Winona A. Foreman
My stories and over 600 photos are my memories. My life began at South Shore Hospital on the Southside of Chicago. After living in a number of bungalows we moved into the large apartment above my father, Cash Erler’s camera and photo finishing business.
By writing these words I have released old heartaches and unconditional love. The deceitfulness and unfaithfulness I experienced throughout my life has made me stronger, more independent and a loving and devoted friend. I will take you through my childhood, the births of my children, deaths of loved ones, illnesses and the boundless love I receive from my small family and countless friends all over the USA. My life story ends in Southern California. I have wiped my tears and found….
A WAY TO WIN.
Coming Soon in Black and White.....
I like TO WIN, and I found A WAY. As a child I experienced brothers going off to war, a mother who was in a constant state of depression and a father who drank himself into an early grave. Gratefully I never engaged in those types of behavior, not that I didn’t have many reasons to be depressed or to drown myself in alcohol, but my choice was to do neither. Instead I became an outgoing over achiever owning hair salons while raising two wonderful kids and tending to the needs of a terminally ill husband, who took too long to die.
On a cold March night in 1956 Jim sat close to me on the lower steps of the ‘open stairway.’ We were cuddling and talking. When out of the blue he asked me the question that changed my life. “Will you marry me, Sweetheart?”
Before I could respond he said, “Hold your answer for a moment, first I want you to know I’m a man with a disability, I have a heart problem.” He continued, “I was born ‘a blue baby.’ The doctors told my parents my heart condition would only allow me about seven years of life. Later they said I’d never reach seventeen, I’ve lived beyond that and I think ‘they were all wet.’
“Are you trying to get me to say ‘No’?” I teased.
“I want you to say ‘Yes’ and make me the happiest man on earth.”
The word, ‘Yes,’ came out of my mouth, not my usual ‘Okay.’ He kissed me on my forehead, next my eyes, nose and chin, then touching his lips on mine he kissed me with more passion then I’d ever felt before. I was in love with this guy. On March 16th 1956 Jim and I were engaged. We set the wedding date for October 6th. The love and affection I received from the Foremans was a determining factor in my marriage to Jim.
Mom’s kidney-shaped desk and its mustard-colored leather swivel chair were now located in the hall above the ‘open stairway’. The desk drawers were crammed with photos, old and new family pictures. Our Kodak Memories.
Jim and I sat at the desk for hours near the ‘open stairway’ looking through old photos and making a guest list for our wedding. I felt safe when we sat together, whether at the bottom of the stairway or at the top.
The last time the ‘open stairway’ sent chills up my spine was on my wedding day. My twenty-year old virgin body was trembling with fear. I headed down the nineteen stairs, bridal gown and veil trailing behind. A new experience was happening; I was going off to live with only one male, a new mystery in my life.
“Please let me fall asleep tonight, Lord, before the lights go out.”
