#218 How did it begin? More of Jane's Story

I can only imagine about the early life of the person, named Jane, who is my mother. From what she says, hers was not a happy childhood.

So, how did it begin?

How her father, Jack, met her mother, Mary, she is not sure. What she does remember is her father’s motivation. Jack wanted to own his own business. He wanted to open a candy store. Mary’s father, while not a millionaire, had money and was willing to invest in the store. Jack would have been better off had he focused on what he loved to do, work with numbers. The store was bust and Jack had to find other work. This time he followed his skills and became an auditor for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This was a job that kept him on the road. His having to travel had an integral effect on how Jane developed.

I suspect she was unplanned. I do know that her family lived with her maternal grandparents in a three-story duplex in Carlisle, PA. She was born in July, 1913.

Her grandfather had sufficient resources to have a home and one or two servants. Jane was raised by nannies. She was given a room of her own on the third floor. It was quite a distance from the first to the third floor, particularly for a five year old. When Jack was out of town, Jane spent most of her time outside or in her room. Neither her mother nor her grandmother wanted much to do with her. Her mother was more interested in playing the piano, something she did very well. Mary was apparently not prepared to be a mother. From what Jane tells me, Mary did not know how to show love to her daughter. There was a saying at that time – “Children should be seen and not heard, and not seen very often.” Jane learned how to stay out of sight, however, she did learn to defend herself verbally, and when necessary, physically. By her own account, Jane was a tomboy.

She idolized her father. Jack was her one ally and supporter. He was a fair man and would hold her accountable for her actions. He would also encourage her to explore the world of books. She also encouraged us to read. It is sad that she can no longer read. Her eyesight has failed her. However, she does "watch" TV. A lot.

This is just one of the stories she told me when I visited her earlier this year. I will post more of them in the future.

#218