I’m so old I remember walking home from grade school and stopping at the original
Whataburger stand on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi. The grill was up against the front window so I could lean against the walk-up railing on tip-toes and watch it being made to perfection. Big beefy patty piled high with shredded lettuce, thick juicy red tomatoes, pickles, and onions for 35-cents.
I was born into a world of war, World War II. I remember my mother joyfully calling out to me playing in the back yard, “The war is over! Uncle George is coming home!” I remember being aware of Dwight Eisenhower and tremendous respect for the American government and its leaders. I remember when politicians were statesmen, speechmakers, and heroes of the country.
I am so old I remember images on the wall of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary –of saving my allowance until I had three dollars to take the bus downtown (by myself) to Mrs. Ritter’s “Church Goods” store and buy a statue of St. Therese of Lisieux – of Latin Mass, incense, and scent of beeswax candles.
I am so old I remember doctors making house calls carrying little black leather satchels …. monkey blood . . . green ceramic dentists’ bowls to spit into . . . when it was unethical for doctors and lawyers to advertise . . . and my first gynecology visit to the Hymann, Heine, Moody & Moore doctors’ office (yes, really!)
I am so old I remember cloth diapers and Pet Milk formulas for my baby boys. I remember dressing up in suits and high heels for airplane flights. I remember Poll Tax, Texas Blue Laws and Hootenannies. I remember Hank Williams Sr, Hank Williams Jr, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson performing in local dance halls. I was there!
I am old enough to remember so many fun things. And I am old enough to forget what I don’t want to remember!
--Jan