A God Blessed Child

Margueritte continued her attendance in church. Along with some of her schoolmates, Margueritte enthusiastically served her God and church. She did choir recitals, was a secretary for Sunday school, worked with the youth group, and helped with both Christmas and Easter programs. Once, she was selected to do the part of Mary, for the Christmas play. She was back in her world, a culture that she trusted so much. Margueritte looked forward to finishing the eighth grade and, afterwards, staying home for the traditional summer vacation. Yet, Margueritte’s tranquil life was seriously startled when her Mom received another saddening telephone call. The call had come from a town in Georgia. A relative was telling her that Margueritte’s brother, Henry, had suffered from a gun shot wound and had died. No one could possibly imagine the idea of rushing to visit your sister and brother, but able only to attend the brother’s funeral. Such a tragedy took an awful lot of energy away from Margueritte’s inner peace and patience. Such a misfortune would be difficult for even older folks to comprehend. Again, how many knowledgeable persons even tried to imagine the thoughts of a young adolescent girl, living in the southern states, of the United States of America in the late 1930’s. Now, there was her brother whom she would never get to know. The official report had indicated that Henry and his friend had gone into the woods to hunt. They had gone off to hunt many times before. Unfortunately, their playful behaviors caused them to make a terrible choice. They had decided to wrestle. The weapon that they used was a double-barreled shotgun. It was told that the weapon was carelessly placed next to a tree. Their falling against the tree caused the gun to fire. Margueritte’s brother, Henry, was struck in the chest. The rounds penetrated his thoracic cavity. The wound stopped Henry’s heart. (The “mystery” within Henry’s life and death would surely affect Margueritte, her family, and her future generations.) When Margueritte and her Mom arrived, they were led into their relative’s home. Henry’s overalls were hanging on the door, illustrating the tearing holes and dark blood, where the metal balls had pierced his heart. The funeral was held in a small church in a wood. The hearse was an open wagon. Horses were pulling it. It was high off the ground, with black curtains around it, like a stagecoach. It was a traditional funeral. Prayers were said but, in Margueritte’s heart and mind, there would be an absence. She would always miss her dear, absent brother. Once the funeral had concluded, Margueritte, with her family and their friends, continued their procession, returning to Henry’s house. Turning away from the day’s sorrowful mood, Margueritte took time to visit with her older sister, Nell. Time and distance had separated them, but blood is thicker than water. Eventually, Margueritte begins to offer her sister some soup while she rested in bed. She had been consumed by the pain of her brother’s death and was not able to attend the funeral. Suddenly, Mom Elsie rushed into the room. She began to tell Margueritte that it was time for them to return home. Margueritte did not know the reason why she was being rushed away from her sister. They had just begun to be acquainted, laughing and talking as sisters can only do! Not until they were home, did Margueritte find the real reason for their sudden departure. It seemed that Aunt Mary, Nell’s and Henry’s guardian, was talking about having Margueritte stay with them, which any one could correctly guess, was a big “No, no!”