My First Birthday

 1957

These pictures were taken in Thalia, Texas, where Mimi and Pappy lived. 
Mimi made this cake for me. 

Mimi (Ava Ella Jones) is holding me.

My First Birthday

 1957

Mimi, my grandmother Ava Ella Jones, made elaborate cakes for the grandchildren. I am pictured here sitting on her lap in Thalia, Texas. 

Mother, Carolita Jones Quillin, is holding the cake for the picture.

This picture was exposed when it was taken out of the camera. It is a picture of my mother looking with delight at the special cake that Mimi made.

I come from a humble background. Though we didn't have much as I grew up, we didn't want for anything. Mother always said that about her life growing up in the depression, too. Daddy had an 8th grade education, which wasn't unusual. He was a self-made man, becoming a community leader with a good woman backing him. Mother graduated and went to nursing school during the war. I was raised in a Christian environment with a 'solid-as-a-rock' foundation. I never doubted that both Mother and Daddy loved me with agape love. It was important that I learn all the social norms which became ingrained in me. It's a philosophy and a sense of well-being that stays with you for a lifetime. I grew up living near extended family, which is what is missing today. I knew all of my grandparents very well and knew half of my great-grandparents. Through them, I learned love and respect for family. I had many cousins in the area, and they were my first playmates. THESE things are irreplaceable and create a quality environment for any child. I am grateful and thankful for my family. I carry it much deeper than most.