Wild and Woolly Farm Kids.

The Sharp Sisters, Wilma, Melba, Melissa and Tootie.


My Earliest memories with my sister were when I was around 4 or 5 years of age. Being the oldest of seven children, Wilma was left to care for all of us on many occasions. She was like a substitute mother to me and my three younger siblings.

Back in the 40's parents left their children in the care of older siblings without much hesitation. My older brother Neil and older sister Melba were more a distraction than a help. Can you imagine at the age of 10 being responsible for the care of five siblings. There were so many disasters that took place like catching the couch on fire and some of us eating all the ex lax thinking it was chocolate candy. The time Bill got lost in the field of giant sunflowers. The turbulence with all those wild and woolly kids was enough to drive a grown up nuts, let alone a ten year old child. I am sure my siblings can tell many stories of our childhood that are now humorous but not so funny at the time they happened.

I have often thought that dealing with all the catastrophes of life at such a young age was in part responsible for all her health issues later in life. I found her crying in the bathroom so many times when the boys were out of control(which was most of the time) We all thought it was fun and games but to Wilma it was a responsibility she would rather not have. Still she remained loving, kind and supportive without missing a beat, playing with us when she could and mothering us even when we were at play.

My hair was always washed combed and curled by Wilma. She took loving care of me, making sure my thin straggled hair was clean and washed to keep me out of trouble with my dad who always seem to notice the state of my hair each morning as he drove us all to school. Thinking back I wonder how she managed to get up and help mom in the kitchen, and get us and herself ready for school each day.

Her cleaning and cooking chores were numerous. While we were all out having fun she was doing chores and taking care of things so our life was better. These things never occurred to me until I was grown and married with children of my own. How I wish I could talk to her just one more time and I would thank her for all the things she did for all of us for so many years. It seems she was always a caretaker. How lucky we were to have her for our Big Sis.