Memories of Le Merle by Don Robershaw

Le Merle is very special to me. When I was younger, she was the one that took care of me most often. We spent some time growing up together in what the family calls the shacks. That was a fun place to grow up. None of us ever realized that we were very poor. I remember picking blackberries with Le Merle and later having the best blackberry cobbler.

We moved from the shacks to the house on Bellevue mountain where Le Merle fell on some blocks and cut her leg - - leaving a big scar. Here Le Merle continued to give me the best of care. Mother would never let children stay inside the house on a sunny day. One time, she told Le Merle to take me outside. I was very sick at the time with a high fever. Le Merle kept telling Mom that I was sick and needed help. With her continued efforts, Mom relented and a doctor came to the house. It was a very close call. The doctor was able to get the fever under control.

This was also the place where we lived when Le Merle dated and married Jess Lunsford. This was a happy time for Le Merle and I was so glad I had a chance to be a part of this wonderful family.

I remember when Monty came along and how happy she was. Le Merle had enough confidence in me to let me baby sit Monty so her and Jess could go out. I remember when I exploded one of her kitchen pans. Monty was still in diapers and I was heating his bottle. I thought I had enough time to change his diaper while the bottle was warming up. The water boiled out of the pan and, then, the pan exploded sending pan, bottle and milk every where on the walls and the ceiling. Needless to say, this upset Monty and scared me. I did manage to get Monty another bottle and get him to sleep. I did clean up most of the mess. Le Merle didn't get upset or yell at me, like I expected. She just said she didn't like that pan anyway. Such a sweet sister.

I remember following her in Dad's new pickup when we moved to California.

As I grew older I did a lot of stupid things that I know no parent would understand. Le Merle would take me in and let me stay with her and her family. When I would explain the current problem, she would let me know that was not a way for a man to act. She never told on me, because she knew Mom would never understand.

She was my big sister, but always a friend. I loved her and I will miss her. I know she is in a better place with no pain. Jesus, now has a beautiful friend and the best big sister.