From the writings of Thomas, ca 1990, with pictures found in his papers and Libba's. He was born in 1909.
The year 1939, of course, was the most important year of my life, for it marked the merger of my life with that of Mary Elisabeth Deaver, my beloved partner for the rest of my life and the mother of our great family. From my point of view ours was a story-book relationship, both from the stand point of personal attraction and a strong belief in family. Lib, from the beginning took me to meet her wide family relationship and that strengthened my attraction to her. I was struck by how effortlessly all of her family joyously greeted each other and reveled in the enjoyment of their times together. That she was taller than I am was a dividend and meeting her 6' 3" brother sealed the deal. Our fine children bear out that we each made a good choice, and the boys are all taller than I. She brought into my life and my family an emphasis on things of the heart, an emphasis that was to strengthen as years passed.
Our marriage began the decade of the 40's, which was different in that and many other respects from the 30's. Domestically, married life and the births of the three boys dominated the picture. My being an only son and the head of a farming business kept me out of the war, which began in Europe with the invasion of Poland shortly after our wedding. It is hard to conceive the way that a beloved wife and three beloved young sons changed my life.
Before we were married, Lib, on learning that my father's mother was named Susannah Barkley, had decided that we would have a daughter with that name. For a long while it seemed that we wouldn't get to use the name, but on October 9, 1953, less than a year after our moving into our new house, Susannah joined us. Our cup was truly overflowing.
1941
1946
1954
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If you would like to see my collection of Carolina Lowcountry memories—"Magnolia Elegy: Place In the Edisto Fork," you can view the book trailer here, and see the book page here on the publisher's website. The book is also available from Amazon, B&N, and your independent local bookseller.
