52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks: Health

2 June 1946 Bloomington, Osborne County, Kansas

Staring outside the farmhouse window, I am numb. I can see the windmill, barn, and the other outbuildings, but I do not see him coming in from the fields. Where is he? His hat and coat are hanging by the door. Where is he? Then the terror and panic grab my heart. He is gone…he is not coming back.

I settle into a chair and try to think, to focus, to recall. I remember the sheriff speaking to me in solemn tones and telling me that my husband Wash was no longer living. I faintly recall my children and grandchildren coming to take care of me. I can hear in my mind the minister speaking of God’s love as we sat in the church and went to the cemetery. My mind simply cannot comprehend…where is he?

Looking back, I can hear the doctor’s words as we went together for Wash’s health exam. “Mr. Storer, you have Farmer’s Lung. It is a breathing disease with no cure. We have some medicines to keep you comfortable. You best give up farming.” I thought to myself, “Heavens to stars, this is a death sentence. How can that be?” Then, my mind totes me back to the present. Just where is he?

My children and grandchildren are urging me to protect my spiritual, mental, and physical health by leaving the farm. My dear Wash died in the kitchen…he wanted to spare me his suffering…he took his own life. My soul just cries out…where is he?

I have decided that I will move away from Kansas. One of my daughters lives near Los Angeles, California. It will be sunny and warm all year round…no more brutal winters…just sunshine. Perhaps this last part of my life, I will be blessed with kindness, love, and caring. I will take my precious Wash with me and live in good health for the both of us.

~Sarah Almina (Nickel) Storer

Note: Sarah and Wash are my great grandparents. Sarah was born in Ohio while Wash was born in Iowa. Their families moved to Osborne County, Kansas, in 1871 and 1875. They met and married in 1891. They were married for 55 years.