When does one begin to appreciate their parents? Perhaps not fully until they become parents themselves. Our Mother and Father, Gertie and Harold Layton, together produces a perfect system. We, as a family function as a support system.

As siblings we have learned how to share, express our feelings, be they good or indifferent, squabble or love each other. Through our sheer numbers we have been greatly blessed.

Mother and Father gave us not only themselves, but they gave us each other. Throughout our lives, thus far, we have not had to go far for support. It is but a phone call or visit away. What a wonderful thing!

Through all that life has dealt us, joy, or sorrows, we have had someone to share them with. Support by way of team spirit, financial, encouragement, or just having someone to listen to us and to believe in us and to truly care about what happens to us. For sure no one can live our lives for us, but how marvelous to know that our support system in in place and working well.

They Almost Didn't Make It

Mother and Father were married on February 28, 1942. They set up house keeping in Albert Mines, Albert County New Brunswick, Canada. At that time Dad ran his own sawmill. The sawmill was portable, so he moved it to wherever the work was.

In the late 40's and early 50's the economy in New Brunswick was not good. It became increasingly harder and harder for Dad to make a living to support his little family. It was being said everywhere, 'Go to Ontario, there's lots of work there.' So Dad and five other young men decided to go to Ontario seeking a better life.

The young men made their plans and charted their course. They reassured the loved ones they were leaving behind that they would send for them as soon a they could. At this time our family included Gloria, Elaine, myself and Brian. Mother, pregnant with Larry, waved goodbye to Dad on that cold February day.

The plan was to travel the Airline route through Maine, USA to get to Ontario. The Airline was a notorious hundred mile stretch of windy uninhabited road. Night had overtaken them half way through. The night was bitter cold, and the unthinkable happened. The car quit. The men got out to see what they could do, but the bitter cold soon drove them back into the car. It was decided that one at a time they would go out to brave the cold and try to fix the car, but to no avail. Nothing they did would fix the stalled car.

They talked to each other, telling stories and trying to keep their spirits up. But, deep down each one knew the chances of a rescue were slim. As the temperature in the car dropped lower and lower the men grew quiet.

Shivering and in great pain Dad began thinking about his life, what he had done, what he had not done and what he wished he could do. He thought about his little family back home and that he never would see them again. He lifted his eyes heavenward, as if to pray. Through the misty haze of their breath he saw a light. With a slow blink he looked again. The light was brighter. By now Dad realized he was gazing into the rearview mirror, and the light was coming up behind them. At this time all the men were aware. With slow, but determined movement the young men got out of their car and flagged it down.

They all arrived safe and sound in Ontario shortly there after. Now the task of securing jobs and sending for their families took on new meaning. They had a future, and it looked bright.