#303 Dad, Uncle Lee and the Duck-Another Jane Tale

Imagine a home where adults were the primary residents. Further, imagine a family that consisted of Grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, an adult uncle and a small, sickly, red-headed girl. Consider that the father was the one adult who did more than merely tolerate the girl. Further, consider the home which presented itself as a very Christian place. Outlandish behaviors were inexcusable. Perish the thought that someone might say darn, much less damn. And woebetide the person who had too much to drink.

With that in mind, take into consideration an evening when father and Uncle Lee went to the Elk’s club for a libation. As they were wont to do, one drink led to another and before long it was time to stagger home. It was 0400 (4AM) or so.

Somewhere along the way they acquired a duck. They managed to put a string around the duck’s neck. The guys came stumbling noisily into the house. The duck was adding its own brand of sounds to the cacophony. Grandmother C. told them to quiet down, go to bed and she would talk to them in the morning.

The next morning there was a loud exclamation from a very pious grandmother, “Jack, Lee, come get your God-damned duck out of the bath tub.” Grandmother C. never swore nor tolerated those who did.

How could she be so upset? The guys did provide a place for the duck to rest. Jane tells this story with great relish. Anything that would add a little excitement to the household was pleasurable to her. I suppose there was a degree of “gotcha” in her remembrance.

#303