Page 50 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2019- Online Magazine

WWII
I met Brooks “The land
after the war, “I love you so much. I came we farm is
when he had so close to starving to death a loan from in Brooks’ 1940 Chevrolet. He
a toothache in that prison camp, but if God. Keep it asked if my parents were home.
and came to you will fix good meals, I clean. Treat it He said, “I think we were made
the Lubbock won’t ever complain about like family.” for each other, and we would be a
office where I the grocery bills.” After the happy couple if you would marry
was the dental war, tractors me. I want their blessings and for
hygienist. He were hard them to love me like I love you.” I
asked if he to come by. said, “Yes, yes! I love you, too.” We
could take me home. I refused, but Mr. Neisler, the farm equipment received not only their blessings
Dr. McCorkle said, “Next time he dealer in Lubbock called Brooks but a sincere appreciation for this
comes in, let him take you home - I and said, “Young man, you are our gentleman’s courtesy. My parents
like that guy!” On his next visit, he hero! I told you to come back and gave their assurance that they
asked again, and I accepted. When your tractor would be here for you. would accept Brooks like a son.
I started to give my address, he Here it is with a planter and a lister We married on Sept. 26, 1946. We
interrupted. “That’s okay. I already plow.” could not afford a big wedding
followed the city bus to your or honeymoon, but I know God
house!” The Methodist heard our sincere
church played a big vows, for he has
On our first date, I said, “Now that part in our lives. blessed us with
we are dating, let me introduce Dr. H.I. Robinson, 72 healthy happy
myself. I am Beulah Raper. I was pastor of Lubbock’s years. We have three
born August 21, 1927, so that makes FUMC was a wonderful children –
you five years older than me. I was longtime friend and Jim, Judy and Jerry,
born in Lamesa, and my dad and counselor. Brooks is four grandchildren
granddad were farmers like you.” a 50-year member and three great-
Brooks took me to a new steak of Abernathy Lodge grandchildren.
restaurant “The Jersey Lily”. I have #1142, a 32nd degree
never liked Mason, and a 50- On our wedding
meat, but I let year member of all night, Brooks knelt
Brooks order appendant bodies down by the bed, put
for me. That of Freemasonry and my face between his
rare Prime Order of the Eastern hands and said, “I
Rib was the Star. love you so much. I
worst meal I came so close to starving to death
ever tried to Before we married, we had many in that prison camp, but if you
eat, as well serious talks. We both wanted to will fix good meals, I won’t ever
as the most travel and to teach our children complain about the grocery bills.”
expensive. I to be good
spit most of it Christians,
in my napkin. good citizens,
and proud
Brooks Americans. We
received an both agreed
Ag Eco degree that constant
from Texas Tech College and communication
was fortunate to be offered many was first and
excellent positions. But farming foremost on
was Brooks’ life, and he took great our list.
pride in making straight rows in
a clean field. Even the bar ditches One evening,
were clean. His dad always said, we were sitting

50 Lubbock Senior Link