One of Nana's fondest memories of that trip was seeing the Texas Bluebonnets splashed across the fields outside her train window. On one of our recent morning conversations, she re-lived that memory.
"I was only nineteen years old. I'd never been away from home."
Even she seemed in awe of the courage of her young adult self. Although I've heard her Austin story many times, I never tire of it. I can't imagine how she mustered the gumption to make that trip alone. Not only leaving her family in backwoods Elimsport, but traveling solo across the country. During those three days she had to change trains several times in new places, counting on the help of strangers to find her way. All the while, she had no idea what lay ahead for her in the city of Austin. And yet, even at 92, that trip is still one of her fondest memories. I heard sadness in her voice as she reminisced.
"I did all that for him (Daddy) and look how he treated me."
It's true. Looking back, Nana made a monumental sacrifice. And yet, the time she spent living in Austin, Texas, turned out to be the best memory of her 25 year marriage to Daddy. I've often wondered, was it the World War II combat time in Italy that changed her handsome soldier into an alcoholic adulterer? Or, was he not as he seemed when she fell in love with him at Holmes Dance Hall? Although we'll never know that, I encouraged Nana to look at the bright side.
"But, through all that, you got four great kids. And you got the chance to see Austin." I said.
"Yes, that's true and I even got to see San Antonio. I took the bus there because I wanted to see the Alamo. In fact, I went twice - by myself." She said. "Oh, yes. I couldn't leave Texas without seeing the Alamo."
"I'm so glad I got the chance to visit those places with you in 1999. Remember, you and I even went back again the next year!" Those trips are some of my fondest memories.
"I wish I could go back again. But I probably can't." She sighed with a wistful sadness in her voice.
"Maybe you can. If you eat and get strong, there's no reason we can't take another trip there."
I truly believe she could go again. The courage of that nineteen year old girl still lives in Nana's 92 year old body. I know it.
I would love to take her back one more time. To see Austin, to see San Antonio, to see the Alamo and to see the fields of Bluebonnets in April.
 | |
| Field of Texas Bluebonnets |
The Alamo, San Antonio Texas
Nana and Diane March 2000
