Life to me has always been a very precious heritage glowing with challenge
and usefulness for all mankind! I was born and raised on a beautiful hill
in the country of Southern Illinois; the home and large barn and buildings
surrounded by pine and beautiful trees including a grove and an orchard
to the right of a winding lane. With loving parents, one older sister and
four brothers we were a "close knit" family. I felt so blessed!
After finishing a meal, it seemed we always, found time to gather around
-- with piano or guitar and sing and harmonize to our hearts content. My
mother was the genius on the piano, my father using the rhythm to perform
with his "Indian Clubs" along with later, the brothers quartette
(Coleman Quartette). Years later I wrote a special poem in tribute to my
brothers in "The Singing Hearts"! It seemed God gave us many
gifts that kept unfolding along with sad days or glad days, there was always
some kind of cheer and encouragement for each other. During World War II
all had to go our separate ways but eventually we each one achieved our
college education.
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