Being a child of a father who had been paralyzed by polo, it was a very big day for the Finlayson family. I remember being packed into the car and driven to my elementary school, R.A. Mitchell. Dad had had polio since he was a young boy. He came from a time when many children were afflicted by the disease. I have often wondered what was running through his head when he was watching his children line up with all the other mountain kids for that long awaited cure.
I remember holding the sugar cube in my hand. I was young but knew there was medicine inside. This was supposed to keep me from walking on crutches like my Dad had done all his life. I put it in my mouth and chomped down on it's crunchy sweetness. I don't remember any strange taste or feel any aftereffect. I was just glad there wasn't a needle involved in the delivery of the serum. I just took my lump and went home.
What a day though. I'm sure Dad was relieved with a wonderful hope. Westbrook's children would never have to experience what he had.
No comments:
Post a Comment