Syd dropped her dusting cloth and looked at her precocious child. And so it began and they became entertainers.
They had been a hit and now several years later, with her own traveling dance band, Syd stood on stage looking confident and beautiful, but falling apart inside.
It was foolish to come home to play for this dance, just in case he'd be here, she worried. I got my answer years ago when he left me, pregnant and alone. However, later in the evening, her eyes met the stare of her lost love.
Merry D's song ended, and she ran off the stage after taking her bow as the dancers applauded and cheered, then it was time for intermission. The band members put their instruments down and left the stage and Syd stood alone. In her white outfit, Western boots and hat, perfect fitting pants, a spangled shirt adorned her slim figure. Which matched her traveling bus parked right outside.
The man in a gray suit and hat approached the stage, then stood silently searching her face. Finally in a angusished whisper he asked, "She's my daughter isn't she?"
"Yes, Miles, she is." Sydney answered warily.
"Syd," he exclaimed. "I never knew!" "I never knew," he repeated sadly. "I left here years ago after an agrument with my folks. This is the first I've been back here and now they're gone."
Syd stood there, her heart in shambles.
He went on, "I was going through some old papers of theirs and found your letters. I know they would have sent them to me, but I never wrote to them to let them know where I was."
Her heart pounded out of control. Should and could she believe him?
"Is there a chance Syd? I've waited hoping I could find you someday. Somehow."
Maybe, she thought.
"I bought my own farm in North Dakota. It would be perfect for our daughter to grow up there," he continued hopefully.
After the doubts and uncertainties subsided, Sydney Joyce smiled. He hadn't known and hadn't meant to hurt her by disappearing. She stepped off the stage and they embraced.
Finally after all these years, her mission had been accomplished and Merry'D had found her very own daddy.
-Lyn Miller Lacoursiere
circa (1995)
Some of this was told to me by my mom, then too, some could have been my own fabrications after reading her forebiden "True Story" magizines.
Follow the adventures of Lindy Lewis from the day her house burns....
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Friday, October 4, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
Home Again (7)
Aunt Rose didn't move and Syd could see it wasn't any use. She had apparently died in her sleep, but with a smile on her face and in her elegant nightgown. Syd painfully arranged the covers and lace sheet around her aunt and sat with her daughter clutched in her lap. She sat in shock for a long time and the little girl quietly hugged her mother. This lovely woman whom she had grown to love like her own mother, was gone. A vast emptness crept into Syneys heart.
After a while, she bundled Merry D against the cold winter and went next door to her neighbor, Mrs. Larsen.
"Sydney, your aunt had heart trouble! She didn't want to worry you dear," Mrs. Larsen said. When you have time, read her bible. Then the minister was called and arrangements were made. The days flew by with many tears shed, as everyone had loved Aunt Rose.
Along with Syd's sadness, and underlying fear had began to plague her thoughts. Where would she go now? She was alone and had a child to care for. The huge city loomed dark and threatening without her dear aunt to protect them.
After all the friends had gone home and the small house quieted down, Sydney put her daughter to bed and then sat alone. She sighed deeply as she drank a cup of tea. After a few minutes she tiptoed into her aunts' bedroom, smoothed the bedspread and sat down on her soft bed. Her lilac scent still hung in the air. In her grief and lonliness, Syd reached for Rose's heavy bible lying on the table next to her bed and she reverently clasped it to her heart. Wiping a tear aside she opened it and began to page throught the delicate sheets recalling the favorite verses they had shared. As she was putting it down later, she found an envelope taped to the inside cover with her name written on it. She opened it curiously, then sat thunderstruck as she read: To my neice, Sydney Joyce. In the event of my death, I lovingly give you and yours my home, my business and whatecver savings I have, to do with as you see favorable. Sydney sat astonished. A miracle had happened. There was a way for them now and with that she straightened her shoulders. She was twenty two years old with a business to run, a house to take care of and a child to raise.
The time and the years seemed to fly for Syd and Merry D now. And after struggling through sadness and finally finding a routine, their life settled into a nice safe time again.
Her seamtress business grew and they became financecially secure now. After the evening chores were done Syd and Merry D would press their ears to the radio to learn new music and songs. Along with the waltzes, two-steps and polkas from Syd's childhood memories, they began to sing together, then entertain in clubs and halls. Syd's accordian music swelled with a beat and Merry D's plump fingers grew nimble with and practice as she played her red guitar.
Syd thought of her lost love sometimes. Somday, I will bo back though, she was thinking as she cleaned house, I need to know. Maybe, just maybe--
After a while, she bundled Merry D against the cold winter and went next door to her neighbor, Mrs. Larsen.
"Sydney, your aunt had heart trouble! She didn't want to worry you dear," Mrs. Larsen said. When you have time, read her bible. Then the minister was called and arrangements were made. The days flew by with many tears shed, as everyone had loved Aunt Rose.
Along with Syd's sadness, and underlying fear had began to plague her thoughts. Where would she go now? She was alone and had a child to care for. The huge city loomed dark and threatening without her dear aunt to protect them.
After all the friends had gone home and the small house quieted down, Sydney put her daughter to bed and then sat alone. She sighed deeply as she drank a cup of tea. After a few minutes she tiptoed into her aunts' bedroom, smoothed the bedspread and sat down on her soft bed. Her lilac scent still hung in the air. In her grief and lonliness, Syd reached for Rose's heavy bible lying on the table next to her bed and she reverently clasped it to her heart. Wiping a tear aside she opened it and began to page throught the delicate sheets recalling the favorite verses they had shared. As she was putting it down later, she found an envelope taped to the inside cover with her name written on it. She opened it curiously, then sat thunderstruck as she read: To my neice, Sydney Joyce. In the event of my death, I lovingly give you and yours my home, my business and whatecver savings I have, to do with as you see favorable. Sydney sat astonished. A miracle had happened. There was a way for them now and with that she straightened her shoulders. She was twenty two years old with a business to run, a house to take care of and a child to raise.
The time and the years seemed to fly for Syd and Merry D now. And after struggling through sadness and finally finding a routine, their life settled into a nice safe time again.
Her seamtress business grew and they became financecially secure now. After the evening chores were done Syd and Merry D would press their ears to the radio to learn new music and songs. Along with the waltzes, two-steps and polkas from Syd's childhood memories, they began to sing together, then entertain in clubs and halls. Syd's accordian music swelled with a beat and Merry D's plump fingers grew nimble with and practice as she played her red guitar.
Syd thought of her lost love sometimes. Somday, I will bo back though, she was thinking as she cleaned house, I need to know. Maybe, just maybe--
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Home again (6)
"But mama, I want a daddy!" her little voice pleaded. "Can't we find him and tell him to come home?"
"We'll see, Merry D," her mother said glancing away from Aunt Rose's questioning look.
"I'm not ready yet!" she told her Aunt later that evening as they sat together. "Maybe sometime--."
"Why don't you write to him Syd. Tell him about Merry D. He has a right to know he has a daughter. Don't you ever wonder if he came back?"
"Of course, I've thought of him," Syd said sadly, smoothing her waved hair that had sprung out into loose curls again. "Ma said she had heard that he lives in the Dakotas somewhere."
Syd missed her piano. Her fingers ached to play again, but now her dream was to buy a accordion. She had painstakenly saved up money over the years and one day she set out to shop. She had studied the ads and knew what she wanted. And inside the music store she stood and looked around in awe. She finally decided on a shiny red and white one. Inlaid with pearl and it was beautiful. It took her breath away as she held it and ran her fingers over the keys and heard the sweet sounds.
"Now I want another instument for my daughter," she said smiling at the clerk, "and it needs to be red too." Syd found what she had in mind and proudly paid for her purchases, then splurged on a taxi to get her purchases home.
Her heart busrst with pride as she helped Merry D open her present. And as she laid the shiny new guitar in her lap, Merry D shrieked, excitedly, "Oh mama, is this really for me?"
"Yes, my darling," Syd announced proudly. "And I'll teach you to play it and we'll have great fun together." And soon the little pink house was alive with music to go along with their songs.
***
"Mama, come and see Auntie." Merry D 's six year old voice came from Roses's room one morning as Syd was cooking breakfast. The rich aroma of bacon, eggs and coffee wafted through the house.
"Merry D, tell Auntie breakfast is ready and then come down sweetie."
"But mama, Auntie won't wake up," Merry D's small voice came back plaintively.
Syd had dished up their plates and poured a cup of coffee for herself. She sat down to wait for them, leasurely enjoying the few momments.
Aunt Rose is getting a little slower, she reminded herself patiently. and she has looked tired lately too. Suddenly alarmed she stood up.
"Mama," the child's voice came again. "Auntie is still asleep. She won't open her eyes and talk to me." Merry D's voice floated down from the hallway again. Then she said softly, " I think she's gone to heaven."
Syd dropped her cup on the table and flew upstairs to her Aunt's room.
"Aunt Rose, Auntie. Oh no!"
Syd rubbed her hands and shook her gently, but Rose didn't move.
"We'll see, Merry D," her mother said glancing away from Aunt Rose's questioning look.
"I'm not ready yet!" she told her Aunt later that evening as they sat together. "Maybe sometime--."
"Why don't you write to him Syd. Tell him about Merry D. He has a right to know he has a daughter. Don't you ever wonder if he came back?"
"Of course, I've thought of him," Syd said sadly, smoothing her waved hair that had sprung out into loose curls again. "Ma said she had heard that he lives in the Dakotas somewhere."
Syd missed her piano. Her fingers ached to play again, but now her dream was to buy a accordion. She had painstakenly saved up money over the years and one day she set out to shop. She had studied the ads and knew what she wanted. And inside the music store she stood and looked around in awe. She finally decided on a shiny red and white one. Inlaid with pearl and it was beautiful. It took her breath away as she held it and ran her fingers over the keys and heard the sweet sounds.
"Now I want another instument for my daughter," she said smiling at the clerk, "and it needs to be red too." Syd found what she had in mind and proudly paid for her purchases, then splurged on a taxi to get her purchases home.
Her heart busrst with pride as she helped Merry D open her present. And as she laid the shiny new guitar in her lap, Merry D shrieked, excitedly, "Oh mama, is this really for me?"
"Yes, my darling," Syd announced proudly. "And I'll teach you to play it and we'll have great fun together." And soon the little pink house was alive with music to go along with their songs.
***
"Mama, come and see Auntie." Merry D 's six year old voice came from Roses's room one morning as Syd was cooking breakfast. The rich aroma of bacon, eggs and coffee wafted through the house.
"Merry D, tell Auntie breakfast is ready and then come down sweetie."
"But mama, Auntie won't wake up," Merry D's small voice came back plaintively.
Syd had dished up their plates and poured a cup of coffee for herself. She sat down to wait for them, leasurely enjoying the few momments.
Aunt Rose is getting a little slower, she reminded herself patiently. and she has looked tired lately too. Suddenly alarmed she stood up.
"Mama," the child's voice came again. "Auntie is still asleep. She won't open her eyes and talk to me." Merry D's voice floated down from the hallway again. Then she said softly, " I think she's gone to heaven."
Syd dropped her cup on the table and flew upstairs to her Aunt's room.
"Aunt Rose, Auntie. Oh no!"
Syd rubbed her hands and shook her gently, but Rose didn't move.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Home Again (5)
Sydney Joyce and her Aunt Rose sat in worried silence.
"Here it is again," Syd wailed. Her face was white and her eyes wide.
"Sweetie, what does it feel like, is it a pain?"
"It doesn't hurt," Syd replied tearfully. "It kind of feels like a butterfly in there."
"Oh my dear," Aunt Rose said sitting back on her heels and hugging her, "that's the baby moving and telling you its okay."
From then on the flutters became stronger and grew into out-right kicking. Aunt Rose's
neighbor, Mrs. Larsen knew about these things and came over regularly and felt her stomach and clucked along with her aunt.
The fall turned into winter. Now it was December and the ladies were sittng sipping tea and stitching baby kimonos. Syd's back ached and she felt restless. She stood up to stretch and a sudden pain caused her to frown. She took several steps and then looked down in horror as a stain began wetting her dress and stockings.
"Oh, look what I've done," she wailed as a puddle began to darken the flowered living room carpet.
"Sweetie, that's all right." Aunt Rose said softly, trying to control her sudden alarm. She knew it was time!
"Let's go into your room and you can lie down." And Rose helped her undress saying, "now just rest and I'll go get Mrs. Larsen. I'll be gone only five minutes."
"I'm so scared," Syd cried clutching her stomach again as a new pain set in. Her face was stark white, her eyes terror strickened.
The two older ladies boiled water and found clean old sheets. They wiped Syd's tears and held her hand way into the night as the young girl struggled to bring a new life into the world. Finally, after hours of pain and exhaustion, her daughter was born amid cries of joy and relief.
It was December 12, 1932.
"I'll name her Merry Delores because its soon Christmas," Syd replied as she held the tiny bundle in her arms and looked her over with pride and wonder. After reassuring herself that the baby was perfect, she fell sound asleep.
That first year flew by and Little Merry D grew from a tiny infant into a chubby inquisitive little Miss and her great aunt and her mother doted on her every whim.
Aunt Rose loved having a family and their business flourished as they worked long days and well into the nights sewing dresses and gown for the elite of Chicago. As Merry D grew, her pure sweet voice joined Syd's as they sang together, learning the current songs they heard coming over the radio. Their soprano voices were beautiful together. One Sunday as they were sitting down having tea after church, Merry D piped up in her small voice.
"Mama, is my daddy in heaven?"
Sydney jumped up from the table and exclaimed, "Oh no, your daddy went away a long time ago"
"Here it is again," Syd wailed. Her face was white and her eyes wide.
"Sweetie, what does it feel like, is it a pain?"
"It doesn't hurt," Syd replied tearfully. "It kind of feels like a butterfly in there."
"Oh my dear," Aunt Rose said sitting back on her heels and hugging her, "that's the baby moving and telling you its okay."
From then on the flutters became stronger and grew into out-right kicking. Aunt Rose's
neighbor, Mrs. Larsen knew about these things and came over regularly and felt her stomach and clucked along with her aunt.
The fall turned into winter. Now it was December and the ladies were sittng sipping tea and stitching baby kimonos. Syd's back ached and she felt restless. She stood up to stretch and a sudden pain caused her to frown. She took several steps and then looked down in horror as a stain began wetting her dress and stockings.
"Oh, look what I've done," she wailed as a puddle began to darken the flowered living room carpet.
"Sweetie, that's all right." Aunt Rose said softly, trying to control her sudden alarm. She knew it was time!
"Let's go into your room and you can lie down." And Rose helped her undress saying, "now just rest and I'll go get Mrs. Larsen. I'll be gone only five minutes."
"I'm so scared," Syd cried clutching her stomach again as a new pain set in. Her face was stark white, her eyes terror strickened.
The two older ladies boiled water and found clean old sheets. They wiped Syd's tears and held her hand way into the night as the young girl struggled to bring a new life into the world. Finally, after hours of pain and exhaustion, her daughter was born amid cries of joy and relief.
It was December 12, 1932.
"I'll name her Merry Delores because its soon Christmas," Syd replied as she held the tiny bundle in her arms and looked her over with pride and wonder. After reassuring herself that the baby was perfect, she fell sound asleep.
That first year flew by and Little Merry D grew from a tiny infant into a chubby inquisitive little Miss and her great aunt and her mother doted on her every whim.
Aunt Rose loved having a family and their business flourished as they worked long days and well into the nights sewing dresses and gown for the elite of Chicago. As Merry D grew, her pure sweet voice joined Syd's as they sang together, learning the current songs they heard coming over the radio. Their soprano voices were beautiful together. One Sunday as they were sitting down having tea after church, Merry D piped up in her small voice.
"Mama, is my daddy in heaven?"
Sydney jumped up from the table and exclaimed, "Oh no, your daddy went away a long time ago"
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Blinded (4)
"I didn't mean to sleep so long auntie, but I can help you with supper," Sydney offered running into the kitchen at her aunt's house in the large city.
"Oh my, that's not necessary. It's ready now so sit down and let's eat. It's only scrambled eggs and fresh bread."
After the two women had eaten and washed and dried the dishes, Aunt Rose said kindly, "Lets go and visit now. Tell me about yourself, Sydney."
Rose carried the kerosene burning lamp into the living room amd motioned Sydney to a soft chair. Rose sat down and tucked her feet under, and her hair which she wore swept up in a loose knot tumbleded crookedly. Tendrils brushed her face. Her elegant red satin robe glowed in the shaded lamp light, as she settled back and smiled at her young neice.
"Now don't worry about anything sweetie, you safe here with me. Your ma said you're expecting." Her aunt's face softened now as she continued, "I'll help you, but, what about the baby's father? Didn't he want to get married?"
Sydney sat huddled in the corner of the chair. Her faded dress wrinkled and tight over the small bulge at her waistline. She started to cry and said softly, "I'm so sorry to burden you Aunt Rose, but I wrote to him many times, but he didn't come over. I guess he didn't care." She said tearfully, feeling ashamed and bewildered. "Dad went to find him, but he had left. His family didn't know where though." Wiping her eyes on her sleeve she said bravely, "I want to keep my baby, and raise it somehow."
Rose got up and came over and put an arm around Syd's shoulder. "Well Sydney, I've been thinking and I have a plan. You can live with me and help me in my shop. I sew for people and my business is growing."
She took a lace hankie and reached over and wiped Syd's eyes and then her own. "I've never married and I get lonely at times. We can work this out."
Sydney sat up straight and pushed her damp hair out of her eyes and smiled for the first time in months. Now the sixteen year old finally saw a way.
The weeks and months passed swiftly, and Syd was busier than ever in her life. She had learned to sew from her mother and her stiches were fine and accurate and her fingers flew. She had grown used to the lights, smells and noise of the city by now, and thrilled to the bigness of everything.
Aunt Rose was like a mother hen to her, affectionately clucking over her to eat more and rest. Her cheeks grew rosy and the wonder of the baby growing in her stomach made her eyes shine. And the hurt and loneliness was lessening.
One day as they were sitting gathering stitches on a ball-gown, Sydney sat up suddenly with a start. Her hands flew to her stomach and her work rolled to the floor.
Jumping out of her chair, Aunt Rose exclaimed in alarm, "Syd, what is it?"
"I don't know for sure, but I think the baby is coming!" She wailed.
"Oh no, it's too soon! Just sit quietly and we'll see," Aunt Rose whispered.
"Oh my, that's not necessary. It's ready now so sit down and let's eat. It's only scrambled eggs and fresh bread."
After the two women had eaten and washed and dried the dishes, Aunt Rose said kindly, "Lets go and visit now. Tell me about yourself, Sydney."
Rose carried the kerosene burning lamp into the living room amd motioned Sydney to a soft chair. Rose sat down and tucked her feet under, and her hair which she wore swept up in a loose knot tumbleded crookedly. Tendrils brushed her face. Her elegant red satin robe glowed in the shaded lamp light, as she settled back and smiled at her young neice.
"Now don't worry about anything sweetie, you safe here with me. Your ma said you're expecting." Her aunt's face softened now as she continued, "I'll help you, but, what about the baby's father? Didn't he want to get married?"
Sydney sat huddled in the corner of the chair. Her faded dress wrinkled and tight over the small bulge at her waistline. She started to cry and said softly, "I'm so sorry to burden you Aunt Rose, but I wrote to him many times, but he didn't come over. I guess he didn't care." She said tearfully, feeling ashamed and bewildered. "Dad went to find him, but he had left. His family didn't know where though." Wiping her eyes on her sleeve she said bravely, "I want to keep my baby, and raise it somehow."
Rose got up and came over and put an arm around Syd's shoulder. "Well Sydney, I've been thinking and I have a plan. You can live with me and help me in my shop. I sew for people and my business is growing."
She took a lace hankie and reached over and wiped Syd's eyes and then her own. "I've never married and I get lonely at times. We can work this out."
Sydney sat up straight and pushed her damp hair out of her eyes and smiled for the first time in months. Now the sixteen year old finally saw a way.
The weeks and months passed swiftly, and Syd was busier than ever in her life. She had learned to sew from her mother and her stiches were fine and accurate and her fingers flew. She had grown used to the lights, smells and noise of the city by now, and thrilled to the bigness of everything.
Aunt Rose was like a mother hen to her, affectionately clucking over her to eat more and rest. Her cheeks grew rosy and the wonder of the baby growing in her stomach made her eyes shine. And the hurt and loneliness was lessening.
One day as they were sitting gathering stitches on a ball-gown, Sydney sat up suddenly with a start. Her hands flew to her stomach and her work rolled to the floor.
Jumping out of her chair, Aunt Rose exclaimed in alarm, "Syd, what is it?"
"I don't know for sure, but I think the baby is coming!" She wailed.
"Oh no, it's too soon! Just sit quietly and we'll see," Aunt Rose whispered.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Home Again (3)
Sydney Joyce greatfully sank down on the quilt covered bed and sighed with relief, however the loud noise from the city still vibrated in her ears. Within minutes her aunt was back with steaming cups of tea.
"Here dear," she said bustling around, "I thought some toast would be best for your stomach for now."
"Thank you Aunt rose, I havent felt good, but I'm so hungry," she said faintly. Her hand trembled as she reached for the food.
"How is your family? Your ma didn't say too much about other things when she wrote."
"Everyone is okay. The fields don't look too good pa says, but ma's garden is nice. It's dry though so we have to carry water alot to it." The tea had begaun to soothe her stomach and the thick toast tasted heavenly as Syd muched hungrily.
"You take a nap now and we'll visit more when you get up," Aunt Rose said and tucked an afghan around her legs.
Sydney lay back on the fluffy pillows, hundreds of miles away from her home and family. She wondered if she would ever see them again, already missing her piano, she wondered too, if she would ever be able to have another and be able to sing her songs again.
She slept soundly for several hours and awoke with a start at a loud clanging noise right outside the window. She jumped up and looked around frantically. It was dark now and as she ran to the window and looked out, her eyes widened in wonder as she saw a trolly going by full of people. Lights shone from everywhere.
That's right, I'm in Chicago at Aunt Rose's house, she remembered as she found her shoes. Wood burning in the stove and the aroma of baking bread drew her down the hall of the house and into the warm cheery kitchen.
"Why, there you are, are you feeling better now after your rest?" Aunt Rose turned from the stove with a smile on her face.
"I didn't mean to sleep so long auntie,I can help with supper."
"Here dear," she said bustling around, "I thought some toast would be best for your stomach for now."
"Thank you Aunt rose, I havent felt good, but I'm so hungry," she said faintly. Her hand trembled as she reached for the food.
"How is your family? Your ma didn't say too much about other things when she wrote."
"Everyone is okay. The fields don't look too good pa says, but ma's garden is nice. It's dry though so we have to carry water alot to it." The tea had begaun to soothe her stomach and the thick toast tasted heavenly as Syd muched hungrily.
"You take a nap now and we'll visit more when you get up," Aunt Rose said and tucked an afghan around her legs.
Sydney lay back on the fluffy pillows, hundreds of miles away from her home and family. She wondered if she would ever see them again, already missing her piano, she wondered too, if she would ever be able to have another and be able to sing her songs again.
She slept soundly for several hours and awoke with a start at a loud clanging noise right outside the window. She jumped up and looked around frantically. It was dark now and as she ran to the window and looked out, her eyes widened in wonder as she saw a trolly going by full of people. Lights shone from everywhere.
That's right, I'm in Chicago at Aunt Rose's house, she remembered as she found her shoes. Wood burning in the stove and the aroma of baking bread drew her down the hall of the house and into the warm cheery kitchen.
"Why, there you are, are you feeling better now after your rest?" Aunt Rose turned from the stove with a smile on her face.
"I didn't mean to sleep so long auntie,I can help with supper."
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