Going back in time. Part 3 – An upward struggle
For those that haven’t read parts one and two, and would like to, here are the links: Part one - Part two
During all the trauma of the accident, Jeanette and Sidney also had to cope with the fact that Britain was at war. Sidney was not called to fight as he was in a reserved occupation.
It soon became apparent that London was not the safest place to be, with bombs dropping everywhere, and all school children were evacuated. Waving goodbye to their children, as they boarded a train for the countryside, was heartbreaking for Sidney and Jeanette. Sidney fought back his own tears while trying to comfort the sobbing Jeanette. Eventually, unable to stand the separation any longer, Jeanette joined her children, leaving Sidney behind. He worked hard in order to provide for his family, even though he was in continual pain from badly ulcerated legs. These were a result of his accident and would stay with him for the rest of his life.
As the years came and went, things got easier and Sidney’s earnings improved. The country was slowly getting on it’s feet again. Sidney was now able to provide more luxury items for Jeanette. She had worked so hard for so many years, looking after her family, that Sidney vowed she would have every labour saving device and gadget that came on the market. During the fifties and sixties their home was transformed from a war-torn dilapidated home to a modern, warm home with everything Jeanette could ever want. Everything was centered around the kitchen which, because she loved to cook, was Jeanette’s favourite room. Family came to visit and sat around in the kitchen. It always had been, and would continue to be, the focal point of their home.
Sidney was a romantic and, now that he could afford it, he came home every pay day with flowers or a box of chocolates for Jeanette and sweets for the children. At least those that were still living at home. They had ridden a very bumpy road to get here, but had survived. They were still very much in love.
There was, however, one more major bump on it’s way.
Stumble it!
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Lauren
| 2 April 2009 at 20:16
Love seeing the photos!
Lauren´s last blog post..Should We Play Caption This?
Black Cat
| 2 April 2009 at 21:00
Aw, you’ve left us on a cliff-hanger!
Black Cat´s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Sandie
| 2 April 2009 at 22:18
Don’t be too long with the next episode please!
Vampy Vic
| 2 April 2009 at 22:20
What a beautiful pair of people. And all those children… I would have no hair left! hehe But I guess kids were different back in those days
Oooo I can’t wait to hear more!
granny grimble
| 2 April 2009 at 22:55
As always beautifully told Babs. Even though I know the story so well, I too can’t wait for the next episode! Well done X
granny grimble´s last blog post..AND BABY MAKES THREE !
Jaffer
| 3 April 2009 at 1:19
Although I haven’t been commenting I assure you I have been reading as you publish.
I love the pictures and the description and I am so glad there is going to be a part 4 !
Jaffer´s last blog post..These guys will take you out to lunch
Comedy Plus
| 3 April 2009 at 1:41
I’ve a feeling these two could survive anything. What a delightful story of love and determination. Wonderful Babs.
Have a terrific day.
Jay
| 3 April 2009 at 8:01
What a sweet story, and they do look happy together in that picture. Jeannette looks like a lovely, happy person – the sort who lights up a room – and Sidney, well, clearly he’s besotted and very protective. How lovely to see.
I am not one of those women who adore children. My own boys, naturally, were the most charming, captivating, clever and beautiful children on the planet, and I loved them fiercely and completely (still do) but other children are just small people to me, and I either like them, or not, just as with any person.
I don’t think I could have been separated from my kids during the blitz. I’d have gone with them, too.
Musing
| 3 April 2009 at 10:34
So enjoying this series!
Musing´s last blog post..Your spring break
beetle
| 3 April 2009 at 13:59
Lauren: Mum kept lovely photograph albums!
Black Cat: Only one more part I think
Sandie: I’ll post it in a day or two.
Vampy Vic: Yes, life was different. Kids were free, cars were rare and the pace of life slower. Wonderful times for kids.
Granny Grimble: I almost feel sad that it has to be shortened so much
Jaffer: Hello there! Long time no speak. I hope you are OK
Sandee: Yes, I don’t think anything, except the inevitable, could have separated them.
Jay: You have them spot on!
I don’t think it was a case of adoring children, more a natural ability to love and look after children.
So many children never found their parents after the war. Some didn’t want to leave their new found homes. So sad
Musing: I’m glad you are enjoying it. I sometimes wonder if people find it boring
Swubird
| 3 April 2009 at 15:33
Babs:
This is such an interesting story. I look forward to each episode with anticipation.
Happy trails.
Swubird´s last blog post..THE TAHITIAN LOUNGE
Shinade
| 3 April 2009 at 16:21
Babs once again you are taking through a most interesting and divine story of determination, love and fortitude. I can’t wait until next week!
~Jackie:-)
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Ivanhoe
| 3 April 2009 at 18:53
O.k. I can do little bit more waiting ;o) I’m trying to figure out if you are one of those baby girls in the pics…
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ivanhoe´s last blog post..25 Writers That I Love
Eric and Flynn
| 3 April 2009 at 19:24
We are really enjoying your story, and we also are wondering which one in the photo is you. Jeanette looks a happy bubbly person, and Sidney looks very proud of her.
Major bumps worry us though.
Eric and Flynn´s last blog post..Friday Flashback
beetle
| 3 April 2009 at 19:35
Swubird: I’ve had to be hard on myself not to make it last too long
Shinade: Yes, I’d say all those words were very fitting of them
Ivanhoe: Oh yes I am the little one on the left – second to last child
Eric & Flynn: You are not wrong, Jeanette was a happy bubbly person, and Sidney was always so proud of her.
DrowseyMonkey
| 4 April 2009 at 1:27
Your blog has made me so happy that I’ve finally returned to blogging.
Love the photos and stories. Looking forward to part 4
DrowseyMonkey´s last blog post..Trim the Bushes
beetle
| 4 April 2009 at 1:56
Drowsey: Wow! That’s a compliment! I must say that I’ve missed seeing you about of late. You make me laugh so much
Jaffer
| 4 April 2009 at 3:00
I am doing ok Babs – just become a tad too busy. Will be so for the rest of this month and a bit of May.
Ps. Thank You for fixing that DrowseyMonkey !
Jaffer´s last blog post..These guys will take you out to lunch
beetle
| 4 April 2009 at 3:10
Jaffer: I’m glad you’re OK. Don’t work too hard, I expect you back and raring to go in May
Bingolady
| 4 April 2009 at 10:07
OH no, and now I can wait for what will happen! This is cruel Babs
I loved the photos, I really like to browse 50s-60s photos:)
Hugs to you!
Bingolady´s last blog post..St. Patrick’s Day Slots and Blackjack Promotions
PinkLady
| 4 April 2009 at 14:27
this love story is quite inspiring. i can’t wait for the next part of the story. i don’t think anything could come between these two people.
PinkLady´s last blog post..Top Droppers for March
beetle
| 4 April 2009 at 15:28
Bingolady: Hello there! I’ve been wondering where you’ve been lately
Glad you’re enjoying this post.
PinkLady: You are right. They were as one until the end.
Shinade
| 4 April 2009 at 17:37
I thought this was going to be about you and your family. Oh my you were very blessed. I think you should also enter that contest with your writing abilities. I think you would win!!
I slept until noon and am just now having my coffee…naughty girl I was today!!:-)
Shinade´s last blog post..Why Do I Blog-A Pictorial Essay
beetle
| 4 April 2009 at 18:33
Shinade: I wouldn’t know what to write about
You are allowed to sleep until whenever you like now. Your days of having to get up for children are behind you 
Maureen
| 5 April 2009 at 0:48
Oh what a wonderful story; keep it coming please!
Those photos and the story remind me so much of my own family. Although not as many children, my mother had to deal with nursing her husband as well when polio struck him at an early age.
Can’t wait for more Babs!
meleah rebeccah
| 5 April 2009 at 0:51
Oh I am REALLY enjoying this story. I am completely IN LOVE with Jeanette and Sidney. I cant wait to find out what happens next!!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..On Writing…
dawn
| 5 April 2009 at 1:36
Thanks so much for stopping by. I really enjoyed your story!
dawn´s last blog post..Girl’s Night
beetle
| 5 April 2009 at 13:58
Maureen: Oh I remember when Polio spread in the UK. Your poor father!
Meleah: It’s fun reading about each others lives
Dawn: I had to drop by and see who this person was on Annie’s blog
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
JD at I Do Things
| 5 April 2009 at 15:16
No! No more bumps! I want my happy ending!
beetle
| 5 April 2009 at 18:58
JD: You’ll have to wait and see
Kathy
| 10 April 2009 at 10:22
Hmmm, another major bump? Can we take it? I love that Sidney brought flowers and candies every pay day. Who does that anymore? What a fine-looking couple and you can see the joy of life on their faces. Bring on the next installment!
beetle
| 10 April 2009 at 13:14
Kathy: Yes he was never embarrassed to travel on public transport carrying flowers for her. He loved her enough. You just pick up the phone now days though :O)