The Florida of My Youth - My Generation

The Florida of My Youth - My Generation By Franklin Price 10/13/2019 Was born in mid November of nineteen forty five, Was the last of seven siblings (only four are still alive). Four sisters and two brothers, I was to be the last. (I was under five years old ,when my sister Judy passed.) World War Two was over, by the time I came to be, Was not a Baby Boomer (began in '46 you see) Not The Greatest Generation, that had gone off to war I was just another baby boy to even up the score My father born Oh-seven, and my mother nineteen ten Too old to have another, but I'm glad they did again. My life has been a wonder since that early Autumn morn Part of a loving family, since the day that I was born. The oldest one was Stuart, (Sonny to our family) He and sister Nancy, had some ten years over me. Then came sister Shirley, and brother Buddy (really Earl), Laura Gertrude (who is Trudy) and Judy was the final girl. It's a little bit confusing, these older siblings in the game, When I was brought to join them, they heard Frankie was my name It's really Franklin Arthur, and its origins were bold The first for Franklin Roosevelt; then Douglas MacArthur (I was told) Understood the Franklin but the Arthur was a reach I was raised a Southern Baptist, still believe in what they teach My father a devout man, followed the Lord in word and deed If able, helped his fellow man, if ever was a need In his life, he built two churches, both would start with saw dust floors In Merritt Island, Florida is where they opened up their doors Both still in existence, the first, the largest church round Who would have thought that it could happen, when my father first broke ground? After sister Judy died, five years distance was the least To my nearest sibling, for me it was a feast. By the time I was in Junior high, I went a little wild All my siblings were then married and I was an only child I got stuff that they never got, more attention, yes indeed Got response and satisfaction for my necessary needs When I thought I needed more, I found work after school “You may do with what you work for”, was the unsaid family rule I hope you get some idea of my generation's start Honesty was everything, and love coming from the heart. Work was never faulted, you earned your way, your wants to feed Gave of your time and money, when you could, for those in need.