Nadine: That She May Stay So Ever Young

It all began with a bee sting. First memory. Cold mud under a peonie bush at my paternal Grandpa’s house. Bernard Marron. Davenport, Iowa. North 4th Street off Brady, Highway 61. Dylan’s old hitchhike route south to New Orleans.

Screaming for my Mother, Nadine Louise Hanssen, to come out of the house to rescue me from searing pain on my left palm, previously exploring the African Violets! Tiny insect venom thorn to be plucked out by my angel Mom running down stepsat warp speed from white porch Victorian. Screen door slamming!

Healing glacial Mississippi moraine alluvial silt slapped on my flaming boo-boo, then whisking me inside nurselike for further coos & reassurances. Her vanilla rosewater smell, strong arms, Reynolds Illinois farm girl wisdom from her Oma, Eliza Gaunt, Matriarch of Medicinal Magic & herbal German lineage. Drawing out the venom by the sink from her 2 year old son’s throbbing paw. God Bless her! Would that our 54 year old plus relationship could have continued so delicate, simple & sweet….