Here are Lawrence's stories

WHEN MAMA DIED

My parents were John Hylick and Ella May Brantley. When my mama died, she was pregnant. I didn't know this until later years because people didn't talk to children about that kind of thing then. I remember my brother and I was standing on the side of the house. A man by the name of Joe Mo came in the ambulance and got my mama. Little old kids … all we know is you got my mama! 

I remember mama was laying down. The lady next door was Leslie Reed. Mama raised her head and said, “Leslie, take care of my children.” Why she was saying that and why she was going away, I didn't know. Miss Leslie started crying, because apparently, she know that my mama was having a hard time. Mamma did not make it. She died in childbirth in ‘49.

Daddy needed help to get back on his feet. I stayed with one of my grands. A lady not too far from where we live named Rose took my baby sister and my other little brother. I had an older brother (he was 11) lived in St. Louis. So now, Daddy didn't have to wait on us. He took all his time to farm. 

SWEET TALKER...
Daddy went to complaining about he needs a woman to help raise these children, to bring 'em back together. He found this lady in Sasser, Mary Elizabeth Nailer. She was about 16 at that time. She was divorced and had one child, two years old. She was living with her grandmama – Lucy Wickerson. 

Daddy went down to see her a few times. He got to know her and wanted to bring her home. Miss Lucy didn't want to do that. She was afraid, said, “If you do, I won't have nobody down here”. Daddy didn't want to accept that, but he knew she needed protection. He was a sweet talker. He said, “Miss Lucy, you don't have to worry. Just trust me.” 

Now, Daddy trained hunting dogs. He had a bird dog, Spot. He was white and brown. so, he left the dog down there for security for her. So, Mary came to our house to work for daddy, taking care of the house and the children.

Later they got married. We growed up and got to be a big family. One time we was at the house and Mary’s mama from Philadelphia come down to see us. Grandmama started telling these jokes. She said, “Mary, you the only woman that got traded for a dog!” We all laughed about it, but it kind of hurt my mama. She was struggling trying to help somebody else and “got traded for a dog”. 

But it all worked out. She stayed here until she passed away in 2004.

POEM BY  Kimera G, Poet, Dawon H.S.

Mama Died.

Mama, oh Mama, I wonder what’s going on.

So much commotion

Did something go wrong?

Mama, oh Mama, I see you lying down.

What the matter?

Why does Ms. Reed’s face have a frown.

Mama, are you sick? What’s hurting 

You today? Why are they taking you?

Why can’t you stay?

I don’t understand, will you be gone long?

They put you in that truck.

I’m scared, come back Mom. 

Where will we go? 

How will we live?

Mama, oh Mama, 

I will see you next time.

ALMOST ELECTROCUTED ....

Mama complained about washing clothes with a washboard. So, Daddy went and bought a washing machine. These washing machines had rollers [to squeeze water out of the clothes]. He was trying to please her. This was in the ‘50s and I thought we were high stuff! 

So, Daddy had to run some electricity outside to the washing machine. He had an electric cord, and it had some damage and some raw wires in it. I didn't know what a raw wire was! And daddy already done told us ‘Y’all don’t touch it, It’s a raw wire there.” 

What is a raw wire? In my mind, well mommy and daddy ain't around. I'm going to find out what a raw wire was. I try to knock this cord down, and I miss. “Well,” I said, “obviously I didn't get back far enough. I can't get to enough speed. Where I can go up and get a little bit higher?” 

I'm determined to pull this cord down. So, I got me a running start. When I jumped and grabbed that wire, I grabbed the wrong place. It had me jumping and shaking and shaking. I couldn't turn it loose! I don't remember turning it loose that day, but I turned it loose, some kind of way. And I said, “That's what daddy meant by a raw wire! I liked to got electrocuted because of that!” I never did forget that. I didn't try to fool with a raw wire again, that's the God’s truth! 

Well, we did a lot of things your parents told you not to do! Some things you got away with, but it wasn't many. That's right. If they got on you, you didn't do it no more!