Home to Grannie's Creek

By Rosemary Heidecker

Follow the life of Emmie, a girl that grew up in, and loved the mountains of West Virginia. She has left her home now, when she married and gone to live in the big house her grandmother gave her in Charleston. Follow her as she solves the mysteries of the big house and Aunt Bella, the woman that used to live there years before!
Emmies love and country personality, will captivate your heart, she has a child like seeing her world, also the fact she has inherited the family gift of second sight, which is often found in sections of the mountains.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481720106

Rosemary Heidecker

Rosemary Heidecker, at 71 years young, speaks from her experiences. A tale such as "Emmie" could not be told without the worldy insight that Heidecker gained as that young girl in those mountains of West Virginia.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I t was five years later and Emmie and Gary Lee were still at the big house in Charleston. It just seemed like they had always had something else to do here. They had started a new life and it wasn’t anything like living on the mountain.

They had made a lot of new friends and were doing a lot of different things. Gary Lee had joined a men’s club and Emmie was involved in their churches ladies group. Also they were expecting a baby! It would be due in August around their anniversary. They were both excited about finally being parents, it being so long they were starting to believe, maybe there would be no children. Then suddenly Emmie was sick and had to go to the doctor, and he gave them the great news, that they were going to have a baby! It was only May so Emmie had a lot of time yet, to plan and get ready. She was having one of the smaller upstairs done over for a nursery. She was working with a decorator that was really doing a splendid job. She was busy at this point choosing wallpaper, paint, and carpet for the new project, as well as deciding whether to tear down a small wall.

Things in her world were going pretty well she thought, her family was all doing well. Both of their parents were in good health, Buddy and Ruth Ann had twins, two little boys Jake and Blake! Everyone in the family were really proud of the two little boys, they were about two years old now, and growing all the time.

All of the family was real proud that Emmie was finally expecting. Every few months one set of parents or the other would come for a visit. Emmie’s mother wanted to come and stay awhile when the baby was due, Emmie was looking forward to having her here! She was already helping to make baby clothes, which was the mountain way. Lots of flannel and lots of sewing! Emmie was shopping here too, but wanted to hang onto things from home too!

They still had the staff that they started out with, Rudy was keeping the lawn and gardens in excellent shape and there were new plantings on a regular routine. Orffie was running the house like a sergeant; everything was run like a tight ship. Emmie worked more herself with the cook, as she liked to plan the menu herself. When working on a dinner Betsy was excellent to work with no matter how many guests or just relatives! Another reason they hadn’t left yet, was that every time they would start thinking about it they would find another one of Aunt Bella’s hidden treasures. So far over the last five years 104 of her hidden treasure packets. You never knew what was coming next. They had long ago had to have a lawyer help them find someone to help keep things evaluated and cataloged and in a safe place. Gary Lee had long ago had a built in safe installed, because they were uneasy about things just lying around if they could not be taken away right away. Emmie felt easier in her mind having it here too! It also gave her a place to keep her records and household on house financial affairs, records and the like. She felt that Grannie left her the house and all its contents and it was up to her to see about it. She wanted to take care of everything; she had been given the responsibility for in the right way. She also knew that the family would expect it of her.

Emmie was also proud of the home and the good start that Grannie had made sure she got when she and Gary Lee had started their marriage. It was a beautiful gift and one she treasured dearly, from her sweet Grannie.

Emmie was happy, Amelia moved to Charleston right after their wedding, and she had been married about two years ago to a doctor. They only lived a short distance away. Emmie got to see her more often than she did at home. Amelia was waking much better now! She still had a slight limp. But that was nothing compared to what she had already been through. The accident was a long memory now. Amelia’s father was seeing someone that worked for his paper and they were talking of getting married around Christmas. It would be good for him; he had been alone all these years since his wife died, before the war.

Gary Lee came home now and Emmie wondered why he was so early. She asked why you are home so early. He said I am not feeling well, cramps in my stomach! Oh, you’d better go to our room and lie down, it’s quite and you can get some rest. She shooed him off up the stairway, and headed towards the kitchen to find Orffie. By the time she got up the stairs to their room, he was already in bed and had drifted off to sleep. She left him alone and went back downstairs.

She decided to go through the wallpaper samples again, and sat down with them at the dining room table. She had narrowed it down to two choices one with a cream colored background and little pink and blue bears all over it. The second one was all yellow and green with little angels in the pattern. She did not know which one she liked best; it was going to be a hard choice!

Lizzie came running into the room, come quick Missy! What on earth is the matter, Emmie exclaimed jumping up from her chair? It is the Mister, what wrong Emmie is choked out again, as she kept asking the frightened girl, who finally answered breathlessly. He tried to get up Missy and fell back onto the floor and I can’t get him up. Emmie went running up the stairs right behind Lizzie. They got to the bedroom and Orffie was bending over Gary Lee. Missy Emmie, he is in bad shape, I think we need to call an ambulance. Emmie raced to the phone without hesitation, and the ambulance was on its way in no time. They were there within a short time, but it seemed like forever to Emmie. The men loaded Gary Lee into the ambulance, and asked if Emmie wanted to ride along, yes, she did she was so nervous that she knew that she couldn’t drive. The ambulance screamed through the city streets, sirens blaring all the way to the hospital. They took Gary Lee into an exam room and their doctor met them there. They sent him for x-rays almost immediately. At that point Gary Lee was really in pain and complaining loudly. Emmie was scared to death she had never seen Gary Lee like this. He was always there for her, it wasn’t long before the doctor was back to talk to her, Mrs. Bragg we are going to have to do surgery right away on your husband or he is going to die! He has a bowel obstruction that has got to be operated on for him to survive. Of course, said Emmie, whatever you have to do to save my husband! They took Gary Lee to prepare for surgery, and Emmie went to find a phone to call their parents. They were all shocked, as she was. When she was finished she called Amelia, to ask all of them to pray.

Amelia was there almost immediately, I didn’t want you to go through this all alone she said as she hugged Emmie. I’m so glad that you are her Millie, I don’t think I can do this alone. We will do this together, just like we always do, Amelia said smiling.

they sat in the waiting room, it seemed like hours, and then Amelia asked, let’s go downstairs and get some coffee Em. She got up and decided that it would be better to get up and walk, she was getting a little cramped from sitting so long. Amelia talked her into having lunch for the baby, once she got her to the cafeteria. She was so glad she ate; it made her feel better with in a little while. She couldn’t afford to be sick, not now. She had to be strong for Gary Lee!

They were only back up upstairs a few minutes, when the doctor came in to see her, Mrs. Bragg we had to remove a whole section of your husband’s bowel to get the sick area. He will have a long recovery time to completely recover, but he should be just fine. Emmie was in shock, it all sounded so serious. Gary Lee had never been sick a day in his life. When can I see him, she asked? He will be in recovery, until late today, so it might be better if you wait until morning.

Emmie was beside herself by the time she got home and really in a state. Amelia had driven her home and stayed with her awhile. Gary Lee had never been away overnight in their whole marriage, except to go hunting or fishing! After Amelia left she decided to call their parents back to let them know how Gary Lee came through surgery.

Gary Lee’s mother cried and cried, and Emmie could not console her, no matter how hard she tried. Her son had never been sick except for childhood things that all children have. This was serious and she just knew that he was going to die. She said that they were going to be driving down as soon as possible, she wanted to be here, if her little boy nodded her. Emmie had never heard her talk like this before, and she was shocked!

After that call she was so glad to hear her mother’s voice on the phone, she was always calm and well collected. The pillar of the family, Grannie used to say. She talked to Emmie for quite a long time, and got her settled down, at least feeling a lot better!

It was the next morning and Emmie had driven herself to the hospital. She stopped at the desk to get Gary Lee’s room number, as she wasn’t real sure exactly where he was. The nice lady at the desk told her he was out of recovery, and in room 306. She took the elevator to the third floor and went down the hallway looking for 306. She stopped at the nurses’ station and asked the nurse how her husband had been through the night.

She slowly entered the room, he was so still, and there were medical things hanging, and something going into his arm through a needle. He wasn’t awake yet. She walked over beside the bed, and bent down and kissed his cheek, with tears running down her own, and dropping onto his face. Oh, she loved this man so much, he was the love of her life, and she thanked God again for keeping him safe.

Emmie sat down in a chair to wait, and decided to pray, she sat there for quite a long while watching Gary Lee as she prayed for him. The nurse came in to check on him and said he was doing fine. Emmie finally fell asleep in the chair, she was so sleepy, she hadn’t slept very well last night; she was so worried about Gary Lee. She woke up suddenly hearing Gary Lee’s voice! He was awake, she got up quickly and went to him. Yes my love, I am right here, she said as she took his hand and gave it a little squeeze. He smiled back at her. I feel awful he stated bluntly, and at that moment the doctor came in. I see you are finally awake, young man, how are you feeling? Awful he answered, well could have been worse stated in his authoritative manner. You know you almost died, don’t you? Gary Lee looked at him in shock! Your blockage became infected and we had to cut out a large portion of your intestine to save your life. You will have to be careful and there will limitations, but you should pull through this just fine. Gary Lee was still looking at both of them in shock, the doctor came over and checked him over and then turned him over to the nurse that had come behind him.

Emmie walked over and hugged him as best she could, it will be all right darling! She was trying so hard to make both of them feel more assured. The nurse came back in a few minutes later and gave him a shot and it wasn’t long before he drifted off to sleep again.

Amelia came in as Emmie was drifting off to sleep again, come on girl let’s go get coffee, you are a sight you know!

Em, you are a site you know, Amelia said to her! I’ll bet I is she exclaimed. Did you eat, Amelia questioning? Just a bite she answered, cook sent me a tray up, but I couldn’t eat much. Well let’s worry about keeping our new baby healthy, she insisted as she gave Emmie a tray in the cafeteria. Emmie picked a nice lunch of chicken salad, and fruit, with iced tea that made Amelia very happy. See I have to look out for all of you, we don’t want you sick too. Emmie discovered as she ate, that she had been very hungry without realizing it, she ate everything on her plate.

When they got back upstairs Gary Lee was still fast asleep. The only change was that Gary Lee’s parents were there. The minute Mrs. Bragg saw Emmie she started the same thing, she had been doing on the phone the night before. Emmie was totally unprepared for this, and started to shake the minute that the woman started to talk. She was saying the same words over and over my baby, my baby, what’s going to happen to my baby? Amelia darted out to the nurses’ station and had them page Gary Leeds’s doctor. He was there in a very short time. He talked to Gary Lee’s parents in the hall, he sent them down to have coffee, then he came back to see Emmie. Are you all right he asked? I don’t know, she said just as she collapsed onto the floor.

Emmie woke up she didn’t know where she was; she was in a hospital bed herself! What’s happing she said as she tried to sit up. A nurse rushed over, with Amelia right behind her. Am I losing my baby she asked? No, they both assured her, but the doctor says you have to stay here and rest.

Chapter 2

I t was three days and the doctor said that they could take Emmie to see Gary Lee now that she was a little more settled down. The nurse brought a wheelchair for her, and Emmie started to argue, Doctors orders maam! All right she said very indignantly! They were going down the hallway, suddenly Emmie realized they were on a different floor until they got to the elevator. They left the fourth floor to go to the third, before it dawned on Emmie that she had been on the maternity floor.

They got to Gary Lee’s room and the doctor was already there. I wanted to talk to both of you together this morning Dr. Fisher exclaimed in a very stern voice! Gary Lee I’ve already had a long talk with you, but I need to talk to both of you, about Emmoline and this baby! Emmie started thinking, what can be wrong, am I going to lose my baby?

Dr. Fisher continued, Emmie cannot tolerate any stress at this point, I have talked to her girlfriend that was with her, and I have talked to Gary lee’s parents, and asked them to go home. Emmie’s parents have called me and I have talked to them, we all have to work together to keep Emmie and this baby safe. Emmie almost lost the baby three days ago and has been unconscious most of the time since. She doesn’t remember what happened and it’s all right if she doesn’t. The doctor went on talking and said a lot more, but their baby was safe!

After the doctor left, the nurse said I will leave you to visit with your husband, then come back and get after a while. Gary Lee held out his arms to her and she got beside his bed and stood up, and he took her into his arms, and held her and she knew that everything was going to be all right.

Gary Le held Emmie for a long time and kissed her cheek and buried his face in her hair, like he did when they were dating. She sat back down in the wheelchair after a while and they still held hands and talked about all of these new things in their lives, they both knew it was going to be all right!

The nurse came after a bit and took Emmie back to her room, and got her back into hospital bed, you rest now, and she said as she closed the door and went out. Emmie fell asleep almost instantly; she didn’t realize that she was so tired.

When Emmie woke up, Amelia was there. Hello my best-us she said gleefully to Emmie. Did you hear the news, she asked? No, Emmie replied puzzled. We are going to have a strong healthy baby and Gary Lee is coming home soon. I don’t know when I am going home yet Emmie replied, very soon Amelia answered with a smile. I will be glad to be home. I don’t know how long I have been here, Emmie said with sadness in her voice. Only a week Amelia answered in a blustery voice. Have I really been here that long Millie she asked? Yes, you have they were afraid that you so into stress and shock over Gary lee’s mother that you were going to lose the baby, it was very serious explained seriously. That was enough to upset anyone, right after Gary Lee going through what he did.

I am going to have the most beautiful, healthy baby girl that you have ever seen, Emmie said with determination. You just wait and see! You know it’s a girl Amelia asked? Oh yes, in my heart, I know Emmie said hugging herself.

It was three days later and Emmie was home. She had to make arrangements for Gary Lee to sleep downstairs. She ordered a hospital bed and had it set up in Bella’s little parlor. That was such a pleasant room, with so much more extra light; she thought it would be very comfortable for Gary Lee. She made arrangements with the doctor for a nurse for him, because she felt he would get better care then he would from her and the household staff was caring for him. He was supposed to be coming home tomorrow and it was going to be a wonderful homecoming.

The help were all scurrying around the house buzzing with activity. Orffie really had both Lizzie and Carrie both working feverishly to get things spic and span before the master of the house returned. Emmie was having a hard time with Betsy the cook, as she wanted to bake up an array of Gary Lee’s favorites, and Emmie was trying to help her understand special diet.

Emmie’s mother would arrive today to be here for encouragement and support. Emmie was so relieved that she would be here. It was her sixth month of pregnancy, and she needed her mother near. She also wanted her here to help with Gary Lee, she could help keep him calm. She would be sending Rudy to the train station to pick her up later this afternoon.

Emmie went upstairs to see what the workmen were doing in the nursery; they had just started working in there and hadn’t gotten too far yet! They were taking off old wallpaper from ceiling and walls, and it was very dusty. The plaster seemed to be in pretty good, so they weren’t going to do all of the plaster work over, that would save some work and money. Emmie was getting where she was anxious to see the nursery finished and ready.

Lizzie came upstairs to tell her that they were delivering the hospital bed and wanted to know where she wanted to put it. She went on downstairs to direct the delivery men. She knew where she wanted to put it. She led them on into Aunt Bella’s little parlor, which was now hers. They got everything set up just the way she wanted, so Gary Lee could see out into the garden most of the day. She had some of his books and things moved in here, so he would have be more comfortable. Also one of his chairs from the den, for his comfort. Emmie looked all around the room, everything looked in order, for getting her husband well.

Rudy came walking in from the garden, what time is your mothers train, Miss? Everything is fine Rudy, she said smiling.

Emmie went to the kitchen to check on the staff and see if they needed anymore direction. She was also feeling like she could use a cup of tea and maybe a snack! She went to the kitchen and found Betsy, and she got her tea and coffee cake almost instantly. She found that being pregnant she got hungry a little bit more between meals then she ever had before. She hadn’t gained so much weight yet, but knew she had to watch it. She went on to explain to Betsy that while her mother was here, let her have anything she wanted, if she wanted to cook something it was all right to let her. She was going to enjoy having her mother here.

She was now prepared for both of her loved ones to be her, oh what happy thoughts, her heart leaped with joy and happiness.

Sarah Jane arrived safely and on time, Rudy came bustling her through the front door, they had made good time from the train station. Emmie ran to throw her arms around her mother, she was so glad to see her. They were both talking at the same time as they had so much to say to each other.

They went into the living room to relax, Emmie wanted to ask questions about everything! How were her Pa, and Buddy and his family, and any other home news. The two women talked for the longest time, until Orffie came to ask where they wanted tea served. They both said at once, in the garden. Emmie spent a lot of time in the garden right outside the parlor door. It was so pleasant in the garden, and Rudy worked hard to keep it in immaculate condition.

Orffie and Lizzie sat up the tea table and they on out to the garden. They had a delightful tea, with tea cakes, and sweets and the best tasting tea you could imagine. Everything was wonderful, and the garden was so enjoyable, that you could be entranced just watching birds and squirrels, it was so peaceful here, almost like being home in the mountains sometimes.

Emmie took her mother upstairs to see the nursery, she was impressed with what they were doing to get ready for her grandchild, and she told Emmie so. Emmie led her mother to her room so she could rest, and she was going to lie down and take a nap herself.

Emmie went to her room, Carrie placed a pillow a coverlet over her, and she pulled the drapes and left the room.

Emmie fell asleep almost a t once; and drifted into instant dreams. Grannie was there to talk to her, and told her no matter what happens, that her and Great Aunt Bella were there watching over her and had been ever since she had moved into this house. She went on to show her things coming in the future. She got to see for herself what her little girl looked like, not just as a newborn but later as a woman too. She dreamt away, she didn’t want to miss anything, she saw her and Gary Lee with their daughter and they were very happy.

Emmie woke to a knock on the door. It was her mother, are we going to sleep into the evening she asked? No, I’m getting up now, she said rising from the bed.

Emmie you don’t look like you have gained much weight at all, she said worriedly. He says everything is just fine. I’m not eating as much since Gary Lee got sick, but things should be back to normal in a short time now she answered confidently.

Ma, Grannie came to talk to me in a dream, that hasn’t happened in a long time. No, Sarah Jane agreed. Is everything all right she asked? Oh yes she says that I’m going to have a beautiful little girl, and she showed me many things. She says that her and Aunt Bella have been watching over me ever since we came into this house. Wonderful Sarah Jane whispered smiling.

This was a great day, Emmie thought as she showered and got dressed, she was going after Gary Lee this morning. She rushed and got downstairs so she could get breakfast and then be on her way. She went right to the kitchen as soon as she was downstairs, she had decided she would eat in the kitchen this morning. She was surprised to see her mother standing at the stove, just like she belonged there. I have a surprise for you this morning she sang out merrily. What Emmie asked puzzled? I am fixing your favorite breakfast this morning. She turned back to the stove and continued with what she was doing, Emmie sat down at the table bewildered. In a few moments her mother turned handed her a plate, just like when she was a child back up on the mountain. There on the plate was the best thing Emmie had seen in ages. Her mother’s special pancakes and bacon. Oh Ma, this is wonderful, she exclaimed as she ate. I gave my recipe to Betsy and the bacon is a gift from Pa and Buddy they smoked it themselves. Emmie ate like she did when she was a child, and wanted seconds, just like she had then! She felt so spoiled and taken care of. All of the help was treating her the same way, like a child that had to be taken care of.

It was time to go the hospital to pick up Gary Lee, Sarah Jane rode along with to keep