After Mona's marriage, from 1956 to 1960, I was the "right hand man." (George helped when he could, but had his own family to take care of), and a teenage girl can only do so much! We all worked hard, played very little, but it never seemed to be enough. For several years in the early spring both Mom and Dad worked in the local potato cellars sorting potatoes for the spring planting. He bought more milk cows and milking machines and had a good business, selling raw milk ($1.00 a gallon) for several years. They did everything possible to bring in extra money to survive the long winters. I’ve heard a trite saying, “If one works hard, he will be lucky.” That didn’t happen with my Dad; no matter how hard he worked he again found himself in debt, and he had to make some changes.
I graduated from high school in May 1960, started Beauty School in June. That left Daddy without a “right hand man”, plus he was totally worn out! It was time to sell.
A buyer was found, equipment auctioned off, debts paid. A new place to live was built on a knoll overlooking the valley and Jug Handle Mountain. It looked like Daddy’s luck might change. He could work odd jobs that would bring in enough money for them to live a simple life. Maybe travel a little, enjoy grandchildren, and even have time to go fishing. It would be like retirement but he could still keep busy.
Not long after that, a routine gall bladder surgery for continual digestive problems turned into a life sentence. In October of 1960, Daddy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given six months to a year to live.
My parents made the most of the time they had left together. That fall and winter they worked making the new home more comfortable for Mom. It was not the log home Mom had always dreamed of, but a large single wide trailer on a basement, with room for grown children and grandchildren to visit…Daddy felt good enough (pain was kept down with medication) in early spring, so they signed on with a fishing charter on the salmon river out of Riggins, Idaho. Mom would cook for the guests and Daddy would help her in the kitchen and also help the guide with the guests. It was a wonderful time for them, more like a vacation than a job.
In March of 1961, I finished beauty school and returned home to make preparations for my June wedding. to be continued...Hugs To All...OWAV:)
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