Before I go into the Floyd Kader years, let me briefly talk about the couple years between the time I was sick and the time my mother married Floyd. It was the summer of my 11th year when I was relagated to the bed for the summer. As I said, I read a lot. When school started I went to Verona Elementary school which was about 6 blocks or so from my house. I walked to school and back again. I attended Verona for 3 years, the 4th 5th and 6th. I only remember a couple things about Verona.
One is that during the 4th grade I became really interested in Astronomy. I could name all of the planets and knew a lot about space. (This was before Star Trek and Star Wars – much before) The other thing I remember was a switch box which was attached to a light pole just near the school. It was placed in such a way that on the days I was late, I would turn the corner on Capitol Street and my head would hit the switch box with a loud whak. I did that more than one. You’d think I’d learn to avoid it, but no such luck.
The other thing I remember was that the flag was controlled my our class at the school. They would raise the flag and then run the rope for the flag in through the window into our classroom. So we could put the flag up in the morning and take it down again in the evening without ever leaving the classroom.
This is not exciting stuff, but it is what I remember.
The next 2 years were 7th grade and 8th grade. In Battle Creek, this was Jr High. I think it’s called Middle school these days, but we called it Jr High. The only think that stands out for me for those two years is those are the years that I played violin in the school orchestra. For the first time in my life, I learned Beethoven and other great masters. I really wanted to learn to play the violin. But, the summer between my 8th grade and 9th grade, my Mother married Floyd Earl Kader. We moved as a family from Battle Creek to Belleview, Michigan to a farm. Belleview High School did not have an orchestra, so my violin days were over. Just another reason, I disliked that transistion.
I have been trying to think of some friends I had during this time period. For some reason, I can’t think of a one. I had friends in High School and will talk about them when we get there, but before High School, I knew kids, too, but I can’t remember their names. Too bad. If I do, I’ll amend this and add them.
I think I have some pictures that may trigger some more memories. I want to be complete, but not too boring. I hope my life hasn’t been too boring.
That takes us up to the marriage.
Dad