Anna's Story
page 35
pages 36
The big house was soon filled with college boys, renting rooms. In the summer, she worked in her garden, raising beautiful flowers as well as vegetables. Life was calm. She was happy but there were moments when she was lonely for her family.
Most of the family settled in the Los Angeles area. The girls were pressing their mother to move near them; to get away from the cold Montana winters and enjoy the mild California climate. It didn't take much persuasion. She sold her Missoula home and went to live with her youngest daughter, Helen and her family. Life was enjoyable living near so many of her children and grandchildren. She made friends with the people from Church and continued going to daily Mass. She was so happy here.
Then tragedy struck again. Her daughter Marge died. She hadn't been feeling well for several years, but rarely complained, so no one realized her illness was serious. She died suddenly. Again, another part was taken from Anna. How many of her family had she buried and mourned? How could she continue with so much grief?
A few years later, it was her turn to be taken care of after she suffered a slight stroke. Her right side was affected, and for a short while, she could not speak or move. After days and nights of constant, devoted, care and attention from her two daughters, Helen and Paula, she slowly regained halting speech and mobility. Months later, she could speak quite well again and walk slowly with the aid of a cane. Her right arm however, has never regained it's strength.
She has undergone successful cataract surgery in both eyes, but the years have taken their toll. She can no longer see well enough to read, but still enjoys and laughs at her favorite television program, "I Love Lucy".
Her life spans more than years - it spans countless modern miracles. The greatest wonder to her was watching a man walk on the moon.
Instead of going by horse and buggy, she can fly and watch the clouds below. Instead of washing and filling a coal oil lamp, she can flood a room with light by flicking a switch. She can flush a toilet instead of trudging to an outhouse in inclement weather. Cooking with gas has replaced chopping and carrying in wood. She can fill a room with music by turning on a radio. All the inventions of the last century that her grandchildren and great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren take for granted, fill her with awe, and she remember to thank God for the privilege of having lived during these wondrous times.