My repost for this week was originally posted for the meme Theme Thursday on April 2, 2009 when the theme was the number "Ten." I titled it "Me Plus Ten."
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Welcome to Theme Thursday. This weeks theme was a tuffy for me. The number 10. I searched everywhere for something memorable that could be called a ten, with no luck. Then last night the answer just fell into my lap.
I want to remind everyone that I am the oldest of thirteen children. I grew up in a rural area and making ends meet was always a struggle for my folks. As a result, they didn't take many photos. Each of us have few if any and the ones we do have mostly came to us from friends and relatives. So whenever a new photo surfaces it is a big deal and gets copied to share with everyone.
Growing up I went through many phases. I had one totally embarrassing phase where every time I was out somewhere with the youngest kids, someone would mistake them for mine. At seventeen, did I really look old enough to have six kids? Once, at the grocery store, I had the task of babysitting the little ones while my mother shopped. I lined them all up on the brick ledge in front of the store with some candy. Folks entering the store would stop and say how cute they all were, or just shake their heads in amazement. I lost count of how many asked me if they were all mine, so finally I reached my saturation point. The next lady who asked that question was told “yes they are all mine and I have six more at home'. I though she was going to swallow her teeth in shock.
The above story is taken from a post in my archives called "Oldest of Thirteen" that talks about what it was like being the eldest in a large family. Given the many changes over the last fifty years in people's attitudes about children, parenting and large families; plus all the recent news about the Octomom, my story may not be seen with the same humor it had back in 1963 in an area where less than six children was considered unusual. The original post and a photo of all of us as adults can be found at this link.
To see more of the number "ten" post or to join the fun visit Theme Thursday
http://themethursday.com
You can check out this Sunday meme by visiting Happy to Design. Heck, you might find some great stuff and be inspired to join the fun and repost some of your favorites that have been long forgotten.
I want to remind everyone that I am the oldest of thirteen children. I grew up in a rural area and making ends meet was always a struggle for my folks. As a result, they didn't take many photos. Each of us have few if any and the ones we do have mostly came to us from friends and relatives. So whenever a new photo surfaces it is a big deal and gets copied to share with everyone.
I recently acquired some old slides from an elderly Aunt and the Old Salt has been scanning them into the computer for me. In the most recent batch I found the perfect TEN. These slides are very old and in poor condition so I tried to save as many as possible by using photoshop to lighten and repair best as I could. This photo is still very dark and has some strong shadows but it shows me with the first ten of my siblings. Of course I am the oldest one in the photo holding the two youngest. This must have been taken in the summer of 1963. I would have been seventeen and my newest baby brother is almost one.
Growing up I went through many phases. I had one totally embarrassing phase where every time I was out somewhere with the youngest kids, someone would mistake them for mine. At seventeen, did I really look old enough to have six kids? Once, at the grocery store, I had the task of babysitting the little ones while my mother shopped. I lined them all up on the brick ledge in front of the store with some candy. Folks entering the store would stop and say how cute they all were, or just shake their heads in amazement. I lost count of how many asked me if they were all mine, so finally I reached my saturation point. The next lady who asked that question was told “yes they are all mine and I have six more at home'. I though she was going to swallow her teeth in shock.
The above story is taken from a post in my archives called "Oldest of Thirteen" that talks about what it was like being the eldest in a large family. Given the many changes over the last fifty years in people's attitudes about children, parenting and large families; plus all the recent news about the Octomom, my story may not be seen with the same humor it had back in 1963 in an area where less than six children was considered unusual. The original post and a photo of all of us as adults can be found at this link.
http://themethursday.com
You can check out this Sunday meme by visiting Happy to Design. Heck, you might find some great stuff and be inspired to join the fun and repost some of your favorites that have been long forgotten.
I LOVED this story. I was the oldest of four and I know the expectations led to me having a strong sense of responsibility. I can't imagine heading up a pack like this. I kind of envy you, having so many siblings to be part of your life now.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I thought the grocery store anecdote was great.
Good morning Rita!
ReplyDeleteI was just struck by the similarity of your great smile with 2 of your brothers (back row, far left and right)!
Do you still resemble one another today?
Mevely, the answer is yes and no. We are divided about 60-40, in both looks and personality. 60% of us looking like my fathers family and the others taking after my mothers.
ReplyDeleteYes, most of us have the same smile and all but one have my fathers dimple in our chin. Only one has blue eyes and the rest are brown eyed. Those who take after my fathers family are built like me. Short, heavy and carry all their weight in their mid section. My mothers half are even shorter,lean, with short necks and strong shoulders.
There is a link at the end of the post that will take you to a photo of all of us taken about five years ago at my mothers 80th birthday party. The two you mentioned are John (far left) and Bob (far right), In the link photo John is still on the far left (back row) and Bob is in white directly behind me.
Thanks for visiting, I tried to ggogle what a cash jockey is, and they referred me to you.
ReplyDeleteDo you stay in a lock room and count money? I won't like that because I am afraid of handling cash. Always afraid of giving out the wrong change.
I thought I come from a familyof 9 kids is big enough. You have more than me.
Great story! I thought we had a big family, but there were only five kids in mine. Can't even imagine what it would've been like to have an additional 8 siblings--wow.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I might have gotten a sister, lol!
Hi Rita...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post to reshare with us for Sunday Favorites, my friend! I loved the photo that you shared with us...you're such a pretty girl! Wow...I really can't imagine what it would be like having such a large family..there were only three of us (one brother, and one sister) in my family. Ohhh my goodness, I can only imagine the look on that lady's face when you told her that your brothers and sisters were really your children and that you had more at home! I mean...come on...those people must not have been thinking! Hehe!
Have a great week, my friend!
Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design