When I was 19 when my parents divorced and Dad moved to town, over 30 years ago. He gave Mom the farm and she lived there for a short time. She decided to sell the farm and also move to town... thus ending my childhood dream of one day bringing my children to our farm. I was heartbroken and for many years had no desire to go near our home.
Last week while I was in Cheyenne, I took a drive around town and to see my home. I finally had the courage to drive up the lane. I didn't know the people that live there now. I was a little nervous but thought, what's the worst thing that could happen? I could be met with a shotgun or they could just say no, you're not welcome!!
I got out of the car and saw Mary with her dogs. I said Hi and told her that this was my childhood home. She could not have been nicer to me. She invited me in for tea or coffee. I didn't feel sad, it was wonderful to see my home. So many memories came flooding back.
I asked Mary when I first arrived if she lives here with her husband. She said no, my "wasband" lives in Denver. Mary lives here with a friend, who is also divorced and they are both recovering alcoholics. It's a lot for two woman to take care of but she loves the farm. She offered to take me for a ride on her four-wheeler to see the horses!
Our home was originally the homestead of my Uncle Louie. He didn't like the farm life and moved to town. Dad and Mom moved here after they were married. Dad added on a living room and the garage. There were three bedrooms, one for Mom and Dad, one for my sister and me and one for my five brothers... and there was only one bathroom!
Mary was so proud to tell me that they put a big jacuzzi right in the front yard. You can see the pipe and stairs they built to get in it! I'm sure we would have had fun with that!
The white building next to the green one was our chicken coop. Well, Mary cleaned it up and it's now her sewing room! Yep, she's got her sewing machine in there and a wood burning stove. It's her little haven and she has boxes and boxes of fabric. She has made some beautiful quilts in the chicken coop!!
Mary was kind enough to let me take pictures. This was our living room and the fireplace that Dad built. One winter we were snowed in for three weeks without electricity. We took the mattress off our beds and slept by the fire. The fireplace kept us warm and Mom also cooked our meals in it. It was fun for the first week.
This was the bedroom that I shared with my sister, Roseanne. Mary's grandchildren sleep here when they come for visit. Needless to say, she has a lot of stuff!!
There it is my childhood home, in my heart it will always be mine. The ranch next to it is where my grandparents lived.
My cousin inherited the ranch. It has been a working ranch for over 100 years! I was blessed to live so close to my grandparents.
Dad planted so many trees, many of them have died but there are still of few chokecherry trees and lilac bushes. We made chokecherry jam and it was delicious!
This is my favorite picture. My brother Les and I would go through his gate to get to Grandma's house. We wore of path in the prairie from all the times we walked there. We spent every free minute with Grandma.
I drove away that day with a full heart. We didn't have much in a material sense but we always enough to eat and I always felt loved. I was taught to be kind and to work hard, for that I will always be grateful. I am thankful for the life I had at the little house on the prairie!
