“Words” by me
Banned BooksI would like to begin with a quote by the award winning Sherman Alexie, a Native American novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, and filmmaker: “I believe in any kid’s ability to read any book and form their own judgments. It’s the job of a parent to guide his/her child through the reading of… Read More Banned Books
Call or Text orWe strive to provide better,For the offshoots of our loins.Better education,Better life experiences,And adventures untold.My life has been blessed,With five of the female persuasion,.And one fine son inlaw.All living their dreams.Expanding their lives.But sadly in the dust,I oft feel left behind.Scrambling to get an update,Yearning for a tale or two.Oh, don’t forget… Read More Call or Text or
AcceptanceDefine this term, acceptance.Explain its necessity.The lack of it maims my existence.I try to smile.I struggle to fit in.The Wall Flower in me,Battles against my efforts.Exhibit to the world,My kind heart and caring disposition.It all leads to nothing.There is no giving back.The days are long.The nights are longer.For I find no acceptance.No friendship.No love.No outreach.Nothing.Roy… Read More Acceptance
This is my favorite picture of my Dad. I am guessing it was made in the late 1920’s. Dad was a good man, full of humor; he provided for his family and helped others in need. It wasn’t until after his death that we heard rumors of his “sorted” past. While none of the items… Read More My Dad (Punk)
EARL’S COUSINSGrowing up we visited and heard a lot about Dad’s cousins. I never thought too much about it till recently and then could not make heads or tails of the various people.Culbertson, Dorris, Lane, Julius, Peck and more! Who are these people? How do they fit in and how are we related?It became apparent… Read More EARL’S COUSINS
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FINDMy sister Sula was an avid genealogist. She spent hours in the musty basements of courthouses looking for clues of our heritage. She sparked my interest in the fact finding and desire of answering the gene questions. But I must admit I do most of my searching online.While filling… Read More YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND
As you work on the Richard family history, one fact continues to pop up. As they travel across the United States, the Duckworth family traveled with them. Virginia, Illinois, Missouri and Michigan all find the Richard clan living in close proximity to the Duckworths.Are we related? You would think that some budding romance between the… Read More The Warrens and the Duckworths
Family In the greater scope of things, is your clan weird?Mine won’t win any prizes, they’ve proven their true worth.My dad was a “dirty old man”.My mom a “gold digging hussy”.Or so the respective “Families” said. I have always felt disowned by my blood,We were rarely included, given a thoughtIn celebrations and fun.They all could… Read More Family
Nan Marie Edmonds-Richard (1933-1978) You went away,Leaving me alone.Exposing a hole,I could not fill. I felt the vast emptiness,A chasm I could not cross.Days filled with helplessness,And long nights of restlessness. On a cold snowy January night,I lay in the snow, full of hurt and broken might.Wishing for an end to this madness,Or for your… Read More You Went Away
My dad, Earl Richard, had a half-brother named Homer Warren from his mother’s first marriage.Homer was born March 5, 1897 in Stoddard County, Missouri. He died on January 24, 1925 in Williamson County, Illinois.Earl had gone to live with Homer, who was living in Herrin Illinois and working as a miner in the summer of… Read More Homer Warren
Ramblings of an Old Coot 