Growing up, I was enamored of my Uncle Tom, my mother's brother. He was handsome and was patient with an awe-struck little girl. (By the way, he also had some really great male friends too!) He came to live with us for a period of time when I was somewhere around 7 or 8 years old. Uncle Tom helped on the ranch with various chores.
One particular day after we had eaten lunch, Uncle Tom asked my mother where his comb was. This was highly unusual because it was always in the exact same place. Something was just not right. A trip to Los Angeles was in order to see a doctor. End result... he had an abscess in his brain as a result of a sore in his mouth. However, this was not immediately diagnosed. Because of the symptoms, there was a great concern that this might be something contagious. We were all quarantined at my grandparents' home until the diagnosis was made. I can remember staying inside the house and groceries were delivered right to the front door for us!!! Now, wouldn't that be great!!! My uncle recovered completely from this episode. My brother and I always loved our times at our grandparents' house, no matter the circumstances.
