L-R: back: Mildred, Betty, Frances, Bride, Susan
Front: Cecilla, Mother, Philomena

Andy grew real close to his brother Dick, and he used to call him "Daddy". Dick used to hear me up in the night with Andy and he would get up and make in the fire and he'd put on a boiler and we'd close the doors and get steam around to help him to breathe. There was nothing else to help him at that time – you didn't have the means or the ways.

In 1988 I had another tragedy in my life. My son-in-law, Charlie Parrott, drowned in O'Donnell's. A lot of my family is away now, all across Canada, from Fort Nelson, BC to St. Mary's Bay. I have 35 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. I am blessed to still have all my children living and I love each and every one of them. I have two sons, Martin and Billy who live in O'Donnell's. Needless to say, whenever I need something done, they're just a phone call away. But they enjoy Mom's cooking and family gatherings. I visit with my family whenever I can and I enjoy it. I still live in my own home. My daughter, Francis and her son Jeremy are with me. Each day I take my wheelbarrow and bring in my wood. I enjoy my flower garden and just sitting and looking out my window at familiar surroundings and to see people I know.

L-R back: Alex, Martin, Ambrose,
Fergus, Dick. Front: Andy, Steve, Billy

I am now 77 years old. I've had many trials raising such a large family, but my rewards with my children and grandchildren were worth every minute of it. I always had God watching over and helping me.