The year was 1953 and I was sick! It was an ailment which no doctor can cure. It has a name: homesickness! Dreams of going home often plagued my sleep and I would awaken to realize it was only a dream and the tears would flow.
In 1952 I was a senior in college and my parents were both excited and looking forward to my graduation. A friend introduced me to my future husband and it was love at first sight. He was a GI in the Army, and held the rank of corporal. I wanted to take him home and let my family meet him but after recalling past incidents of Daddy meeting my boyfriends, I lost my nerve. I knew they would hang Martin without trial. So... we eloped: which, of course, broke their hearts!
A year passed and I ached to see my little sisters and brothers, as well as Mama and Daddy. At last, believing the storm had abated, we headed for Texas. I tried to prepare my husband for the meeting of his father-in-law and, at the same time, not wanting to frighten him too much. Some of Daddy's peculiarities were mentioned: for instance, it might take him a while to decide if he liked a person. I didn't even want to consider the fact that he might not like his son-in-law.
We arrived home and my cup overflowed with joy! Momma, Daddy, and all my little brothers and sisters came running out to meet me and to take a look at what I'd brought home. The introductions were made and I took a good look at Daddy's face. There was no mistake; my husband was in for it! The better part of two days found Daddy just sitting silently, poker-faced, simply staring at his son-in-law. Oh, how those steel blue eyes could bore a hole right through a person! Wherever the younger one went, the older one's eyes followed: simply staring! It was all I could manage to keep my husband from bolting!
Late in the afternoon of the second day Daddy broke his silence. “Do you hunt?” he asked my husband. “Yes, Sir!” he replied. I felt relieved until I caught the look on Martin's face. It spoke volumes! Daddy answered, “ We'll go tomorrow morning, early.” My soldier boy didn't sleep well that night. I thought perhaps it was the anticipation of the first deer hunt with his father-in-law. I knew how much he enjoyed hunting. Little did I know his feelings of apprehension concerning the situation.
The hunting trip was described to me several months later. Daddy showed him the deer stand and instructed him to stay right on that spot. He said the deer would come right over him, with the two hounds right behind. As soon as Daddy left with his dogs, Martin departed from that deer stand, quickly choosing a thicket several yards away where he crouched, waiting. He felt certain Mr. Wilson was planning an unfortunate hunting accident for his son-in-law.
Sure enough, soon a big buck bounded right over the deer stand, with the hounds in hot pursuit. Martin didn't get one shot at the animal. About that time, Daddy came stomping up with a volley of choice words. “Why didn't you shoot him? The dogs brought him right over you!” Daddy thundered. “Well you see, Sir. I wasn't there. I saw a better spot so I moved.” replied Martin. “We'll go again in the morning and the next time, stay where I tell you.” said Daddy.
The next day found them bringing meat home for the table, the bond forming, which was beautiful to see. It lasted until Daddy passed away three years later.
A few days before Daddy died, he told me he did not have five sons anymore. I asked him to explain and he replied, “I have six!”