FROM DAISY’S GARDEN VAULT | GRAMA DID IT!
When Missouri Juneberries Go Rogue
Outsmarting Poisonous Look-a-likes For A Berry Good Time
The Hillsboro, Missouri summer hung heavy in the air, clinging to Daisy’s shift under her Calico dress like a damp dishrag. At eight-years-old, she was already a firecracker of a girl. Her wild curls were flying behind her, & early morning sunshine bouncing along with her every step. But today, worry etched lines on her forehead.
Her baby sister, Little Alice, lay pale & whimpering in the cool darkness of their one bedroom for all four children. Alice clutched by a stomach ache that wouldn’t quit. Alice had been an invalid almost since she was born. Mama wasn’t much better, both of them lingering unknowingly between life & death from consumption.
They were doubled over with tummy ache grumbles every few minutes. Daisy was determined to ease their pain & somehow find a miracle cure. Being the oldest child, ever the resourceful one, she remembered her Grama Ana Catherine’s words, on her last visit. “There’s a cure for most things growin’ right outside your door, Daisy-bird.”
Daisy, ever the resourceful one, remembered her Grama Anna Catherine’s words clearly. With a determined sniff, she grabbed her wicker basket, its worn…