John Neil Ider “Ida” (Owens) Oldham was better known as Grannie to my two brothers and me. Her daddy wanted a boy and he told his wife it did not matter if it was a boy or a girl. When the baby was born he was naminβ it John Neil. His wife told him she did not care what he named her, she was naming her Ider. Most folks understood her name should be pronounced Ida, of course. In later years, she would have trouble with her name when needing identification because her name did not match her gender.
One of the things I enjoyed most, in growing up in Louisiana, was going to her house during the summer time and spend a week; just the two of us. The summer of 1959, at nine years old, is one I have never forgotten. Pioneer, Louisiana was a small town with one wood frame country store and one gas pump. Because it was a farming community there was always danger on every corner if you did not stay fully aware of your surroundings.
Papa had died in 1954 leaving Grannie to tend the forty-acre farm alone. I was only four when he passed. She was lonely at times and enjoyed having company. TV was watched every night with the shows in black and white. Bedtime for me rolled around at 8:30PM. I was usually afraid to go to bed alone. A farm in the country is extremely dark in the middle of the night. One consolation was the .22 rifle standing next to the bed. I had used it several times looking for rabbit and squirrels. I knew if I needed to protect myself the rifle was there.
It was a privilege to sleep with Grannie each night, of course I never knew for sure she was there because, if she came to bed it was well after I was asleep and she was up before dawn. The thought that she slept with me offered some facsimile of security.
I discovered the truth about where she slept one night when all hell broke loose. Heavy breathing entered the room. I could hear it but not see it; the room was too dark and heavy clouds blocked the moonlight. At that instant the clouds dissipated and illuminated two large eyes staring right at me. I sat straight up in the bed. Grannie was not there!
I sat gripped with quiet anxiety while I fought off the dragons of fear. The breathing was only feet from me–then a snort. I screamed bloody murder. I could hear Grannie running down the hallway at the same time Bessie, her milk cow, pulled her head up, and bellowed like Iβm the one who scared her. She jerked her head back out of that window as fast as she could, tearing out the glass and the wood frame that held it.
Grannie ran down the hall, entered the room and stuck her head out the widow yelling some words that I did not hear. Bessie skedaddled back toward the barn where she belonged. It was the first time I had seen Grannie with no teeth. Flapping her lower jaw against her upper, she turned to calm me down and found me aiming the .22 right at the window. She relaxed me into the reality that she was not there to hurt me. I dropped the gun and climbed under the covers where I burst into tears. Grannie climbed in beside me, wrapped her arms around me and slept the rest the night, or least until I woke up to find her cooking cathead biscuits, scrambled eggs and grits.
Made you smile!
What a great story. It’s amazing how one person can run a farm. I had a distant cousin–maybe your Grannie’s age–who ran an entire farm with his sister. People sure worked hard.
Thank you Jacqui. Yes, they did work hard back then. Not sure I could do the work she did.
Great story, as usual, Andy. Can only imagine the horror of a monster in the room. The adrenaline rush would have been enough to kill the cow alone. Sounds like you have a good heritage in your Grannie. Thanks.
Thank you Ross. Yes, Grannie was a wonderful person and I miss her a lot!
Gr8 tale
Thanks Bill for the comment!
Fabulous story! I think Grannie is/was a strong, loving, giving woman. And you? A brave grandson. π You tell your tale with vivid description. Wonderful.
Thank you so much for your comment Pam. I appreciate the encouragement you and your blog provide. Blessings! π
Such a dear story. I love reading your words. Brings me back to a time when life seemed simpler. Even so, monsters in the closet are suffered by many of youngin’ and your granny was very brave for chasing your away! Thank you for sharing. It brings a smile to my face.
Thank you so much for your re-blog. I am honored. Glad you received a smile dear friend. Have a blessed day!
Wonderful story Andy, you bring to life so many memories, both old and new…your words inspire! God bless!
Thank you so much Wendell!
That is an epic story! I *almost* felt sorry for poor Bessie, lol. π
Thank you! It is one never to be forgotten! π
Ness, I just might have a nightmare about poor scared Bessie π
Lolol, please don’t have a nightmare Angie! ππ
I won’t hold you responsible, Andy, LOL!
Hahahaha!
Great story, Andy! I’m such a city girl that I can’t even imagine waking up to Bessie! Did you take this pic? Perfect addition π
No, that’s not my pic. It’s a Google pic. Thanks Angie for liking my post π
I love grandma stories. My grandma is inching toward 100…I hope I can be just like her when I grow up π
I hope you can too. Have you written about her. I bet she has some great stories and so do you π
I haven’t! I should π Some of them are rated PG, π She’s a spit-fire!
Oh Angie, you must collect as many stories as you can and find out as much as you can about her life before it’s too late. She’s a wealth of info for you and your defendants. Please start right way π
Unfortunately, Andy, she lives 3,000 miles away and is old school, doesn’t want to talk long distance for fear of the cost! I do hope to visit her again soon β€ Funny, she has always been more interested in the present than the past. When last we were together she just wanted to talk about what was going on now. But I did manage to get a few stories out of her π She is a hoot!
Would love to meet her. She sounds amazing. ππ
Oh, Andy!! Love this story π and yes…you did make me smile!!! You usually do π Many blessings to you!! β€
Thank you so much Lorrie! Blessings to you too sweet friend! π