Brenda Kellam Cusack, Barbara Kellam Ollarvia

Lola's Letters

A Collection Of Family News & Homespun Grit

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

Lola's Letters is an African American family's collection of heart to heart correspondences to a beloved son and brother, Samuel McGee, a soldier stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Sammie's separation from his large family added to the many challenges faced by him, his parents and siblings after the McGee's migration from Richland, Georgia to the outskirts of Trenton, New Jersey in 1946. Sammie's mother Lola Cox McGee encouraged everyone in the household to keep in touch with him, in spite of the family's day to day struggles. After Lola's death the insightful letters were found in a small burlap bag among her few prized possessions. Further testimony to Lola's positive influence and homespun grit are found in the biographies of the McGee family members. A strong belief in God, respect of person, belief in their fellow man, good work ethics, and undying determination are some of the qualities that Lola instilled in her children. Her vocabulary was that of the poor rural South yet soft-spoken Lola could get her point across. Some of her sayings are defined in this publication. Three decades after Lola's passing, her words and ways live on. They serve as an inspiration to her family to keep moving forward and to make better lives for themselves. Lola taught her family to draw strength from God and from within when confronted with the harshness of life. She evenly showed her love for her ten children. Lola did all she could for her family during the decades (1920's through the 80's), especially during the times when there were no or few support services or groups to aid with physical handicaps, physical and mental health issues and abuses, alcoholism, homelessness, divorce, interracial marriage and prejudices. All of which touched Lola's family in one way or another. Lola, Mama and MomMom to her children and grandchildren, was the one who heard it all, saw the effects of it all, prayed through it all, yet remained the anchor keeping th

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Outskirts Press
• Seitenzahl: 96
• Erscheinungstermin: 8. März 2013
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 229mm x 152mm x 6mm
• Gewicht: 153g
• ISBN-13: 9781432785543
• ISBN-10: 1432785540
• Artikelnr.: 37597362

Autorenporträt

Brenda Kellam Cusack Lola's oldest granddaughter lives on the site of her grandparents' home in White City, Hamilton Township, New Jersey. Brenda shared many memorable times with her grandmother. They traveled together, "going way back" to Lola's memories of Richland, Georgia. Brenda discovered her grandmother to be very creative, with a hidden talent for playing the piano. Lola had a reputation for writing motivational poetry and small speeches for family members and friends to recite at church. Like Lola, Brenda enjoys motivating others through her full time Christian ministry. Brenda is a minister at the Baptist church where Lola served as a deaconess for many years. Barbara (Bobbie) Kellam Ollarvia's memories of growing up as part of the first generation of McGees born in New Jersey are vivid. She uses the term "Homespun Grit" to describe the essence of her grandmother's inspiration to her children and grandchildren. Homespun reflects the down-to-earth manner in which soft-spoken Lola lovingly guided her family. Lola's grit, determination to move forward in spite of life's challenges, continues to be a source of encouragement. Barbara, a cancer survivor, credits Lola for helping her and many others find strength, wisdom & guidance through prayer. Lola's life reflected her love for God and her resolve to "hold unto His hand through rain and (sun) shine."