Today, we have two birthdays in my family. My great niece celebrates her 21st and my youngest grandson is 12 today. Happy Birthday to you both!!!
I remember when I had my 12th birthday. It was not a very happy time. I was very sick with Scarlet Fever, not feeling good and stuck in bed. Pretty much everyone else, including Mom was sick as well. Bad colds, flu, etc. Dad was the only one in our family not sick.
The doctor came to the house and when I was diagnosed with scarlet fever, the public health was notified and our house was quarantined. No one was allowed in or out, I forget for how long, but I think it was a week.
Dad was not allowed to go to work, or grocery shopping, pay bills or do anything where he might come in contact with others. Our groceries were delivered to the front door and then brought in afterwards.
During this time, Dad had a visit from someone at the church that came to collect the tithing (I think that is what it is called). Dad told him he didn't have any money and explained the situation to him. The discussion became somewhat heated.
I don't know all that was said because in those days, family business affairs weren't discussed with the children. But I do know that was the end of any contact with the church after that.
That occurrence has had an influence on my views of the church and still does. My opinion of the Catholic church, because of that and all the other atrocious happenings they are responsible for, is not good.
Now that I'm older I realize how that must have been a very stressful time for Dad, dealing with a sick family, not being able to go to work and all the pressure of making ends meet.
However, we made it through those hard times and there have been other birthdays that were enjoyable. That one sticks in my mind because it was so eventful, but not in a good way.
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