November 1960
The six month waiting period has long passed and I am now and forever Janise Elaine Cox. Six weeks after I was born I went to Lueders, Texas to see my new Aunt Lizzie and Uncle Bunk. My mom and dad want to show me off. After a short visit, I ride to Stamford, Texas where my grandparents live. There I get to be held by uncles and aunts, grandmas and grandpas. I am just a small addition to a big, big family. My sister, Brenda, is still excited and wants to show off what she knows about me. I don't feel any different than if I had been biologically born into the family. Everyone has accepted me as their own. Now I am spending my first Thanksgiving with everyone.
Grandma and Grandpa Cox live just two houses down from Grandma and Grandpa McAlister. Grandma Cox is a little frail woman. She loves to cook and usually fixes us something to eat when we get here. Grandpa Cox is funny and is always laughing. He and my Dad both play the fiddle and they get together and play music. Grandpa and Daddy lay brick together. Grandpa is an excellent tile man and he has his own business. Grandpa Mc and Grandma Mc are not as wealthy. Grandma is German and I really could never understand her. Grandpa Mc is scarry. I do not feel the same when I go to their house as I do at the Coxes. I will find out later why that is, but for now, I am content being held by Grandmas and enjoy my first Thanksgiving.
