On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

Some of you may have noted I haven't been present much of late. My sincere apology for my absence and being late in getting discussion topics up this month. It has been a difficult month. Martha Jo, AKA "Andalusia" lost her mother, Zola Mae Boston, in Wilmington, North Carolina just after that gentle lady celebrated her 96th Birthday. Almost the same time MJ fell and broke her arm, preventing her travel to her mother's church service memorial service.

Zola Mae was a true Texan and proud of it. Her mother died in childbirth. Her father divided her siblings among relatives during the Great Depression to be raised while he sought employment at a time employment was unavailable anywhere.

Zola Mae and her twin Zala Fae were raised on a classic Texas ranch, proficient at tending livestock and protecting them from predators. Zola was a crack shot. The ranch's poultry was not picked off by chicken hawks because Zola picked them off with a rifle.

Zola married William Granville Boston of Whitesburg, Texas, during World War II. Bill was a member of the Army Air Corp assigned to the Pacific Theater of the War. He was an expert in keeping fighters and bombers flying over the pacific.

Before their marriage, Bill teased Zola he could have easily picked Zala. But he chose Zola because she liked onion. When they had fresh summer vegetables, fresh onion was always served on the side.

Bill became a chemical engineer with Magnolia Oil Company. If you've been to Dallas you'll see the Big Red Flying Horse over the Dallas skyline. It was the symbol of Magnolia and its successive incarnations, ultimately Mobil Oil.

Zola Mae and Bill had two kids. First born William Granville Boston, Jr. and Martha Jo Boston. Both were excellent examples to their children.

Bill died first. Complications of Diabetes. He died too young. Zola continued to honor his memory until the day she died.

Bill, Jr. graduated from the University of Texas in Austin and was promptly shipped to Vietnam. He was fortunate to be in service in Saigon until the Tet Offensive. His experiences left him with memories of friends lost and knows the horror of war.

Bill, Jr. married a New England girl, Anne. Moved to Connecticut, and later in life professed to be from there. Zola always corrected him. "Bill Boston, you're from Texas. I ought to know. I was there when you were born.

Regarding daughter Martha Joe, Zola Mae would look at me, shake her head, and say, "You know, I just don't know what happened to Martha Jo. She was such a sweet little girl."

I last saw Zola Mae over Christmas and New Years of 2015. I told her the morning I left that I considered her my second mother, having lost my own a little more than three years ago. "Well," she said,"I'm glad you do. That's the way it ought to be." I never knew it would be the last time I saw her.

MJ continues in Physical Therapy. Her inability to travel and illness suffered by her brother and sister-in-law have delayed the final burial of Zola Mae. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Dallas, Texas, as she wished.

The delay between her death and the final celebration of her life has been tough on all family members. I take great comfort in knowing that IF Zola Mae was able to look down upon the memorial service at her church in Wilmington, NC, she would have been well pleased that the recessional was "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You," being sung by a bunch of North Carolinians and a son who once claimed to be from Connecticut.

Mike Sullivan

I'm very sorry to hear of your all's loss. She sounds like she was an amazing woman.

Heartfelt condolences to all involved. She sounds like she was a beautiful woman.

My deepest sympathy to you and Martha Jo. That was a beautiful tribute to Zola Mae and her family.

Zola Mae and Zala Fae
are Southern names worthy of Faulkner. You've mentioned before what a wonderful woman your mother-in-law was, and you did a great job telling her story. I hope Martha Jo is steadily getting better, and that the Memorial Service is held soon.

My condolences on your loss and hope your wife heals up soon. Take care.

Deepest sympathies and condolences, Mike.

Big hugs to MJ, you, and the rest of the family. Losing our parents is a life changer, but these complications and injury just add more grief. I am so sorry.

Big hugs to MJ, you, and the rest of the family. Losing our parents is a life changer, but these complications and injury just add more grief. I am so sorry.

Any woman named Zola Mae had to be a treasure. My sympathy to your family.

Any woman named Zola Mae had to be a treasure. My sympathy to your family.

A wonderful remembrance!

She sounds a wonderful person, Mike and MJ I am truly sorry for your loss deepest sympathies and big hugs

Mike,
No apologies needed from you. I appreciate all that you do with this group. So sorry to hear about your wife and your loss and other difficulties both of you are going through at this time. No matter the age it is still hard to lose a parent. She sounds like someone I would have loved to have known.