Friends and Family
Five years after the twins, in 1877, there came another addition to the growing family, a plump, healthy girl. They named her Rebecca Anne McDougal. Becky was a happy child, always smiling and full of laughter. She was the mischievous one of the group. Her middle name should be “Curious,” Patricia said constantly.
In the autumn of 1879, when Becky was two, John and Trish invited their close friends, Ethan, Lynn, and Ricky Kilkesen and Patricia’s parents to the cabin for a picnic. Everyone brought food to share. The men played horseshoes, while the women prepared the meal. All the children played in the yard, making a plentiful amount of cheerful noise.
A picnic table and benches had been set up in the yard, close to the cabin. Light fall breezes were blowing, and the sun shone brightly on a glorious day. Patricia turned away from the preparations just in time to see Becky stick her pudgy little hand in a bowl of fresh orange marmalade. Becky looked with pride at her mommy and said, “See Mommy?” Seeing her daughter’s bright smiling eyes, Trish came round the table to wipe the jellylike preserve from Becky’s chubby little fingers.
Mary and Elizabeth helped Becky down and took her back in the yard to play with the others. Ethan, Klaus and John had a lively game of horseshoes going, with much laughter and banter between them. Johnny and Ricky (Ethan and Lynn’s son) were in another part of the yard playing stickball. Lynn and Trish were putting the final touches to the table while singing a two-part tune, all the while watching the scene in front of them. The two families and grandparents had become as one. Patricia’s parents were still a bit uncomfortable with this outdoor get-together, but at least they were trying.
Margaret did relax and join in more enthusiastically when she saw Klaus enjoying himself with John and Ethan. When the meal was ready they called the family together. Giggling children ran past as they made their way to wash up.
“Okay, time out you two.” Ethan said, stopping in mid-swing and letting the horseshoe drop to the ground. “The ladies are calling for dinner.”
Klaus said, “Just remember, I’ve been playing this game longer than both of you. I might ease up on you a bit after dinner.” John and Ethan rolled their eyes and chuckled as all three were determined to win by nightfall. Klaus followed behind them, sporting a smile of contentment.
After settling at the table for the dinner prayer, everyone talked and laughed as they ate the delicious dinner. The children it seemed, hadn’t eaten in days; their stomachs were bottomless. The men were ravenous from their games of horseshoes.
* * *
The family continued to blossom. In 1881, Stephen Ray was welcomed with pride by all. Robert completed the McDougal clan in 1885.
Upon hearing of Robert’s arrival, Jasper returned and bought land connected to John and Patricia’s. He had been living in Kentucky and had never married. Jasper remained with them and became an even closer member of the family. He also resumed his employment with Mr. Heifelmeyer.