A storoem about olden days before vaccines and antibiotics conquered childhood diseases. |
The mother sits in her rocking chair, slowly rocking as her body shakes with sobs. She thinks, It’s really not fair when it is a small child that Death takes. That very day her five-year-old son has died, overwhelmed by diphtheria. Last winter the whooping cough had run rampant, killing and causing hysteria; this mother lost her infant daughter to that epidemic. What a shame! Hence she grieves at the wanton slaughter of so many children. Who’s to blame? Doctors in 1910 do what they can. Large families with nine or ten kids born is the norm because every man knows not all will live...this, disease forbids. Fathers desire adult children who can help improve the old ranch or farm. There’s nothing else a couple can do -- have many babies, hope some escape harm. As this mother rocks and mourns, she cries out, “Must the children die? Will this never end?” Grief from untold mothers lives in her shout. These diseases tamed! Do you comprehend? Please check out my ten books: http://www.amazon.com/Jr.-Harry-E.-Gilleland/e/B004SVLY02/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 |