I grew up working in my grandmother's country store along the country roads of West Virginia. My grandmother, Bertha, was a fire house. The family lovingly called her "The commander" for good reason. She was the commander of her self-built empire of a general store that housed 300-camp sites along with a full-kitchen country restaurant (and Store) that served as a registered, hunting-check-in station with the only gas pump within a 15-mile radius. Everyone passing by would stop to say "Hi" to Bertha and get a slice of cheese!
Aunt Myrtle
But the hidden magic behind Bertha's store was her sister, Myrtle. Oh my dear Aunt Myrtle. She was always there. Working, quiet, and smiling. I've always loved her dearly.
A childhood memory
One time around the age of 10, I crashed my motorcycle. (All of us had dirt bikes and we would race through the 1/2 mile field playing "Cops & Robbers" regularly.) I came crying with bleeding knees and elbows. My Aunt Myrtle paused from washing dishes in the 3-sink bin in the back room to exam. "Well, you recked her, huh?" And arms went around me - A rare thing for those days. (Everyone was usually busy and also trying to make you tough, so hugs were rare.) She doctored me with Porter's salve and sent me on my way. She always give me advice about health. One thing she always mentioned was garlic!
Aunt Myrtle says garlic capsules keeps you healthy.
Aunt Myrtle always said to take garlic! I remember her taking garlic capsules regularly - and drinking a lot water.
I got to see my Aunt Myrtle today. She's 86, radiant and beautiful. It was a delight. I think I'll start taking garlic caps again...
