I don't know how I got through that first terrible summer and know I was not the support I should have been to Otis and Neural in their loss of a loved father. Many times I went to my bedroom on my Knees in the Agony of prayer.
Every time I went to town I went by the Cemetery with some flowers or just to weep.
I am afraid that is where the twins caught colds that went into Pneumonia and was part of the cause of the death of Our Baby Don. We went to Sunday Services December 1 at Bloomington. That evening Don was sick and I felt I should give him an Enema. Then he seemed much better and I didn't go ahead. He was feverish and Crying for a drink in the Night. The Next day I called my Nurse friend Mrs. Redford and then the Doctor. As soon as He came I told him David had a Bowel Movement the day before but Donald did not. The Doctor just shrugged and said "Oh, we don't pay any attention to that. It doesn't make any difference."
I am sure it does make a difference and I have suffered Much these Many years because I didn't go ahead and give Donald an enema that Sunday night.
The Doctor treated both for Pneumonia. I stayed with them and read or told them stories as they lay in the big Crib Covered with a sheet and with Medicine being burnt and blown into their Crib. The Pneumonia cleared up quickly Monday and Tuesday, but Wednesday Donald was worse. When I came in from helping with Chores I found a boiler of water on to heat as they were afraid Donald was going into Convulsions.
He laid quiet as long as I stayed by his side soothing him. The Doctor left saying it was hopeless; there was nothing more he could do. About 3:00 P.M. Donald quietly died. The Doctor said Mengel Complications came up from his Bowel and struck his Heart. December 4, 1935 - My Father's Birthday.
In my Prayers I had said I could stand it if only I could know Donald and Earl were together, and as I lay on the bed near my "Angel Baby," I was blessed with a Vision of Earl and Donald looking at each other and smiling.
Then My Cousin Earl Parry Came and shook me, saying "No! Nellie, we Cannot spare you too." I have wondered why he did that - did I look so near death as I beheld that vision?
Little David recovered but was lost for a while without his twin. He would set beside the toy box and act as though he didn't Know how to play alone. I had kept flowers in a vase beside Daddy's picture. One day I found him up on a chair trying to put some wandering Jew beside Don's side of their twin pictures. After that I kept a vase with a flower beside Don's Picture too.
It was such a sad time and Christmas was coming up. I do Not remember what I did for Otis and Neural but I remember that each bought Material for a new dress for me, a red and white Plaid and a Lavender and white Paisley Print. Beautiful new dresses. I got the Red and White Plaid made and wore it to the Golden Wedding.