Much to everyone’s relief, Papa continued to get better. We lived each day to the fullest, knowing that he could go anytime. He delegated his work in town to his employees, only going in to his office once a week, choosing to spend more time on the farm with us. The fresh air and exercise being on the farm seemed to help him and we saw steady improvement.

I was able to graduate and go to university, studying to get my teachers certification. I dreamed of teaching somewhere…

Papa had me set up in our window seat with my leg propped on pillows. He had gone to the alchemist and gotten morphine, but I didn’t like the way it made me feel. The pain in my leg wasn’t too unbearable most of the time. School had started before I broke my leg, and the teacher sent lessons home for me, Mama helped as much as she could and Papa helped at night.  Nancy, our servant, brought me food and puzzles, and sat with me when my parents couldn’t.

I spent the first few…

Autumn, 1911

The day was one of those sweet autumn days, the kind that has the last warm breath of summer and the first hints of the coming winter.  The leaves were just starting the chameleon dance, slowly losing the green in favor of the warm shades of red, rust, auburn, and yellow. I couldn’t resist climbing up into my favorite spot, finding my branch, tucking my knees up under my chin and looking out over the lands.

Papa hated that I wore trousers and…