Dark Clouds Over Alabama by Carl J. Barger

Author:Carl J. Barger
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Publish on Demand Global LLC

CHAPTER 23

On Christmas Day, one wouldn’t have guessed that Father had an asthma attack during the night. He was up as usual having his breakfast and was as cheerful as he could be.

“Obadiah, I appreciate you taking good care of me last night,” my father said as I sat down at the table.

“You gave us a little scare, Father. How are you feeling this morning?”

“I’m feeling pretty good. I have to admit, it was a little scary last night. That’s the first time that’s happened to me.”

“We are going to try to make it the last time. You will need to stay in out of the cold and damp weather.”

“I don’t think I want to hear that.”

“If you don’t want another attack, you will need to do as I say.”

“Well, let’s have some breakfast. I’m hungry, and we have a big day ahead of us.”

When Father didn’t like someone’s opinion or direction, he would find some way of changing the subject. I just hope Mother will be able to talk some sense into him.

Penelope entered the room wearing a beautiful white dress. She had an apron covering the front so not to get it dirty. She poured coffee for Father, Mother, and me and went back into the kitchen to help Mattie and Betsy with breakfast.

The second time she came out, my mother asked her how her night went in Sarah’s room.

“I had a good night, Missus Bradford. I have always loved Sarah’s room.”

“That’s good, Penelope. Sarah would be happy you are staying in her room. When the time permits, we would enjoy hearing about your experiences in Boston. Do you think you could do that?”

“I would love to share my experiences. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and hospitality.”

Mother and Father looked at each other with amazement. Penelope’s vocabulary of words surely had increased since leaving Twin Oaks. I was amazed at how well she handled herself in answering questions and carrying on a conversation. Indeed, Mrs. Adams’s Boarding School had taught Penelope well.

Since Father was still a little weak from his asthma attack, he asked Dent if he would read the Christmas story. Dent, of course, was glad to do so. Once again, we were blessed to have one hundred percent of the Bradfords present for the Christmas festivities. Everyone enjoyed a fine family dinner prepared by Mattie, Betsy, Penelope, and Big Jim.

After dinner, we crowded into the large parlor where Christmas presents were handed out and opened. As I looked around the room, I wondered what was going to happen when my parents were no longer the nucleus of this family. My guess is these grand occasions would become a thing of the past. But right now, we are all together. We are building memories — memories that will be with us as long as we shall live.

I pray someday, if God blesses me with a family, we will build family traditions just as my parents have done.

Another tradition Father started after all the presents were opened was a time of sharing with everyone.

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