A Portrait of Aunt OrvettaBy Judy Conley, Dated 1989Orvetta is a short trim woman with shiny straight grey hair becomingly framing her face. Displaying an agility that belies her eighty-one years, her shoulders are straight and her face remarkably full and unlined. Although grieving the loss of her closest brother, whom she nursed for years, she participates in life as fully as her health allows. The sixth of eight children, Orvetta was born and has always resided in Owensboro. Her immediate family has been a primary focus of her life; these family relationÂships intertwine into all other areas of her life. A family tree of her immediate family consists of the following:
Reminiscing about her parents, Orvetta recounts that her father was "the type person who wanted to read all the time", and her mother was a person who found "happiness in giving to others." William, her father, was a blacksmith; besides shoeing horses, his occupation included such tasks as repairing plows and sharpening farm implements. Orvetta loved him, but she curiously commented that he was not a family man. She characterizes him as "yearning for learning", and she remembers him reading as he walked down the street. Susie, her mother, was Orvetta's "guide and security blanket"; she exerted tremendous influence on Orvetta. In fact, Orvetta never really left home, living with her parents until their deaths. In reflecting on her relationships with her brothers and sisters, Orvetta notes that her oldest brother, Reginald, or "Bubba", was friend to everybody. Fondly recalling the day that he took her on a bike ride, Orvetta laughs about being perched on the handlebars and getting her foot stuck in the spokes. Her oldest sister, Oliviaitta, died as an infant. Naomi, six years her senior, is described as mischievous. Naomi married at eighteen and moved to Arkansas; although Orvetta maintained a lifetime relationship with Naomi, she laments that she did not have "too much company with her sister." Orvetta was not as close to Charles Sheldon, who was four years her senior. In fact, she sometimes felt that she irritated him. Gertrude was the family black sheep. Described as having a "miserable disposition," Orvetta notes that the family sought a doctor's advice as to whether Gertrude's personality could be changed. Unfortunately, it could not, and did not. Gertrude was an "anti" sort of person who had difficulty with relationships. As autopsy after Gertrude's death at age sixty-nine revealed deteriorated brain cells; Orvetta reflects as to whether this could have influenced her personality. The two sibling relationships in Orvetta's life that have been pivotal in influence are with her brothers Frank and Wallace. Frank was two years her senior: he and Orvetta bonded from an early age. Orvetta fondly reminiscences that Frank always divided his candy with her: even if he had only one piece, he would break it in half and share. Orvetta's life was entwined with Frank's until his death in December, 1989, and her largest current problem is dealing with depression from missing Frank. An event occurred on January 30, 1919 that has psychological repercussions in Orvett's life even today. A joyous occasion of a family reunion at Orvetta's house attended by 30 people was transformed into sorrow. Six year old Wallace and two cousins laughingly chased a marble that rolled into the street. A black man in an automobile chose to pass a slowly moving wagon, propelling him into the boy's path. The two cousins jumped out of the way. Wallace, in the middle, was not as fortunate. The rear wheel ran over his head as eleven year old Orvetta looked on in horror. Through tear-stained eyes, Orvetta relived this scene. Mortally injured Wallace was carried into the house, where his mother embraced him. His distraught father fainted. The telephone operator was not cooperative and several doctors were called before one agreed to help, turning the corner to the Owsley house with his automobile on two wheels. Taken to the hospital by this doctor, Wallace died shortly after. Orvetta's sister Naomi lost her memory as a result of shock from this tragedy, and Orvetta "went into a stage of terror." Naomi eventually regained her memory, but Orvetta suffered from "nervousness" that, although temÂpered by time, affects her today. Orvetta notes that Frank's death has retriggered this nervousness and terÂror, intensifying it in her current life. Another significant person in Orvetta's life is Beulah. Beulah's parents were friends and neighbors of Orvetta's family. Beulah's father tragically lost his vision when Beulah was young, necessitating that her mother, Thelma, work to support the family. Orvetta's mother Susie cared for Beulah while Thelma worked. An affec-tionate relationship ensued, and Beulah adopted Susie as her "Grandmother". With Beulah's parentÕs deceased, she announces proudly that Orvetta is "the only mother that she has." Orvetta remembers her childhood as happy, with a "gang of children" playing softball together until time for chores. She attended a two-room school, and describes herself as bashful and scared to ask for help from the teacher. She solved this dilemma by wiggling a finger to summon Frank, who would then help her. Attending this school for eight years, Orvetta failed third grade because she "just did not try", but she learned a valuable lesson. Becoming a much stronger student, she passed a required exam for high school a year early, in seventh grade. Advancing to high school, she originally planed to work at the ten-cent store after graduation. However, still dealing with anxiety and nervousness resulting from Wallace's death, she felt smothered at the thought of beÂing behind a counter and not having the freedom to leave at will. Because of this, Orvetta decided to teach. Orvetta laughingly laments that she still had to stay in one place while teaching, but the job afforded her much flexibility and tremendous emotional gratification. Her fear of confinement affected her teaching style in a progressive manner. She would not make her students sit in one place, allowing them to move at will if they were not disruptive. Recalling a suprise visit to her class from a new principal, Orvetta notes that nobody was in his or her seat, and the principal's "mouth dropped open." However, she proudly recounts that all of the children were workÂing, and after observing for awhile, the principal exited and never said a word to her about her unique teaching style. Orvetta received her two-year teaching certificate in 1931, qualifying her to teach, and her Bachelor of Science degree from Western in 1938. Attending graduate school during summer breaks, she received her Masters in eduÂcation from Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee in 1960. Her first year of teaching was spent as a substitute. Fortunate in finding permanent employment during the Depression the following year, Orvetta taught third grade. The only effect the Depression had on her was an eventual pay cut from eighty dollars to seventy-five dollars a month. She thought and was paid for seven months of work a year. Initially employed at Burton School in the county, Orvetta moved to Parrish Avenue School after six years, and later taught at both Maceo School and Thruston School. Orvetta experienced one unhappy year while at Maceo School, because she was asked to teach second grade. Feeling out of her element, she requested a transfer, and was assigned to Thruston School and third grade. Quite content with Thruston School, she continued there until her retirement in 1973. Remembering her first year of teaching at Burton School, Orvetta recounts her unusual Christmas gifts from students, including homemade pork sausage, candy, homegrown items, and even a quart of whipping cream. (she whipped it up and "Frank ate it!"). Working at General Electric one summer for extra money was as interesting experience that she enjoyed, but she considered it "dead stuff." School for her was like a circus--when the doors opened, she had to go in. Teaching for her was "live stuff." Ever entwined in her life, Frank helped Orvetta buy a $128 Ford Model T Coupe for transportation to and from school and thought her how to drive it. Lacking heat or air, it was nevertheless warm in cold weather because it was so tiny. Frank cautioned her never to stop for any reason, advice which eventually served her well. Once driving by Elmwood Cemetery, she was suprised to see a man in apÂparent pain lying in the highway. Tempted to stop, Frank's words echoed in her mind, and she steered around this man. She then noted two men on foot watchÂing her and observed the man on the highway sit up with a disgusted countenance. Relieved that she had not stopped, she realized that it had been a set-up to steal her car. Frank did not attend high school; he married in 1933 and worked at a cigar store. Serving in the armed forces in World War II, Frank was a radar specialist. Following the war, he initially was a mail carrier, and then a postal clerk. After the 1937 flood, during which the Ohio River reached Parrish Avenue, Frank built a house on Werner Avenue. Orvetta and her parents moved into a house located directly behind Frank's in 1948. Orvetta's father passed away in 1955, and her mother in 1959. Her mother suffered from hardening of the arteries, and Orvetta nursed her for eight years as Susie's health gradually deteriorated. Nursing her mother for such a long time was emotionally draining for Orvetta, but done in true unselfish love. These years were quite trying; her mother was often not lucid, even attempting to kill Orvetta once. Besides hardening of the arteries, Susie experienced a myriad of health problems, including breaking both hips and losing her sight because of kidney problems. In reconstructing these years, Orvetta also focuses on the pleasant moments, when her mother was lucid and could consciously project her love. Before the final coma, Orvetta told her mother that she loved her, and Susie replied, 'I know. Don't cry, don't cry." Orvetta acknowledges that it is difficult for her to cry even today. She did cry as she recounted her mother's illness and death, and she is wise in reflecting that what does not come out in tears is manifested in other ways by the body. Philosophizing that relationships do not always guarantee happiness, Orvetta only had one boyfriend for a short time, but did not really like him and did not date him long. She feels that her nervousness from her brother's death held her back when it was time for her to date. She also alludes to her brother Frank's influence when she states, "if I had ever found a boy that I thought enough of as Frank, I would have grabbed him." Orvetta has done a good deal of traveling, both during summer vacations while teaching and following reÂtirement. Memorable trips preceding retirement include bus or train excursions to Alaska, New England, New York, and Appleton, Wisconsin. Further travels after retirement include visits to Canada, Arkansas, and Florida. She traveled both in groups and with a friend from Peabody College. Her tour of Alaska had particular impact. Described as "a trip to remember", it included a cruise to an Indian village where she was able to observe Eskimos. Another memorable experience was touring Williamsburg,Virginia, which made history come alive for her. Orvetta retired in 1973 and thoroughly enjoyed herÂself. Pursuing varied interests, she took an oil painting class at Brescia College, Learned to play harmonica and organ, took other assorted adult education classes, swam at the YMCA, traveled, and pieced together a quilt. Music has also occupied a prominent position in Orvetta's life. Always loving to sing, she took piano lessons as a child and has derived much pleasure from this skill. This love for music was also manifested in the retired teacher's band that she organized. Falling into the role of director because "she could read music", as she so modestly relates, Orvetta also played spoons, castanets, and tambourines. This band was enormously successful. Together for two years, its members performed over two hundred programs for places such as churches, hotel conventions, rest homes, and civic organizations. This well-received and very popular group consisted of twenty members who were required to be either retired teachers or spouses of retired teachers. This group eventually disbanded because illness and death reduced membership. Orvetta derived much pleasure and creative satisfaction from her association with this unique group. Frank's wife died in 1974, and Orvetta and Frank beÂgan to mutually care for each other at this time. Frank began to have health problems that were eventually diagÂnosed in May, 1979, as severe Parkinson's Disease. This is a cruel disease that gradually and relentlessly results in a deterioration of the muscular system. Noting that Frank was her buddy from the time that she first opened her eyes and looked after her all her life, Orvetta had never imagined repaying him. Life had other ideas, though. From the time that Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson's until his death in December, 1989, Orvetta selflessly and lovingly cared for him. Her skill and love extended his life far beyond its expectancy. Frank deteriorated from a walker to a portable scooter to a wheelchair over time. Orvetta sold her house and moved in with Frank about 1985 to provide twenty-four hour care. Eventually hiring around-the-clock skilled nursing care, Orvetta managed to keep Frank at home until his death. Attending First Christian Church all her life and baptized at age eleven, Orvetta has derived particular support from the church's clergy and members during the years of Frank's illness and the adjustment period followÂing his death. Always active in Sunday school, Orvetta also sang in the choir for years. Modestly, she announces, "I don't sing, I just make a joyful noise." Orvetta's chief complaints in recent months center on cataracts, nerves, and depression over Frank's death. She has had both eyes operated on in recent months to remove cataracts, and she is quite pleased to have regained a large part of her vision. Until recently she has been quite restricted because of the cataracts. Her vision is currently far from perfect, which limits her reading. Although apprehensive because of her continuing visual problems, Orvetta is able to drive again on a limited basis. Over all, her health is very good, and she is appreciative of this. Beulah continues to be influential in her life. Although Beulah lives in Florida, she maintains a close relationship with Orvetta. Beulah convinced Orvetta to fly to Florida this past November, which was her first plane ride. Orvetta is considering another visit to Florida this spring, but "doesn't want to press her luck", and will go by car instead. Orvetta realizes that there is much sadness in the world; recognizing how lucky she is, she fights her depression. Frank's death renewed Orvetta's tragic feelings dating back to Wallace's death, and she feels very lonely. Commenting that she has been too busy most of her life to think about aging, Orvetta notes that when she turned eighty, she was amazed to find herself thinking, "golly, I'm old!" In reviewing her life, she reflects that it "went as well as I could have expected and was basically happy." She further summarizes "there has been nothing spectacular in my life--I've lived it day by day." Her fears include worry about developing mental problems like her mother and losing her independence. She is secure in knowing that Beulah will take care of her should she become incapacitated. Lonesome in her house without Frank, Orvetta has given some thought to living at One Park Place as she has friends there. However, remembering a time when she and Frank moved into the Roosevelt House and hated it, moving back to their house after three days, Orvetta is apprehensive about moving. Even in her loneliness and depression, Orvetta keeps active. She visits the Senior Citizen's Center three times a week for an exercise class and attends church regularly. In reflecting on dying, Orvetta matter-of-factly dismisses it as "one of those things that has to be done." She does not especially look forward to it because it is unknown, but she does not appear to manifest any great fear about it. Orvetta is a strong and interesting woman who has participated actively in life, accomplishing a great deal in the process. She is aging wonderfully and is an excellent example of continuity theory. Also exemplifying faith in action, she lives her life in a loving, Christian manner. Her strong family ties have focused and balanced her. She is truly an amazing woman, and I am privileged the she has shared her life with me.
Orvetta Owsley By Judy Conley
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