The Rest of the Story

Do you have a guardian angel? I do. I actually have several of them, but there's one in particular who I am certain would go through hell and fire to protect me and my family. Why? Because she has protected her "own" in the past, and I'm so lucky to be one of her "own". Let me introduce her by sharing this old newspaper article.

Copied from the Avoca Journal Herald - January, 1923 - one hundred years ago this month.

You see, Ernest and Bertha Holtz were my grandparents, and yes, on January 18, 1923, their home burnt to the ground. Like most folks from that era, I find their bravery and resilience quite astounding, and my grandmother's actions simply amazing.

And so now -the rest of the story.

January 18, 1923. Ernest, a young, hardworking, 35-year-old farmer, was working in the field, while his 28-year-old wife, Bertha, was tending to their home and seven children. Bertha had already birthed 8 babies, but unfortunately, baby Alice was deceased at age one in 1918. Times were hard, and life was anything but easy out on the farm.

The Holtz children were quite a crew. At that time, they included 9-year-old Ethel, 8-year-old Edwin (he had just turned 8, four days prior), 3-year-old twins Marvin and Mervin, and 13-month-old triplets Darlene, Verlene, and Laverne. Yep! It was quite a houseful, and to top it off, my grandma was also 4 months pregnant with my dad, Ike.

Can you imagine? Living in the country as a young 28-year-old farm wife, with 7 kids and expecting the 8th? The modern conveniences we have today were non-existent. I can only guess that there were clothes on the line, food cooking on the old cook stove, and two kids bawling when a burning ember breaks loose from the chimney and starts a fire!  Oh my!  What would you do? Your hubby's in the field and there's no help to be found.  I don't think I could comprehend or move fast enough!

However, my grandma, being quick headed and speared with courage, threw all the babies in a blanket, grabbed the corners, corralled the older children, and rushed them all to safety. Wow! No fear there! My grandma saved the family!

But it didn't end there.  Soon other heroes arrived, starting with the Avoca Fire Department, followed by numerous members of the Avoca community - each bringing clothing, food, and any necessity imaginable. Just think about it. These people had very little to support their own families, yet they all showed up in unison to support a family in need! How amazing is that? You know, I'm not surprised. I'm sure Avocans would react the same way today. Avocans have a true sense of community - always supporting one another and never leaving anyone behind.

So, to make a long story short, during the next year, the kids were farmed out to live with aunts and uncles. My grandfather, Ernest, lived in a (get this) CHICKEN COOP while he and a farmhand rebuilt the family home. And my grandma? Well, among all the hard work of cleaning, building, preparing meals, and checking in on her children, she gave birth to my dad, Ike! Thanks Grandma! I'm alive because of you!

So, like I said, I know there's a guardian angel on my shoulder. And you can bet there's one on your shoulder too!  We all know that whatever will be, will be - but hey - with grandma at the helm - there's nothing we can't face!  Thank you, Grandma, for your resilience, fortitude, and never say never attitude.  You are truly my Superhero!    

So now you know the rest of the story!