Education Born In My Heart

Education is many things to different people.

My father, born in 1893, had an 8th Grade education, yet he was one of the wisest men I have ever known. His employment was driven by the timeframe of his birth.

His first job was as a blacksmith, then he worked at The Owosso Carriage Company. As America advanced into the automotive era, that kind of work wasn't needed any more. He eventually went to work and retired from AC Spark Plug in Flint, Michigan.

My Mom, born two years after my Dad, went to work at The Owosso Casket Company when she was fourteen, to help out at home. After Mom and Dad were married, my Mom never worked outside our home.

Still, to say they lived successful lives would be an understatement. They raised five children to be stellar citizens. They loved us, protected us, and provided for us --- even throughout the Great Depression. We always had food on the table and a clean home. Many times I would go to sleep to the hum of the vacuum sweeper --- Mom cleaning house after the five of us kids were in bed.

Fast forward a generation to 1942. I also went to work when I was fourteen --- not because I had to --- I wanted to. This girl who had lived through the Great Depression was eager to earn money to be able to dress beautifully. Having three older sisters, I had a lot of handme-downs growing up.

My first job was at the Palace Theater, downtown Flint, as an usherette. The pay scale was 35 cents an hour and my first pay check was $7.00. My Great-Grandchildren would have a difficult time relating to that when the minimum wage now is $10.33 an hour.

I graduated as a member of Sigma Chi Lamba National Honor Society, but the opportunity for further education was not an option for me. Still, through dedication and excellence in my performance and work ethic, I advanced to the position of Assistant to one of the Directors at General Motors.

In the sunset of my life, I wrote two books that were published --- the first at 95, the second at 97. I didn't realize I had a creative side!

Education is many things to different people. Mine was born in my heart.

Arlene Curns is an author, encourager, and matriarch of a family of 44, spanning five generations. She is enjoying life in northern Michigan surrounded by family and friends. She can be reached at estimada27@aol.com.