Martha Kennard-Atherton-Fleetwood

all was well. It was my Grandmother. Mother A had just gotten word she had died.

Another decision: Was I to leave for Holt or stay with my husband?

We stayed the night in Wisconsin arriving home a few days later. Coonie was given a rousing salute, but more important, for him, was meeting his little girl who was then 10 months old. I collapsed under the weight of trying to reconcile the death of my Grandmother. Since I had just met up with Coonie, I chose not to travel to Holt for the funeral. Mr. C and my mother, however, were displeased with this decision, but I knew what I had to do; be the wife and mother Grandma would consider my responsibility. I fought the anger, the grief, and the emptiness. I was at odds with myself. After several long months Coonie was home and we were family again. Memories of Grandma came often.

About this time, I was surprised to hear from Donald McKay. His wife had died, his children were grown and married. Don wished to know the where-a-bouts of my mother I told him and in a short time they were married and living in Corry, Pa. I guess you can call that a true “Love Story”.

Again, Coonie’s time off was limited and we soon were on our way to Rhode Island and a rented Cape codder (cottage) in Appanaug, RI. No Officer’s quarters available.

Coonie checked in at the base and with our little ones we carved out another phase of our Marriage.

Our social life centered around Quonset Point, RI. In a short time were given a beautiful home on Officers row. Here I lived like a Queen. We had live-in help and the groceries were ordered and delivered from the commissary. It was party time! Cocktails at the Commandants, pool parties etc.

I did my share of entertaining also. It was almost a requirement. Late September 1944 I took a little leave of absence to visit Mom and Don in Corry. I lost my luggage and, along with that inconvenience, had an upset tummy the entire visit. That upset tummy heralded the third little one for our family.

Louise, our live-in was a jewel and at this particular time I did need her.

Christmas ‘44 was a round of celebrations at the base. Coonie was a full Commander by now. On days off we would take the children to Roger Williams Park in Providence. It was fully anticipated that our baby would be born in Providence. Once again, however, we were foiled. How could I expect the “good life” to continue?

May 1945 Coonie was sent to Banana River Florida and I returned to West Lebanon. One of Dad’s homes (and next door to his home) had been vacated which was a stroke of luck for us. It was time to open Twin Spruce Lodge and Mother A took John and Jean with her. I was Dr. Boardman’s patient, again, for this third pregnancy so had to stay in town. Dad worked at the ice cream plant and would spend the week-ends at Lake Wallis. Aunt Mabel lived near-by and kept a watchful eye on me. I was due the first of June but baby refused to budge. June 25 Dr. Boardman decided it was time for this one to leave the nest. I was getting no sleep, I was kicked and prodded and I was ready. Labor was induced and soon I cuddled a 10 pound Mary Tyler in my arms. Dr. Boardman’s comment: “Well, you’ve got a rouser there”.

Yes, Mary Tyler met the world head-on, all ten pounds of her. She was so overdue, she was in need of a manicure and pedicure and had to wear knee –highs to protect the open sores on the inside and outside of her ankles caused by high activity while in the “nest”.

We persevered through June, July and August with help from Aunt Mabel. Dad A took us to camp to join John and Jean for the few weeks before Mother A closed it for the season.