Baileigh playing with Mia

Robin says she is trying to build up her endurance but overdoing is actually doing more harm than good, because tonight she asked me to type her blog as she is too tired to even think.  I think more rest is the best way for her to build up her endurance.  We went to Phil and Lana's home for dinner.  Also their were Lana's mom, Vickie and her puppy Mia, and Todd, Greg, Amanda and our Great Granddaughter, Baileigh.  She wanted to share this warm hearted story, but it is a little long to put into one blog, so I'll split it up into three, so you'll have to stay tuned.

"Call Him Buck, Angel of the Coal Train"
       written by: Douglas Scott Clark, Maryville, TN
 The winter of 1948 was very difficult for our family of eight living in Knoxville, Tennessee.  We moved from the mountains to the city so Dad could work in a plant.  Unfortunately, Dad became ill and was soon out of a job, and our mother took in laundry to help out.
I was only 8 years old and my younger brother Buddy Earl was 7, but I remember that winter as if it was yesterday.  After school it was our responsibility to gather coal that fell from the coal cars along the railroad tracks near our home.  When the train slowed down for the crossing, we ran alongside the engine waving at the engineer and fireman.  After the train passed, we gathered up the fallen coal.
One day, there was a wreck at the crossing and the train was stopped for a short time.  My brother and I were digging around in the snow when the fireman came to the window of the engine cab and shouted to us:
"Why are you boys digging in the snow?  Are you looking for gold?  He laughed.
"No, sir," I replied, blowing on my hands to warm them up.  "We are finding coal."
"Why doesn't your daddy buy coal so you can stay away from the trains that pass through here?  It's mighty dangerous for two little kids to be running these tracks."
"Our daddy is awful sick and we ain't got any money to buy food, much less coal," I answered.

to be continued tomorrow.

I want you all to know how much I appreciate all your support you have given Robin thru this adventure. Thank-you.