1927 and the Great Mississippi River flood. And 2011, another Great Mississippi flood year and Gertrude's passing. She sighed her last breath on May 7th while her grandson held her hand quietly and in sync with what he knew was happening.
I posted Gertrude's picture in an earlier post, taken in 1927, a student at the University of Arkansas. She became a teacher, a mother, a World Book Encyclopedia sales person, a librarian, a grandmother and great grandmother. In 1927 at home in southern Arkansas on a lake created by the Mississippi River's course change eons before, the flood waters creeped at them from behind and then spilled over into the lake as if searching for a way home. Gertrude told stories of that flood from memories as vivid as what the next decade would bring...the Great Depression. She lived through all the wars of the 20th Century, was there when Charles Lindbergh landed in a field in Lake Village. She witnessed changes in technology and even mastered her first VCR, taping shows from PBS. She shared her life in ways which graced many.
Gertrude died at home in Denver, CO under the care of my son, Luke, and daily care from The Denver Hospice. We are grateful beyond words for their care.
Rest in Peace, Gertrude Tompkins Carlton Lueg, May 6, 1910 - May 7, 2011.
