Burned beans and a spanking

I remember my little brother's fourth birthday. I had just turned 11 on the 2nd of September, and he turned four on the 29th. He got this little red wagon, and all of the kids in the neighborhood were out taking turns pulling him around.

My mom and dad went somewhere and left me to watch the beans cooking. Can you imagine that? With all the excitement going on outside! HEY, THIS WAS 1929!

My dad said he would give me a spanking if the beans burned. Low and behold, they burned or singed, not once, but three times. Of course, after the third time, I had to put new beans on.

When mom and dad came in, my dad said he had promised me a spanking, so he gave me three little spats. My heart was broken; he had never done that before. I'm reminded of the old adage, "This hurts me worse than it does you." I'm sure he shed a tear or two. He never again gave me an ultimatum like that!

Even though I got a spanking, it was fun seeing my little brother so happy with his little red wagon that day.

Years later, giving my granddaughters Jill and
Stormy a ride in a little red wagon!