I still dream about Margaret two or three times a week

April 17, 2016

“The car is a 1972 Ninety-Eight Oldsmobile. I have had it 25 years. It was my wife’s car. Her name was Margaret and she passed from cancer about three years ago. I have a Lincoln at home that I drive so I don’t need this one. I have been trying to sell it for about a month. We were married 59 years and four months. I do the best I can do and take each day as I can. I had a nervous breakdown and anxiety attacks and stayed in the hospital 15 days. It was rough, but I am ok now. My teeth tore up, I have to get them fixed in Montgomery next week. I used to have a farm but I quit. I had 300 acres of land and 100 head of cows but I sold out in ’90. I wasn’t making any money and now that I need some, the price is high. Calves are bringing $1,000. It was hard work. I had two ponds, catfish in one and bass and brim in the other. When we got married, our license was $5. One day Margaret was working in the hay field and it was hot, she said, ‘I am quitting this damn job,’ and I told her, ‘Woman, I’ve got $5 in you. You’ve got $3 to go.’ She grinned and said “I damn sure won’t.’ My name is Flip. My aunt gave me that name when I was six years old. It is already on the headstone next to Margaret’s.”

2 Comments

  1. Juanita Smith

    59 years and they still felt the deep abiding love for one another. His story is one that brought me tears as I could feel his emptiness, yet it made me happy because he experienced something many people never get in life. I like Flip.

    Reply
  2. Penny Hatchett

    I love to read your stories and I just saw Mrs. Trammell story and I grew up with her kids. Is there a book I can purchase? I live in Mississippi and grew up in the Delta. Thanks!

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 More Southern Souls