Charlotte.

     My grandmother Charlotte was such a beautiful woman.  Men would stare as she cruised by in a convertible with her hair blowing in the wind.  Station wagon?  Pass.  She carried all four kids in style.  People have often said that no matter where she was, her kids were always with her.  I know they didn't have a lot of money, but Charlotte made sure the kids were always dressed nice and that their hair was perfectly in place.  They were her life and I like to think she was a great mother.  I've always referred to her as Charlotte because I never knew her, and I keep her picture close because I long to.  I'd give anything to hear her voice and see her mannerisms.   

     On May 30th, Charlotte was in Tyler for the day with her son Todd.  She had started to feel sick so she contacted her husband James (my grandpa).  She told him that she felt she needed to see a doctor but he urged her to come home.  I'm sure he felt she was overreacting and would feel better when she could relax.  Charlotte and Todd weren't home for very long before an ambulance was called to pick her up.  She was rushed to the hospital.

     My mom and I recently spoke with one of the men who was on the ambulance with her.  He was only 16 at the time but said he remembers the day so vividly.  We were told that she was in excruciating pain.  She specifically said the pain was in her back and that it was worse than child birth.  Coming from a woman who bore four children, she had her facts straight.  Once they arrived at the hospital, doctors desperately tried to figure out what was wrong.  I don't know how long she was conscious and I can't imagine her fear.  I've been told that she was being pumped with blood and knowing what we now know about the condition, that was the last thing she needed. 

     Charlotte died at 1:45am on May 31, 1972 at the age of 30.  Her death certificate says she only lived 14 hours after the onset of symptoms.  The cause of death was stated as a spontaneous aortic rupture of the thoracic aorta.  Of course at this point to our family, it was just that.  Spontaneous.

     

Terry, Amber, Pandora, Charlotte & Todd