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In the early 1940s my Uncle Dennis married Draxie, a girl from a neighboring farm, and brought
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The farm was owned by my grandfather,who was ailing by that time, and my uncle worked it in anticipation of someday inheriting. The farmhouse
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From the beginning of her marriage my Aunt Draxie was always the second woman in the household. Although my grandmother
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So, the years went by. My aunt reared two sweet and gentle sons, who to this day honor and respect their mother. This was one of Aunt Draxie's most telling achievements because in the mountain culture sons are catered to by the women of the family. My grandparents died in the 1960s, followed very soon by my uncle. After all these years my aunt was finally on her own. Had she not done such a good job in rearing her sons, her life would have continued to be miserable because the farm was deeded to her sons, not to Aunt Draxie. However, her sons moved quickly to protect their mother by giving her control of the farm so long as she lives.
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In this photo my Aunt Draxie is in her early 80s. She still lives alone on the family farm. Her life is a daily rhythm of work and discipline--but of her own choosing. She raises a huge garden, putting by much of what she raises for the winter. She keeps her home with little help from modern conveniences. In the winter she makes beautiful quilts. No days are idle. She has the pleasure of welcoming new daughters-in-law in the family and treats them and her grandchildren with great love and affection. If only she had received the same treatment as a young woman. I often think that the greatest compliment that could be paid me is to say that I'm like my Aunt Draxie--she truly is my Super Hero.
Now take some time to check out other Fun Monday heroes. Go to Kitten's Place for the list.
(Photo credit: Kentucky postcard "Rural Kentucky" by Dan Dry)
22 comments:
Wow, what a woman to look up to me! I understand why she is one of your heroes....
And my Mom should not not read my blog...BUT i'm printing this in a separate article with the song, I will give it to her on Mother's Day!
Have a nice week!!!
Aunt Draxie is not just a hero! She is a pure Saint! God bless her! May her remaining years bring her joy and happiness, she sure deserves it!
Faye, your post brought tears to my eyes...she is a true hero and an inspiration to all women....thank you so much for sharing your Aunt Draxie with us.
What an amazing woman. And an admirable hero. Thanks for sharing her story.
This story can tear a heart out knowing what women of her time went through, yet still it can also melt a heart because she withstood all the trials in life and still lives proudly.
Great tribute.
My F M is shared.
I think that we have very little concept of what some women had to go through, because of the time or other strong-willed family.
What a star your aunt was to see it through. A weaker person would have broken.
What an incredible hero. I find it sobering trying to consider what others have been able to live thorugh during the course of their lives.
What a fabulous woman Aunt Draxie is! Not that I could even remotely compare my life to what it sounds like she had to endure, but I was also married to a man who never stood up for me to his mother who had her say about everything we did in our lives. It's not an easy thing to deal with.
I hope Aunt Draxie continues to grow her gardens and sew her quilts with much joy and happiness.
Beautiful! Just really wonderful! I didn't realize how much tissue I would need for today. Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful post about your aunt. She sounds like a truly amazing woman. Your post made me a bit misty.
Our Happy Happenings
OHH my!1 I once said to my Grandma the good ole days and she disagreed with me!! She said thats how the young folk see it not I!! how true...I feeel For Your Aunt what a truly special lady!!
An amazing woman! And she obviously had great fortitude to deal with such a mother-in-law and still remain as sweet as she did!
Your Aunt Draxie sounds like a special lady. I'm so glad she got to be her own person and was rewarded for the care she gave her sons. Wonderful story.
beautiful! just beautiful!
What a woman! I like that she continued to live a disciplined life by her own choosing. Great Fun Monday post!
Jen
It hard to envision how hard life was and not to have joy or appreciation could break you sprit. Yet you aunt not only survived she thrived and able to raise to good sons, we see where you get your strength of character.
What a wondeful post! I wish I could meet her. I bet she has some great stories to tell.
And what a superhero she is! Thanks for sharing.
nikki
What a wonderful woman your Aunt Draxie is (and what a beautiful name!)
I love that you've written this and made her story known. I should imagine there's an awful lot more you could write Faye? Maybe this is one of your future projects?
Can you imagine her inner strength.
What an amazing woman your Aunt Draxie is. I was fascinated by her story and her strength of character.
It's heart-warming to know that her sons looked after her in the end too.
Is she on your mother's or your father's side, Faye?
Your blog tells me there's a whole book in your future.
And I'm still amazed that after 30+ years how much I still don't know...
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