“In February, my second great grandbaby was born near Dallas. I couldn't go because of COVID. That was really hard."
“In February, my second great grandbaby was born near Dallas. I couldn't go because of COVID. And he was premature, so I couldn't see him until July. That was really hard. That’s what stands out for me about 2020, that’s what will always stand out for me about this year. Yes, great grandbaby. I have 10 grandchildren. The first grandbaby was born in Guam and I didn't get to see him for years, either, because they were stationed there and I was back here in Texas.
I grew up here in Shamrock until 1964, when I got married and moved away. You always hate the place you are raised. And so, I was never coming back. But then we bought some land and moved back in 1985. After I came back, I got involved in church and the community and different organizations. I like it. I like the people. If you need something, small communities are right there. You don't ever have to ask.
Now I am working here, at the U Drop Inn visitors center, where I waitressed when I was teenager. My mama was a cook and a waitress here from the late 50s to the early 70s, when everyone was traveling Route 66. My mama had 12 kids, six boys and six girls. She never stopped working. Once she had the babies, she would hand them to us and we'd take care of it. I was number seven. Papa was a cowboy. My two sisters and I, we waited tables here. From the time I was in high school until I got married. That’s my sister in the photo, on the right. So, so it's nice being back in here, brings back memories.”
- Oleta, U Drop Inn Visitor Center (October 2020).
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