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Summer 1961 Flowers in the gas tank; continues-

Debbie Reynolds March 1, 2020 Musings Comments (21)
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I put the flowers as far as I could get them into the gas tank of Mr. Norwood’s car, thinking at barley 6-years-old I was going a good thing. I then took Mr. Norwood his and told him I was sorry that I had acted out because I did not get dessert. He was such a kind man and said that was ok, just for me to be a nice little lady and when my Grandmother said no, it was no. A few days went by before Mr. Norwood set out for a drive to wherever I can not recall all the details.

I do remember the day my Mam and my Grandmother asked me if I did it and I said yes smiling with pride. I also remember Mama telling me that what I did messed up Mr. Noorwood’s car and that it had to go to the shop (car hospital) to be taken care of and that Mama and Daddy had to pay for it. I did not get a spanking but, the talk I got and the look I got from my Grandmother I think I would have rather had a spanking.

You know, you might be saying well where was your Grandmother while you were doing these things, it was 1961, much safer times and I was never ever out of sight. She was cooking for me Mama and daddy many days, washing dished by hand putting them away, doing laundry and bringing out the clothes to hang on the line and looking out at me often she just missed this but minutes I’m sure.

My Grandmother said you will need to stay very close to me, Debbie. Mama left and went to work and later that morning Grandmother said we were going to go with Mr. Norwood to the grocery store and have lunch if we had time. I thought oh no not Mr. Norwood! But, the whole day he did not mention it. I guess back then other folks just left that kind of stuff to the parents, I don’t know. I do remember Grandmother asking me after we had our lunch at my favorite restaurant if I wanted dessert? I said yes I do, please. While eating our desserts Mr. Norwood said, so Debbie, know you know that the only thing you can out in the cars gas tank is gasoline, right? I dropped my head and yes softly, yes, sir. He said I am not upset with you, but, if you had of got that gasoline in your eyes it would have really hurt. I know you were trying to help, but let’s not do that again ok. I said ok, knowing that I would never do it ever again.

We had our dessert and home we went the few groceries they got. When we got home I helped bring in the paper bags and Grandmother put me down for a nap. I could hear her putting them away in the kitchen next to the room where I slept. I also heard Mr. Norwood knock on the back door and them talking. He said ” we made it there and back the car is now running fine, bless her little heart she meant well, she just had no idea what it would do to the car and it could have been worse for her thank goodness she did not get gas on her. So, I thought the flowers were beautiful and that they would help the car to go and my Grandmother would not have to pay for gas. As I look back I have always tried to help others even as a small child right to this very day.

You know what, sometimes I still get myself into situations when trying to help others. It seems that in today’s world people want more, expect more, and what we sometimes do for a few is never enough. Times have surely changed from when I was 6 to 64 it is as if I lived in a totally different world. I think most all of you that grew up in my era would agree. I truly was an active child, teen, young adult, adult but, as a senior, my mind says yes but, my body says no.

Lesson learned, what you think is an easy fix for someone else is not always the case.

Love,

Debbie

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21 thoughts on “Summer 1961 Flowers in the gas tank; continues-”

  3. Mr. Norwood sounds a kind man who might just have had a little understanding of children try to help!😊 Your grandmother sounds like an amazing lady, too! We certainly grew up in a better time than now, Debbie!
    I love reading your short stories! You have a great memory, too! ❤️😊

    Reply

    1. Susan, I do have a great memory for back then but, as I have said I can not always remember what’s what in today’s world. True, funny how we can recall 50 years ago but no something that took place last week without thinking hard about it.
      Love,
      Debbie

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  4. You had me smiling, just anticipating another good story, before I even got to your blog! lol
    Those indeed were the GOOD OLD DAYS, back when parents/gandparents held their littles to accountability !
    No pushing the blame off on someone else each time!
    Two stories that stick out in my old mind now, #1. When I was small, probably 3-5, my two older sisters who were 4 and 7 years older than I, kept getting ME into trouble by doing mischievous things…When Mother would ask us 3, the older two would point and explain that I DID IT! So, I got a number of spankings!
    However, it didn’t take Mother long to catch the 2 sisters in the act, and when they blamed me again…they, well they, got the punishment for doing it, AND for lying! That put an end to that!
    #2. There was a small grocery store only 1 mile from our farm, where Mother got all of our groceries, and paid the tab once a month when the Creamery paid us for all of the milk the past month. (We also had a 1-2x a week bakery delivery for bread and other treats) Sounds complicated but was a simple and convenient way back in the 40’s & 50’s.
    One day, daddy took me to the store to get something quickly for mama. While daddy shopped I gazed at all of the penny candy right on my eye level. I even picked up some, and put back down.
    Not sure how, as I don’t remember that part…but 1 piece ended up in my pocket! It was cold out, so as I was feeding the dairy cows, in their stanchions, I stuck one cold hand into my pocket to get it warm. BUT, OH NO, …what was in there? HOW did that get in there? OH my goodness, I was so embarrassed and ran to my daddy to let him know what I had found, in MY pocket, no less! He shut off the two milking machine, and drove me back to the store in our old jalopy, where I explained , apologized and returned the candy that was worth 1 penny!
    A lesson well learned, and told many many times to our kids, grandkids and others. Yes, those were the good old days, when we were held responsible for our actions!…..And understood the 10 commandments.
    P.S. Did I ever tell you about a neighbor boy that was always bullying me as we walked the mile to school and back each day?

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  7. I love your stories and that you’re able to put so much detail in them !!! It sounds like such a magical time.
    I really wish I had that strong of a memory, especially for such details ! Thanks so much for sharing your life with all of us 😍

    Love you,

    LeeAnne

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  8. Thank you so much. This was the same era I grew up in; times have sure changed. Thankful for the upbringing I had, similar to yours. God bless you as you share your life with others

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  9. Love your stories, and glad this one had a happy ending! 😊 So glad you have so many wonderful memories of time spent with your grandmother and the dear people in the neighborhood that had a part in making you the caring person you are today!

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  10. What a charming lesson learned memory, thank you for sharing. It made me go back to a time of my own lesson learned with my grandmother and a dozen eggs. As a child when you realize you’ve done something so wrong with good intentions and no matter the commotion it is a wonderful feeling to have the love of a grandmother who makes sure you know it’s ok.

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  11. I loved the whole story and you being honest and trying to help others. You have wonderful memories of your grandmother and mom. I’m sure they were proud of you even during your shenanigans. Life indeed was so different back then, I’m older than you and remember things so well. Thank you for sharing your memories and thoughts with us. ❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

    Reply

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