April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Duck Ponderings: Old tractor brings back memories
I was 5 and evidently hungry. It was a cool and windy fall day. Dad and I were on the Ford. We were headed down our long country driveway, for what reason I can't recall even though other details are still fresh many years later. I was sitting on the left fender when Mom stepped out of the house and yelled "dinner!"
I jumped off wanting to beat Dad to the table to enjoy Mom's great food. Well I tried, only to somehow land under the back tire. Fortunately, the road was soft from a rain; my coat was heavy; and, Dad had the presence of mind to not stop on top of my small and frail body. All of these factors contributed to me surviving and still being here to share.
Dad and Mom could not call for medical assistance because they did not even have a phone in the late 50s. I recall them placing me on the countertop in the kitchen, the concern in their facial expressions and in their voices. Repeatedly, I heard the question, "Are you alright?"
They rushed me to Dr. Thayer in North Vernon, a 20-minute drive from Lovett. Dr. Thayer then sent us to Columbus Hospital for an X-ray which showed a skull fracture. I stayed one night for observations with Mom by my side. Dad could not sleep at home and broke a hospital visitation rule by returning to check on me well after midnight. Mom was very surprised since he always followed the rules, even more surprised when he broke down and cried.
After returning from the hospital, I remember having to relearn how to shift through the gears again. Yes, I could drive the farm tractor at the age of 5. I find it somewhat hard to believe that Dad allowed and trusted me to drive the farm tractor at such a young age considering my two daughters, one 20 and the other 25, have never even mowed the grass on our John Deere riding lawn mower. It almost seems that an apology is in order.
Until the very end of his life, Dad remembered that day. I didn't think much about the experience until much later in life. Possibly, I just buried it deep within my mind.
Other stories about the 1950 Ford 8N will in the next article.[[In-content Ad]]
