THE BROTHERS

“This great wide, wonderful, beautiful world and the wonderful waters around it curl…”

The quote may not be exact, but this world was here for me and I really wasn’t aware of it’s beauty and greatness at age 3 months to 4 years, but I do remember a few things in my life that happened then. I started out bow-legged and every day my mother would rub my legs with an oil and thank goodness for that -- the daily application worked.

My brothers had very little influence on me at that time. Frank, the oldest, was a marble shark. He would shoot marbles until his knuckles were red and sore. Charles was a mystery kid. I never knew where he was or what he was doing. Mossell looked out for me. For example, if the wagon drawn by 2 hough horses came down our street, Mossell would pick me up so I could get a better view. His care for me lasted his lifetime. Of course, I loved all three of my brothers.

I have no recollection of where or how I learned to express my displeasure at a playmate when I was profoundly angry and fed up with the teasing, etc. It certainly did not come from my family, but one day, with my parents within hearing distance, I cried out, “Stop it, you GDSB.” – It never happened again.

By the way, we were living in Xenia, Ohio during these years.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Any wisdom that I might project might be dismissed as same old same old. At age 94, I can’t even remember where I last put my cane. I’m not writing for people to read as a guide for their life, because I don’t know where they are headed – but I do remember where I have been and where I am headed. I enjoy thinking back to my beginnings because some of it is interesting, some sad, and some funny --- to me that is.

When I was born on Halloween 94 years ago, I don’t remember the first two weeks, but I have put together the stories I was told land it went something like this…

Mother – He looks like his grandfather, Bishop Lee.

Dad – But Frank (the six year old) is Benjamin Franklin Lee II.

Mother – No, Mossell (the 4 year old) has my maiden name.

Dad – What do you think, Frank?

Frank – (6 year old) I don’t know, call him Bishop.

Mother – You wouldn’t name a baby Bishop.

Mossell – I don’t know.

Dad to Mother – How about your mother’s maiden name, Forrester and my mother’s maiden name, Ashe Lee.

Mother – I like that.

She holds the baby up and says, “Hi! Forrester Ashe Lee.”

I say with a drool and a few bubbles, gaga, frowning and laughing at the same time. “Go gu-ha!”

Everyone was happy and satisfied. Then Mossell, the 4 year old, looked right in my eyes and said, “Hi, Billy Boy!” and from that day on, my family and all of my close friends called me Billy. That was 94 years ago and today those dearest to me still call me Billy. Others, Forrester.

That was 1916. I believe every word of it. Interesting to me, at least, anyway.

As I look back in those early years with my 3 older brothers, I have vivid memories of many little incidents in my childhood – some sad, some interesting, and a few very funny – to me.

For example. Oh, I forgot to mention. I was born in Gallopolice, Ohio near the Ohio River, but we only stayed 3 months, because my father accepted a job teaching at Xenia, Ohio High School, his old stomping grounds, about 4 l/2 miles from Wilberforce University where Grandfather the Bishop (retired) had been the 2nd president before becoming Bishop of the AME Church. The family homestead was there just a stroke off the campus.

Now, back on track. Next is reality – age 34 & 5. I remember…

PROFILE

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 1:29