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Stella Henson Griggs Batson
I went to live at Thompson Orphanage when I was eleven years old, along with my two sisters, Annie Ruth and Mary Frances. Annie was ten and Marie (the name we called her) was seven.
Our father wa...view moreI went to live at Thompson Orphanage when I was eleven years old, along with my two sisters, Annie Ruth and Mary Frances. Annie was ten and Marie (the name we called her) was seven.
Our father was from Arkansas, where I was born. He and Mother (who was from North Carolina) separated when I was six years. I never saw him again. I loved him dearly. He was out of sight but never out of mind. He died when I was eight.
Later, Mother became very ill, so arrangements were made, with the help of our priest and godmother, for us to go to Thompson, an Episcopal orphanage in Charlotte, North Carolina. I lived there until graduation in 1953 and remained almost two more years to go to King’s Business College. Because of my education at King’s, I was always able to get wonderful employment with outstanding people.
My first job was with Mize Company Inc. This was a really nice job, but I missed the noise of people, so I would later seek employment with large corporations or government. Some of my employment was with the North Carolina Library for the Blind in Raleigh, North Carolina; Virginia Department of Social Services; Anson County Hospital in Wadesboro, North Carolina; Belk Brothers in Charlotte, North Carolina; Mecklenburg Administrator’s Office, in Charlotte, and retired with the US Postal Service.
My life at the orphanage was very fulfilling. I have kept in touch with so many alumni since I graduated. That is why I was able to write the stories in this book. I hope you understand that I am not saying all the children loved the orphanage, because they did not. It was only after we grew up that many of us realized the wonderful opportunities that we and our families were given.
Children, like myself, did not take into consideration that the orphanage was a place of opportunity, built by people who loved children and wanted to see that they had the same opportunities as children living at home with their parents. Orphanages need counselors to help them, especially the small children, understand how much they are loved. I believed with this knowledge it would be much easier for a child to accept their situation with pride and happiness.
Realizing your blessings in life is what makes us complete. Well, that is my belief anyway.view less
Books by Stella Henson Griggs Batson
Memories of Thompson Orphanage: Charlotte, North Carolina