“I remember many years ago when I was a small boy about 9 years old, on the fifth day of January (1939) that it rained and rained until the creeks and rivers were out of their banks. There was a couple who were expecting a child and the time of delivery came during the night of January 5th. The father borrowed a mule from a neighbor and set out about dark. He had to go about 15 miles [in] the dark across the hill and up a long creek to get a midwife. There were no roads then except the creek beds. The flood made it a long, dangerous trip, but the brave father did not fear the high waters because the long awaited time had arrived when a new baby would be added to the family, which already numbered six children, but the one who was to arrive this flood-filled night was something special.
The mother worried through [the] night with a neighbor who came to stay with her while the father was gone. They could not help but wonder if the father and the midwife would arrive in time. After about four hours – -10:00, 11:00, 12:00 midnight, no father, no midwife. If they didn’t arrive soon it would be too late!
But the rain and flood was no match for the determination of the father and the midwife. They braved the water and rode double on the mule, the midwife behind the father. They arrived around 1:00 a.m. . . . to the relief of everyone. The midwife made ready everything and began the awaited time. At 4:00 p.m. on January 6, 1939, a bouncing baby girl was delivered by the midwife whose name was Mallie Caucy from the head of the long flooded waters of Coon Creek. The baby girl was named Jewel, who now must be about 39.
Happy Birthday. Story of your birth January 6, 1978. Love Vance”
*submitted by Gail*
