Icel meets Ray - Part 2

Icel answered a knock at the door of her cozy little apartment and was shocked to see her parents-in-law, whom she had only met once before. She was so exited to see them and share the excitement of her happy marriage with her new family. Much to her surprise Myrtle, her mother-in-law, was less than welcoming....... somewhat unfriendly... furiously angry. She wanted to have this joyous and blessed marriage annulled. Ray was her only son....there was a farm to run....Portland was very far away from Springdale....she had had no say in this decision.... Her new father, Clyde, who she later learned was a quiet man who rarely spoke up or defied his wife's decisions or actions, stood up for her and said they would support this marriage and welcome her to their family.

Well Ray and his new bride travelled to Springdale. Icel was quite surprised when they arrived that there were no presents under the Christmas tree, in fact there was no Christmas tree at all. Even though her family was poor they had always celebrated Christmas. She asked her new husband to take her to the mercantile in the nearby small town. He didn't understand why but she wanted to use her meager savings to purchase gifts for her new sisters-in-law whom she had not yet met. Gertie, Vera, Nita and Rose. Ray's oldest sister, Mable no longer lived at home. Icel asked Ray to go out and cut a tree down and bring it in the house. She colored popcorn in 2 or 3 different colors and strung it together with twine. They sang carols, played the violin, and guitar, danced and had a wonderful celebration. Her father-in-law thanked her and told her she brought new life and joy into their family.

more to come.....