bowman.

 

They stood side by side, the older woman’s arm around the younger. 

“Between those two humps, your great, great grandmother buried 2 children – it was cholera.  Three days later she gave birth to twins in the back of the wagon.  They had to stop when the babies came, then they travelled through the night to catch the other wagons.  She walked the whole time, a baby in each arm.”    

“Really?”

“Yes.  You come from a long line of strong women.  A broken heart might hurt like hell but it won’t kill you.” 

“Promise?”

A long, comforting hug.   “I promise.” 

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37 thoughts on “A Baby In Each Arm”

    1. Thanks for stopping by Bjorn. There aren’t many things that can’t be handled if we stick together. :o)

  1. Wonderful! I, too, come from a long line of strong women! My grandmother was my hero, quite frankly. She would have been the type to walk with a baby on each arm for sure…

    1. Thanks Dale. We just don’t make women like that anymore, but through their memories we can take heart. :o)

    1. I’ve spoken firmly to my Comment Department – there is to be NO prejudice against Trents on MY site! Who knows how many other Trents have tried to comment and were denied? Next time there will be punitive measures.

      I’m glad you liked the story. It sort of just fell out of my head. :o) Thanks for stopping by, Trent.

  2. My dad was the fifth of six kids and my mom was the third of five. I used to think why people had so many kids those days? And then I came to know that there were two kids lost on both their sides. That really blew my mind. In our generation of advanced healthcare, these scenarios seem unfathomable. But in olden days, when cholera and diabetes were considered terminal, it was wise on our grand parents’ part to make sure that they didn’t die alone. Loved this tale, Mrs. Completely. Such a lovely and strong mother you have portrayed.

    1. Thanks Varad. Having a large family was also practical. Cooking, cleaning, farming, tending livestock…..it all was hard, hard work and having a large family meant many hands to share the burden.

      Thanks for stopping by. :o)

  3. Dear Lori
    That’s a truly encouraging story. It’s well written; it’s truthful; and it speaks very directly and strongly to us.
    I see that sort of strength in my daughters, and it makes me glad. My mom’s got it too.
    With best wishes
    Penny

    1. Thank you Penny. My daughter is a tough cookie – probably tougher than I am if I’m honest. Thanks for stopping by. :o)

  4. Dear Mrs. C.

    I think Grandma might’ve gilded the lily just a bit, but good advice nonetheless. Well told.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

  5. Well written, very much so.

    I’ve now written a response to this, cut it out, re-wrote, moved phrases from one spot to the other, and … yeah, yeah, responses to well written pieces never seem to line up correctly. O.o 🙂

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