Wheee!

Calvin (about a week old) and Saffron when things were a lot more quiet

This morning I was watching the cat run in horror and jump the baby gate like an Olympic hurdler as Calvin was running behind her giggling and squealing. While this scene was completely hilarious and still makes me smile thinking about it, something in the back of my mind was nagging at me. About 5 minutes later I figured it out. Once upon a time, I was the cat. And my Uncle Joey with his yellow RC car was Calvin. I'll never forget the story that my great Aunt Jeanie and my Momma used to tell.

First, you may need a little back story. I was born in Pennsylvania and lived there for the first 18 months of my life. We lived with my grandparents for a while, then moved into a tiny apartment over a restaurant in downtown Waynesboro. Even then, we were over at the farm a lot. I was the first grandchild, my parents were very young when I was born, and Momma's siblings all still lived at home at the time. For a while my Uncle Joey, Momma's younger brother, didn't really know what to think about me; he didn't have much experience with babies. But apparently, when I started walking, he figured out what I was good for. I was good for chasing.

One fairly quiet day, everyone was going about their business. They were probably getting food ready. Anyway, all of a sudden this scream could be heard throughout my grandparent's entire farm house. Then they said they got a quick glimpse at me running through the room (I was running for my life!). Right behind me was an RC car being controlled by my Uncle Joey who was bringing up the rear giggly like a mad scientist. At least, that's how I remember the story.

That stupid car is still around, too. To this day I often have not-so-nice dreams about being chased by yellow cars. Now I know how Saffron must feel.

Elle

PS It's may not be the most interesting story, but I'm not the best story-teller in the world. I'm hoping to learn that skill as I get older. My great Aunt Jeanie and my Grandma Hinson were the best story tellers in the world. I miss them both so much and I love being reminded of them through the stories they told.