They Paved Holly Road

By Johnnie Browder Young

Do you think that you don't make a difference?

Think again.

We all touch each other's lives in many ways.

This is a story of a young girl who once received the kindness of strangers. Now, as an elderly woman, she is able to use her good fortune to help others. Her unusual encounters show us we all have the potential to spread joy to those that need a little help.

Her demands were strong and sometimes harsh, but always with love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 22, 2008
• ISBN: 9780595633586

Johnnie Browder Young

Johnnie Browder Young lives in Akron, Ohio with her husband of 66 years. They have one daughter. She has previously published two other books, The Long Gravel Road (2006) and They Paved Holly Road (2008). In addition to writing, Johnnie interests include painting, crafts, and gardening. In her younger years, Johnnie was a Rosie the Riveter and also enjoyed modeling.

Book preview

Chapter One

The noisy, massive trucks rumbled down the road, shaking the earth.

Piddy slowly and quietly opened the bedroom door, walking to the east window, and drew back the curtain. The bright morning sun came spilling into the room. Her arm brushed against the lush, green rosemary plant that sat close to the window, drinking in the early morning light. The room was suddenly filled with an awakening aroma.

The quilt on the bed moved.

Good morning, Miss Holly. Did the trucks wake you?

Good morning, Piddy.

Oh, Miss Holly, just look at that sunshine. It’s going to be a beautiful day.

Holly rolled from her side to her back and started to stretch.

No, no, Miss Holly. Not yet. Wait a minute. You know if you stretch those legs too soon, you will get a cramp. Let me massage them first.

Piddy sat down on the side of the bed, pulling back the covers from the foot of the bed. Holly stretched her arms, then pulled the sheet to her face, hiding all but her eyes. She looked like a little girl. Her adoring gaze was fixed on her dear friend, gently manipulating her tiny legs.

Oh, Piddy, that feels so good.

Good. It’s just what the doctor ordered.

Doctor – doctor, you mean my grandson?

Yes ma’am, your grandson, the doctor.

What time is it, Piddy?

It’s eight fifteen. Are you hungry this morning? Don’t answer that. I know what you would say, so I just prepared what is good for you.

What?

Piddy didn’t answer. She just kept gently rubbing Holly’s legs and feet.

Piddy, what?

Piddy just smiled as she reached for more lotion, slathering her milky white legs.

It’s a surprise, but it’s good for you and you will love it. Where would you like to eat this morning?

Is it warm enough to eat on the front porch?

Oh no. Not yet. You must remember, this is just early June and it takes a while for the sun to warm things in the morning.

I thought maybe I could watch the workmen while I eat.

You can. I’ll fix you a place by the big dining room window. You can just eat and watch and take your time.

You know they always wave at me when they go by.

I know they do, Miss Holly. They love you. We all love you.

Holly gave her a little kick. Oh, Piddy, you embarrass me. By the way, what are they doing down there today?

"I think they are painting the yellow lines. It sounds like they are dropping manhole covers. I’m sure Tony will come up before they leave and keep you informed.

Holly sat by the window in a soft, warm blue lounging gown, eating her breakfast. Indeed the guys did wave at her. They were too far from the cabin to see detail, but they knew who was sitting at that window.

The phone rang three times while Holly was eating. Piddy took care of that, not to bother her breakfast.

When Piddy came for the tray, Holly said, Is it nine thirty?

On the button, Miss Holly. On the button, as she reached, turning on the radio.

Jeff warned me, I had better not forget. Were the phone calls important?

Just the daily calls from your kids to see if you were up and well.

Are you going to listen to Jeff, also?

Wouldn’t miss it for the world.

The morning news went off and the music started.

Chapter Two

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is Jeff Oberman, W.D.A.C. Columbus, Ohio.

You, my dear friends, are in for a treat today. Don’t leave your house and don’t, I say don’t, touch that dial. Did I say a treat? Yes, yes I did, so please indulge yourself. Stay with me for the next four hours. You can be assured of four hours well spent. Why? Because I will be playing the recordings of our own lovely, sweet, beautiful Miss Holly Whitfield and her friend, Allison Bruss. Of course, some chit chat and interviews interspersed will keep you on the edge of your seat, I’m sure.

It’s clear from your letters and calls that you all love Miss Holly as much as we do here at the station. But how could you not? It was noted in Preston Lewis’ book that her husband, Allen Whitfield, once said to his brother, Couldn’t you just put her in your pocket and keep her? I think you will all feel the same way when you see her. I know many of you have already met her because she is very accessible. But, if you have not, then my friends you are in for another treat.

I have announced it before, but here goes again. Friday afternoon, at the Albert Clinic, we will be celebrating Miss Holly’s one hundred and second birthday. Yes, my friends, you heard me right. She will be one hundred and two years young.

Remember, that is Friday, June fifteenth, at the Albert Clinic, in the large auditorium. The tickets are only thirty-five dollars. A steal, my friends, a real steal.

When Miss Holly heard we were selling tickets for thirty-five dollars, she was not happy about that, not one little bit. Those were her words.

She also said, while tapping her cane on the floor to make her point stronger, Why would anyone pay thirty-five dollars to look at an old lady?

Jeff stopped, laughing loud and long, and said, "I do wish you could see her when she gets in a snit. She is so cute, and that’s another word, or expression she dislikes. Her dark eyes literally dance and her cheeks flush. But, believe me, she can still express herself very well.

You will read in Mr. Lewis’ book about how Miss Holly, as a young girl, lost her way and the lady called Auntie Il found her in the woods. She kept thinking something happened in June or July, but she couldn’t remember what it was. She could remember that she loved June, but why? Well, it was her birthday in June and we, as her friends, never forget to enjoy it with her.

If you are the only person in the whole state to not have read Preston Lewis’ book about the Whitfield family, then you are in for another treat. Even though he is a very busy author, he will be present to sign his books and talk with you.

I’m so proud to tell you that Miss Holly signed my book along with Preston Lewis. I know she has signed a few, even though it is not her book. I do hope you will be as fortunate and have one she has signed.

By the way, while I have been talking, all the music in the background has been Miss Holly’s recordings. I’ll stop talking now, and play my all time favorite. She doesn’t sing on all her pieces, but she does on this one, with the help of her dear friend, Mrs. Allison Bruss. On some parts, you will hear Allison playing the violin. Enjoy."

If I had to choose just one day

To last my whole life through

It would surely be that Sunday

The day that I met you.

Newborn whippoorwills were calling from the hills

Summer was a-coming in but fast.

Lots of daffodils were showing off their skills

Nodding all together, I could almost hear them whisper

Go on, kiss her, go on and kiss her.

If I had to choose one moment

To live within my heart

It would be that tender moment

Recalling how we started

Darling it would be, when you smiled at me

That way, that Sunday, that summer.

Speaking very softly, "Ladies and Gentlemen, are you still with me? Now wasn’t that beautiful? My wife and I go to bed most every evening listening to her music.

Now once again, let me remind you about Friday, June fifteenth, from two o’clock until five at the Albert Clinic, we will be celebrating Mrs. Holly Whitfield’s birthday. She wants me to be sure to tell everyone that the thirty-five dollars will definitely go for augmentation only. (Miss Holly’s words, not mine.)

If you have Mr. Lewis’ book, I’m sure you remember that her husband, Allen, had an affinity for unusual words, and she will admit it affixed to her.

Remember my friends, whatever little tidbits I tell you about Miss Holly, it will not spoil your reading the book. There is so much to know and read about this interesting lady that when you think you know it all, you will beg for more.

I’m sure there are many of you that know very little about the Albert Clinic, especially the younger generation – like me."

He stopped and laughed. "Okay you people, I can hear you saying, yea, right Oberman.

Miss Holly gave me the best compliment when she said she listened to me every day. When we met for the first time, she told me she loved to hear me laugh. ‘It comes all the way from your toes on your big feet.’ Then I really laughed.

But back to the clinic. The general public doesn’t as a rule know that Miss Holly owns the clinic. Of course, the business world knew when, where, and how. It was bought while she was married to Allen Whitfield.

Over the years, she has been asked many questions about the clinic. Why was she there and what is a clinic? She loves to talk about her beloved clinic, and as she reflects back you can see the sweetness in her face, her lovely face. I have heard her say many times, ‘My dears, let me tell you about my wonderful clinic. Most medical places called clinics are cold, detached, impersonal, and often analytic. Doctor Albert made it otherwise and we have kept it as he intended. As well as being a medical building, we want it to stay a social, happy, restful place. That is the way I found it when I stayed there, even though at the time I did not feel I belonged there. I guess I was Miss Smarty Pants and thought I knew what was best for me. But not so. It was my dear, dear Jason that knew what was best for me. He was such a wise person and over the years I realized it more and more. Because I had temporarily lost my memory, I was so fearful that people would think me crazy. No so. They all understood my condition.’

Ladies and gentlemen, let me explain this next recording. Miss Holly doesn’t really like me playing it so often. It is not her favorite, believe me. She has said to me many times, ‘Stop it boy, stop it.’ I just keep playing it because I love it and it’s so unlike her. Allen Whitfield agreed with me. He loved it also.

The song is This Old House. Her friend, Allison Bruss, harmonizes and let me tell you that girl could sing country. Her voice was stronger than Miss Holly’s, but in this recording it was so fine, so fine. Listen to this – you will love it. This Old House, sung by Holly and Allison."

Jeff started to applaud, then everyone in the room started to applaud with him.

"See, what did I tell you? Even all my co-workers agree with me. We love her music and would love to have Miss Holly Day everyday if we could.

She would tell you this kind of music was foreign to her growing up. She was into the classics because that is what her parents introduced her to at home. She grew to love Bach, Liszt, Strauss, Mendelssohn, and many more. This is what she performed in so many of her concerts. Oh yes my friends, Miss Holly was a concert pianist.

Allison and her family listened to country music in their home, so she was familiar with many songs with country overtones. Their producer overheard the ladies just having fun with a few songs that Miss Holly referred to as weird. He insisted they add at least one country sound to their repertoire. Reluctantly she agreed, so that is why they recorded This Old House. Deep down she really did enjoy the song and still does. If you catch her in the right mood, she will still sing it, and believe me folks, she can still sing.

One day when I had the privilege of having her in my studio for an interview, I did find her in the right mood. I said, ‘Please Miss Holly, will you sing that song with me?’ She looked at me as though she thought I had really flipped out, then suddenly she said, ‘Okay boy, get close.’ She took me by the shirt collar and pulled me close to her face. ‘Can you harmonize, boy?’ By then, I feared I had completely lost my voice. I shook my head yes.

She started to sing and I came in. We only sang a few lines, but I thought I had died and gone to heaven. She leaned back in her chair, laughing and clapping those beautiful petite hands. ‘You’re not bad, boy. I think you missed your calling.’ That is a day I will always treasure.

There is so much more to tell you my friends, but first I want you to listen to this beautiful recording. This is Clair de Lune by Debussy, accompanied by Allison Bruss on the flute.

Now wasn’t that beautiful? I do hope you enjoy this day as much as I. Time is fleeting and there is so much more that needs to be said, preparing you for June fifteenth.

I will be interviewing one of Miss Holly’s great-granddaughters. You will love her. We do. You see, she works here at the station, so we get to see her and hear about Miss Holly everyday. So don’t go away just yet.

Some of you are probably saying but Miss Holly didn’t have children, but don’t tell her that. She will tell you she does. So I’m telling you my friends, you had better get out your score cards now. I have it all written out in my own system and I’m still confused. I don’t know how she does it, but she seems to know which children belong to each family.

Wait until you get to Preston Lewis’ family. That is one handsome family. The Whitfield’s embraced that young reporter like you couldn’t believe. They truly became family. It all began when Preston started working at the City Blade. His first assignment was to try to interview the man that carved the tables and stools in the woods. They found him so personable, so charming, that when he asked to follow up with more interviews, they had to say yes. He came often. They invited him many times for afternoon tea. Then for lunch. Then for dinner.

Here is a song I want you to hear before our time is up, then I will tell you more about Preston.

Beethoven. Moonlight Sonata

Lovely, just lovely. I’m sure you must have recognized that was a harp accompanying Miss Holly. I did not know Allison Bruss played a harp, among her other talents. I found out by reading Mr. Lewis’ book that Allison did not own a harp. She borrowed it from the church, just for these recordings. That lady was extremely talented. So were her children. Yes my friends, she also had children that Holly thought were part of her family. You had better read the book to find out about that family because I could never explain it to you today – not enough time.

There is so much to tell you about Preston Lewis and I can’t even scratch the surface today. He is such a gentle soul and very religious or a Christian as he says. He isn’t fond of the word religious. His father was a teacher and died young. Preston was just sixteen when he became the man of the house. He was very close to his mother and cared for her until she died.

He got a job at the City Blade as soon as he graduated high school. His first job was sweeping floors, then a go getter. You know how that goes. Go get those papers for me. Go get me a cup of coffee. Go get my mail. He will tell you he never minded those kinds of jobs. He just wanted to be around reporters and the newspaper business.

Miss Holly loves to tell about his visits to the cabin. For a while, he was so nervous. After they had become very good friends, he even brought his mother for visits. The Whitfield’s loved her also. Then the big surprise. One day he came to visit and he was so excited. He had met a lovely girl and he wanted them to meet her. That was the beginning of a never ending story. My time is almost up and I must play at least two more of my favorite songs, then you must stay while I talk to Jenny. She’s a peach.

Grieg. Piano Concerto

Allison on the harp.

Well, I never get tired of hearing that and from all of your calls and emails, you don’t either. To you my faithful listeners, I do hope I have not confused you by just telling you parts of a story and not fully explaining things.

If you have just come to our town or maybe you have been in outer space and you don’t know about the Whitfield family, I’m sure you are full of questions such as, why was Holly in the woods and how did she get there? Was she sick or injured? If so, who injured her? Sorry, I can’t tell you that. You must read the book. Who is this woman called Auntie Il? So many questions asked and they all have good answers in due time.

I will remind you one more time before Jenny comes in.

Miss Holly’s birthday party will be June 15th from two o’clock until five at the Albert Clinic. If we can’t fit everyone inside, there is plenty of room on the lovely kept grounds. Someone mentioned to her about rain and what would we do if that should happen. She came out with the little giggle that the family all loved to hear. ‘I won’t let it rain. I’m in charge here.’ Then she raised her hands to the sky saying, ‘Oh, I’m only fooling with you people. My Lord is in charge of rain and I know it to be so.’

Once more I remind you, Preston Lewis will be at the party signing his book. If the crowd is too big and you don’t get to speak to him, there will be other dates to see him. He does readings for libraries around town and at several schools. He goes to assisted living homes quite often for readings. He is so giving of his time and remember, he is not a young man either.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please say hello to my friend, Jenny Bye."

Hello to you, Jeff, and all the listening public. It’s my pleasure to be here with you.

Jenny, I don’t want to embarrass you, but I want you to know that everyone here at the station thinks you are adorable and we love working with you.

Thank you, Jeff, and believe me it is my pleasure to work here.

Jenny, there is so much to talk about and we can’t answer all the questions that have been emailed to me. Just not enough time. Let’s start with your family members. Can you reel those off for us, and the connection to Miss Holly?

"It’s my pleasure, Jeff. Robin Styvis Bird was my great-grandmother. She was married to Adam Styvis and he was killed in a motorcycle accident. They had only been married a short time and had no children. Adam and Holly were brother and sister. Robin worked for Holly and they were best friends, as well as being sisters-in-law. Robin then married William Bird, and yes she was teased unmercifully but she would just say ‘chirp-chirp’ and laugh it off, at least that’s the way the story was told to me.

Robin and William had two daughters. Sage was the oldest. She was so beautiful and talented. She was a model and designer of clothing, as well as furniture. Next came Victoria, married to James Church. They had one daughter, Victoria, married to Elton Bye. They had one lovely, well-behaved daughter named Jenny. There was a smile in her voice. That’s me."

Jeff came out with one of his raucous laughs. What did I tell you, folks? You can fill a score card quickly. So Jenny, what did you call, or should I say do call Miss Holly?

"I have always called her Granny Holly, and she always refers to me as her great-granddaughter. For many years, that’s what I told everyone. I always felt special around her. I truly thought she loved me best of all her grandchildren. She made each one feel that way.

When I say all, that includes Preston Lewis’ children and Allison Bruss’ children. We had many picnics and parties with the whole bunch. I had a wonderful childhood with loving, caring parents. I’m sure I can speak for all of us and say we were so privileged to have known and be loved by Holly Whitfield, my granny."

She stopped and took a deep breath. Granny and Papa Allen had Katie and her family living close to them, so that was a very close knit family. There were many stories in that family, but we don’t have time to go into that.

A lot of calls have come into the station wanting to know about Katie and what happened to her. I can tell you some stories that were exceedingly happy, but some were extremely sad. Did you know about these stories, Jenny?

From early childhood, I was told many stories, and you’re right Jeff, some were very sad. Preston goes into detail about that family in his book.

Jenny, did you ever see pictures of Bonnie, except the ones that were in the book?

Oh yes, many pictures and she was so beautiful. We kids thought she was an angel because she had this long, golden hair and she almost always dressed in yellow. After Granny and Papa Allen married, they never tried to hide the pictures away. There were many pictures of Jason, also. You know that was Granny’s first husband. Man, he was good looking. She covered her mouth and laughed.

Jenny, before our time is up, is there a story that sticks in your mind about Miss Holly that you think the listeners would enjoy?

She sat for a moment, thinking.

Well, we all loved to hear Granny play the piano. We kids would dance while she played and sang. Some songs were silly and we always thought she made them up as she played. If she did, they were good and one sticks in my mind even today. Want to hear it?

Sure, you bet we do.

She started singing. The ship went sailing or’ the sea (very soft voice), The children sang and danced with glee; Until they saw a whale after me (in a deep voice), It didn’t eat me, but it might eat thee, in a loud voice as she would jump at one of us, and of course we would all scream and run.

Jeff laughed, Oh Jenny, you’re a good sport. I wish we had more time, but it is gone. Thanks for taking time to stop by. I know you must have work to do before you go home. By the way, we didn’t tell our friends about your job. What is your job?

I’m a proof-reader, and sometimes I write short human interest stories.

And a very good one as we all know. It’s a pleasure to work with you, Jenny.

Thanks Jeff and I will see you on the fifteenth, because I know you will be the emcee.

By the by little missy, is there another bit of news that you would like to tell us?

Her cheeks flushed just a little. Yes, I will be getting married soon. Granny Holly has given her blessing, so now we can make our plans.

"My dear listeners, I do hope this has been enjoyable and worth your time. Please remember to get your tickets for June fifteenth. You will have a chance to ask questions, walk the lovely grounds, eat, and talk to Preston Lewis and Miss Holly. All for thirty-five dollars.

Now, before I say adieu, I will play Miss Holly’s favorite recording. Well, at least one of them. Listen closely because Miss Holly only sings part of the first line – Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, then they hum in harmony.

Enjoy my friends, and good day to you. See you on the fifteenth."

Chapter Three

The day could not be more lovely. The sun was shining and the birds were singing in sweet harmony. It was June fifteenth at the Albert Clinic. At 1:45 Misty Boyd Davis started to play the piano as guests were arriving. Misty, the granddaughter of Allison and Dr. Joe Bruss, always wanted to be just like Granny Holly so she started playing the piano at an early age. She also had a voice like her grandmother and loved to sing with Granny.

The clinic grounds were manicured to perfection. Beautiful tables and chairs were placed here and there, but never in a row. Miss Holly did not approve of that look. There were comfortable lawn benches placed about. The scent of fresh flowers permeated the grounds. June was just a little too early for some of the flowers to be in bloom, but that mattered not. All the urns were full of various colors and aromas.

The employees at the clinic referred to Mrs. Whitfield as avant-garde, so when you step into the auditorium, I’m sure you will agree. Miss Holly always referred to the room as the theater or the music room. When Preston interviewed the help, he found that they respected and admired her greatly and they often called her many different names. Some said administrator, Boss, Prez, or Little Lady, but whatever, they all loved her.

When the guests entered the grounds, they spent several minutes looking around before going inside. When they went to the door, they were greeted by young handsome men from the local college, all dressed in black and white. The young ladies that were there to serve in anyway asked were in dresses of their choice, either long or short. Miss Holly said, Diversity, young ladies. Diversity. Their answer was, Yes, Ma’am. Most of the young ladies were family friends, and yes, many were college age also.

Time was given to the guests to meet and talk among themselves. There were plenty of drinks which included many types of tea. That was a given because of the affinity Miss Holly had for teas.

The tables were, to say the least, grandiose, but classy. The choices of finger foods were many but as she would say never, never sticky or drippy food. The food was all so striking, it was hard to choose. There were small sandwiches, short breads, assorted scones, and