5 Post Office

Old Shasta had a grade school, two country stores and quite a few homes. There was also a small church next to the elementary school where some classes were held during the week. Church was held on Sundays, but I only remember attending once.

We lived in an old, two bedroom, brick home. The home was located just above a small creek where we use to gather water cress for tossed salads. Many experiences happened in Old Shasta.

There were twin girls name Rose and Mary who lived next door to us. They were my age and I fell madly in love with both of them. One day when everyone was gone, except for my sister Marilyn and I the twins had come over and Marilyn asked if we would like to play a game. We all said that we would like to, but did not know what game to play.

Marilyn suggested "Post Office." We did not know how to play Post Office. Marilyn, who was four years older than we were, said that she knew how to play and would teach us. I was sent to the bedroom to wait.

As I sat on the bed, I heard a knock at the door. I said, "Come in." The door opened and in walked Mary with a smile on her face. She closed the door and announced, "I am the Mailman. I have a letter for you." I looked around and said, "Where is it?" Mary said, "You have to close your eyes and keep them closed."

I closed my eyes and held out my hand. Then to my surprise, Mary kissed me on the lips. "Hey! What are you doing?" I exclaimed. "That's the letter,"she giggled, "Well . . . do you have anymore?" "No." She then retreated out through the door.

I sat stunned and well pleased at such a fine game, when suddenly, I heard another knock at the door. I sprang to my feet and opening the door, I saw Rose standing with her hands clasped behind her back. A mischievous smile lit up her face. "I have a letter for you." "Come in, come in," I requested enthusiastically.

She came in and shut the door. I closed my eyes and mumbled, "Uh, I'm ready for the letter." Rose quickly kissed me on the lips and headed for the door. As she closed the door, I yelled after her, "please write again."

Pleasant thoughts raced through my mind and I decided that I had never played such a delightful game or ever received such wonderful letters. The game continued for about a half hour and I received many thrilling letters! I was 9 years old and in heaven; then my parents came home!

The twins ran out of the back door and across the fence to their house. Then Marilyn, much to my surprise, ran out to mom and dad and boldly announced, "Kenny has been kissing girls in the bedroom!"

All of my efforts to explain that it was my sister's idea, were in vain and I received a severe whipping for doing such a wicked thing. The memory of the letters (kisses) far out weighed the punishment and I counted the day, as a whole, one of my most enjoyable experiences and well worth living. I will add here that we never played Post Office again; much to my disappointment.

Lesson Learned

One can endure a lot of trials in life if he or she will just remember the good times and keep things in perspective. (Proverbs 15:13 "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance....")