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My Grandmother's Memory of the Spanish Influenza Pandemic


The Wade family, circa 1910. From left to right: William, Willie, Fossie, Mary, Lizzie, and an unnamed farmhand.

My maternal grandmother, who was born and raised in Linden, Florida, wrote down stories from her life shortly before her 90th birthday. My mother and sister compiled her stories and treasured photos into booklets to give to each of Meemaw’s families.


Willie Leah Wade was the baby of her family, the youngest daughter of six children born to a farmer and homemaker. Convinced their youngest child would be a boy, her parents named her after her father, William.


In her own words, "They were sure I would be a boy, and wanted me named after my dad, so Willie it is."


This sweet story, retelling her memories of the 1918 Spanish Flu are especially touching and inspiring during the current COVID-19 pandemic.


It is a reminder to me that, despite the significant challenges we face today, despite how small and helpless we may feel, we are capable of extraordinary feats; endurance is the hallmark of the human spirit. And when we look to our ancestors, we can find a rich treasure trove of inspiration and hope. I'm certain my grandmother endured greater hardships than I can even imagine.


My Meemaw, Willie Leah Wade, age 16 or 17, circa 1924

Meemaw’s recollection of the 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic:

"There was an epidemic of flu in 1918 when I was 10 years old.


Mama, Papa, and [sister] Fossie were so sick. I waited on them.


Remember, we had no modern indoor toilets, running water, washing machines or dryers. I washed towels and sheets by hand on a washboard, and sterilized them in a big iron wash pot full of boiling water in the back yard. Then I had to rinse the washed clothes and hang them up to dry.


I cooked meals which was mostly chicken soup, and gave medicine like the doctor told me to. Since we had no telephone, I had to run to the store to telephone the doctor to get him to come pay a house call and tell me what to do.


My sister, Lizzie, lived about a block down the road from us. She was older and had one boy at the time. Both Lizzie and her husband, Lyman, also took the flu and their son. So, I ran back and forth between both houses to take care of everyone.


I think this illness lasted about 2 weeks. I was one busy little girl!

When everyone was well, I got sick. The doctor paid a house call for me and determined that I did not have the flu. I was just exhausted!"


Can you imagine taking care of six sick people and two households at the age of ten? Somehow, no matter what the trial is, we find a way to overcome it.


May you find all the hope and courage you need to thrive beyond this current pandemic.


Wishing you well,

Susan

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