Lunch meat from Souden's with bread bought from Merle
Candy from Berger's for each boy and girl
Run up to Egick's, don't stop on the way
Don't stop for cats - do not rescue a stray

Alfie and Mary Souden were old, old, old, but they still ran their tiny corner grocery store, where customers were friends, and kids were welcome.  Their lunch meat was the best and the cheapest, but some of their dry goods didn't sell quite as fast, and box mixes just might contain some unwelcome tiny critters.  Everybody loved Alfie and Mary.  There was a big sign on the wall in back of the meat case, reading:  "Jesus Christ is the Lord of humanity, not a word for profanity."  All these years later, their house and attached one-room store still stand empty.  No one could fill them like Alfie and Mary.

Merle was a friend of my parents from their youth, and a daily visitor at their home while I was growing up.  His truck carried bread, bakery goods, canned goods, cleaning products, ice cream & popsicles, and who knows what all else?  He was always a wise advisor and a comforting friend when I was "pulling my hair out" with one of the kids.  One in particular often had me despairing, but he always assured me she was going to grow up to be someone special, and he was absolutely right.  He helped me keep my cool and broaden my perspective.  Of course, the kids loved him and the popsicles we often bought from him.  Sad thing about Merle--he thought there was "a boss" somewhere, but would not acknowledge Jesus as His own. 

Berger's was a couple blocks down the hill.  I was never in it, but they had penny candy so the kids liked it. 

The most special memory about Egick's, a block up from us, was the time I sent Sue for a bottle of ketchup.  She came home with no ketchup and no money, but with a stray cat in her welcoming arms!  That was Sue.

More next time...................

Connie