Coates - Visiting Tot - late 1960s

MG and Janie had an older sister Helen, and two older brothers, Shelby, whom I think we kids never met, and Arthur, whom we knew as Tot. I met Tot once, when I was a young boy and some time after he had had a debilitating stroke. He was wheelchair bound, but had a smile for us and a bright look in his eyes. But I was a child, and it was strange, uncomfortable and boring to have behave, be polite, and be patient as our parents talked with Antionette and to Tot. I remember that someone put a baseballglove on Tot's hand and set it in his lap. Then my brothers and I rolled a ball into the glove. It was clear our great-uncle enjoyed it. And then he tired and we left. I wish we'd know him better and before his stroke. Years later I learned what little I know, and I'd like to know more. I learned that he lived in France between the wars (and after?), where he met Antionette who was (oh no) divorced and (heavens) a Catholic. I imagine it must have been a family scandal, and have the impression that Tot and Antionette were not close to his siblings. Of course, we all know that Janie and MG brought Antoinette into Meadowood with them years later and there was real affection among all three. It's funny how, as adults, we learn some of the complexities of the lives of the generation before. Part of the magic of childhood is not having to see those complexities. Part of the fascination of looking back now is to try to really understand. MG and Janie taught me so much. I'm sure I could have learned so much from Tot as well.