Box cars, what can you do with one?

 I remember watching the Midland Valley Railroad cars and counting them every time they would go by. Several of the folks around Shidler and Grainola had box cars (railroad cars) to store cattle cake (that means cattle feed) in them, but one story that is amazing but true I want to share.

I am blessed to have the best mother-in-law you could ever ask for, Naomi Davis, and she LIVED in a box car in North Texas around what use to be called Georgetown which is now under water in Lake Texhoma.  I don't think her kids, including my wife, knew that until the last year.  She was from a large family, 9 children, and before all of those kids were born her folks and at least 4 children lived in a box car.  Now I don't know about you but that sounds pretty rough.  Think about it, no bathroom in doors, no running water, no electricity and who knows what else.  No nice cushy beds?  No air conditioner and no heater?  During the summer they would sleep outside to beat the heat and at night they would sit under the trees and talk, play cards, dominos, and checkers and eat.  She watched the stars a lot and her grandparents lived down the road about 1/2 mile and they lived in a box car.  But you know what?  She enjoyed life and school and loved her family and they all worked hard and respected each other.  Did I mention she walked to school 1.5 miles each way?  She was a serious student and that might be because she wanted to get ahead in life.  Perhaps if we let folks struggle a little, they might work harder to get ahead.  Don't know, just thinking.

My mom, Opal Olson lived on the hill 1.5 miles from school in Grainola with a large family (8 children), but they did live in a house.  But still, no running water, no toilet, no electricity and no air conditioner or heater but they were happy, and they all prospered.

So, what do you learn in the Osage?

• Not everyone gets a trophy, and they turned out very well, both families
• No TV, cell phone or even a phone or a video game and they were all well-adjusted.
• Hard work and a hard life allow you to grow up to be good citizens.
• Question:  what is wrong with having a little adversity in your life?
• I feel blessed!

Well, thanks for listening,

gary

gary.olson@finaciti.com

thepioneerman.blogspot.com if you want to read more stories.