Part 180 - Recollection of Ohio Childhood and Loss of Brother in Stream

1 page

SUMMARY:
The narrator recalls living in a small town in Ohio with his parents and older brother. During a walk, the brother slipped into a stream and was swept away; despite a search party, he was never found.

CONTENT:
Some years ago when I was a boy of about ten or eleven, I lived with my parents in a small town in the state of Ohio. My father was a doctor and his practice was a large one. He was a very busy man and I did not see much of him. My mother was a very gentle and kind woman and I loved her dearly. She was always ready to help me with my lessons and to play with me when she had the time. I had a brother who was two years older than I and we were very fond of each other. We used to play together and go on long walks in the woods. One day when we were out walking we came to a small stream and we decided to cross it. The water was not very deep and we thought it would be easy to get across. But when we were in the middle of the stream my brother slipped and fell into the water. I tried to help him but I was not strong enough and he was swept away by the current. I ran along the bank calling to him but he did not answer. I was very frightened and I did not know what to do. I ran back to the house and told my parents what had happened. They were very much alarmed and they sent for help. A party of men was sent out to search for my brother but they could not find him. It was a very sad time for us all and we never saw my brother again.