Carl Mack

Mack, on the right.

November 2, 1913
Aunt Jane shook us awake. "Hurry, children," she said, "dress quickly." She herded us out the kitchen door, while Ethel whined for Mama. "Your Mama's busy, we're going to up to Claudie's," she said, hurrying us along. We saw Daddy going down the road fast, in the car. Where's Daddy going?" "He has to go to town," said Aunt Jane, and her tone indicated that we shouldn't ask so many questions. Aunt Jane is older than Mama, thin and tight lipped sometimes.

We walked quickly across the railroad quarter mile away, Aunt Jane holding Ethel's hand, and Blanche and I holding each other's hand. When we got near to Aunt Claudie's Aunt Jane began calling for her. Aunt Claudie came out to meet us and told Aunt Jane to go on in and she started toward our house at a trot. "Where's Aunt Claudie going?" we asked. "Your Mama needs her to help her. Come on in the house and Belle will help me make you some breakfast." Cousin Belle is not much older us, but she is good help to her Mama.

After we ate, Aunt Jane shooed us outside to play, even though it was cool. Finally Daddy came for us and Aunt Jane. He was smiling so broad the ends of his moustache turned up. The doctor's car our house was leaving as we crossed the railroad. Was Mama sick?

When we got to the house, Aunt Jane stopped us and said, "Girls, go in quietly." We tiptoed into the front bedroom. Mama called us closer. "Here's your new brother," she said, holding a blanket wrapped bundle. She pulled the corner back and a tiny sweet face looked back at us. What's his name? "Mack. Little Mack for me and Carl for Uncle Carl," Daddy said.

Little Mack. Our brother.