PREFACE: As I get older, I realize the importance of having a father, and the blessing of having a good father. My heart goes out to those children who do not have this blessing. I praise God for surrogate parents and homes that help to be the father to these children.
It was 1961 or 1962 when my parents began taking me to Savannah every two weeks to see one of my heroes, Dr. Peterson. I had a club foot and an undeveloped heel. Dr. Peterson first used casts, then braces to correct the problem. He did a wonderful job on my foot, but he did more for my soul. I remember getting candy and a toy upon each visit. Dr. Peterson was always kind. He must have been an exceptional doctor, because Daddy was extremely pleased with him. It was no ordinary task to please my Daddy, but he certainly showed appreciation for those who hit the high watermark! I really appreciate my parents and others who took me on those journeys to Savannah. They fought the early morning sun and the late afternoon sun. I only remember it being a cool experience. Candy, toys, brick streets....what more could you ask for! Somewhere along the age of 6, my braces came off. I can remember needing high-top shoes---not always cool. As I grew, the foot and small calf were part of me. Thankfully, they didn't hold me back from anything!
In the late 60s and early 70s, my family took an annual vacation to Tybee Island for 10 days. We always stayed at "Mr. Brown's Motel." It came complete with a kitchenette. I am not sure how much of a vacation my mother had! Daddy loved to use the 8mm camera to film everything. We had plenty of footage from Tybee. Much of the time, I swam in the pool. Back in that day, a pool was cool...they were not found on every street corner. Ronald loved the Braves! We would listen to the games via radio for cheap-nightly entertainment. Oh, did I mention Ronald did NOT like to spend money?! He was El Cheapo! The money management part of his life did not rub off on me like the love of the Braves. I had no idea how terrible the team was. And didn't care! They were our state team! Other forms of entertainment on our beach trips included: going to Chus Dept. Store and going to Savannah once during the 10 days. That was the best part. We went to see the Savannah Minor League Baseball Team, shopped (very little money spent), watched a fireworks show, and went to the movie. Over the course of different years, I remember watching Big Jake and The Green Berets--2 John Wayne classics. All of these things were fun, but having my daddy there, made them special.
Growing up in the Lowe House revolved around Church, Automotive Supply (my daddy's car part store), and sports. My daddy was serious about my sister and I going to Sunday school when we were young. Saturdays included making sure the car was clean and shoes were shined. Momma taught Sunday school (sixth grade) for 30 years. Daddy religiously played golf on Sunday mornings for more than 30 years. He also played on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday afternoons. Ronald really wanted me to play golf. I tried when I was around 11 or 12, but there were 3 problems: it was very hot, it was very boring, and it messed up my baseball swing. So, my daddy summed it up accurately: You won a trophy and quit playing. (I think I got a trophy for Runner-Up in the Last Flight.) Ironically, I fell in love with the game a few years after Ronald died.
My sister and I had chores. Some of the chores I remember were: taking out the trash every day, sweeping out the garage every Saturday morning, cutting the grass, and raking leaves. Then, there were special projects like filling up all the holes in the yard with dirt. Here comes Ronald's cheapness again....we had a sorry old Sears lawn mower. If it got hot, you had to wait for it to cool off to continue. Then there was this piece-a-junk wheel barrow. The handle was broken. Try moving dirt to fill up about 30 holes with a wheel barrow with a broken handle. I know...complain, complain! Now, I am so glad that I had to do chores growing up. Hopefully, children still do them.
I want to end Part One by bragging on my daddy. He usually got home from work at 6:10. I would have the football or baseball/gloves ready (depending on the season). I know he was tired many times, but I NEVER remember him turning me down to throw in our spot in the side-yard. Those times were precious then and they are precious memories now. Good job, Ronald!
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