Tomas' Children

Schuler Books

2660 28th Street SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49512

(616) 942-7330

www.schulerbooks.com

Tomas’Children

ISBN 13: 9781948237987

eBook ISBN: 9781948237987

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021925521 (Paperback edition)

Copyright © 2021 Susan Szurek

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form except for the purpose of brief reviews, without written permission of the author.

The tools pictured on the cover belonged to Walter Szurek (1920-2004) and his father, Maciej Szurek (1886-1928).

Printed in the United States by Chapbook Press.

Also by Susan M. Szurek

Everstille: A Novel

Everstille’s Librarian

Olivia from Everstille

Every moment I shape my destiny

with a chisel –

I am the carpenter of my own soul.

—Rumi, 13th C. Poet/Mystic

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1 Late Summer, 1918

Chapter 2 1915 – 1918

Chapter 3 Winter, 1918

Chapter 4 1915

Chapter 5 1919 – 1921

Chapter 6 1912

Chapter 7 1921-1922

Sonnet 73

Chapter 8 1909

Chapter 9 1922-1923

Chapter 10 1905

Chapter 11 1923-1925

Chapter 12 1901

Chapter 13 1926-1927

Chapter 14 1900

Chapter 15 1927-1928

Chapter 16 1898

Chapter 17 1928

Chapter 18 1893

Chapter 19 1929-1930

Chapter 20 1890

Chapter 21 1930+

Chapter 22 1887

Chapter 23 1865

Acknowledgements

Excerpt from Her Cousin Julia

Prologue

As Tomas watched his third child come into the world accompanied by screams and blood and puke, he wondered whether he should drown it in the same manner his father used to drown the kittens on the farm.

When he was young, the barn cat had crawled into the corner of the kitchen to bring forth a mass of wet, mewing blind creatures. She had been allowed into the house because she was a good mouser, and the cold brought in those creatures. When Tomas’ father found the litter, he scooped the lot of them up with an old flattened box he kept for cleanup and shoved them into a sack. He tightened the top and turned to his watching six-year-old son. Here, go to the stream and hold this under until there’s no movement or sound. Then throw them into the heap for burning.

Tomas looked at the bag, retreated one step, and shook his head. The father, not one for wasted words or sentiments, looked at Tomas, hit him on the side of his head, and did the deed himself. It wasn’t the last time the task was demanded. When the dog, Molly, had a litter the next summer, the father called Tomas over again to the side of the barn. Look there, he pointed, Them three are fine. This one here is the runt, and she won’t feed it. If you don’t take and get rid of it, it’ll die anyway and suffer. He scooped the runt up, grabbed an old sack and thrust the animal in it. Go on now. Drown it, and be fast about it.

Tomas took the sack and walked towards the stream. Before he got there, he found a soft spot under a tree, pulled some leaves together and made a bed for the runt. He was going to return later and try to feed it, but the father kept him busy doing late summer chores, and he was delayed in getting back to the spot. The next morning, he found the runt partly chewed up by some animal hungry for soft meat. Tomas kicked some leaves over the remains and went back to the barn to complete his given tasks. He figured the father had been right. Save the pain and suffering by providing an early death.

The father was not a waster. He believed in quick action with a minimum of work. When Tomas went to school and learned about Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine in his history book, and later when told the Bible story about Doubting Thomas and having read the Sunday School tract for himself, he noted the missing letter in his name, and asked the father about it. Can’t hear the letter. Why use it? was the explanation given. Later, when Tomas left the farm and set off for his own life, he took back the letter of which he had been deprived and spelled his name Thomas from then on.

It didn’t matter to the father who he left lying in the bed at the farm, moaning with his final breaths as the cancer finished its job, looking at his son, begging for an end without suffering further. Tomas considered him, thinking of the dozens of drowned kittens and runts over the years; remembering the last dog he had, the last Molly. He looked at the man he had lived with for years and felt empty. There was no anger, no gratitude, no spite, no hope. Tomas looked around at the bedroom which was crowded with the deathbed, the casket, the dresser. Being taught not to waste emotion, Tomas reached into the back-dresser drawer where he knew the father kept his hidden money, pulled it out, placed it in his pocket, picked up the worn satchel, and left without a word

He gathered items he thought he would need and packed the satchel. He made a bedroll using blankets and placed his three books and some tools in the middle, tying it with rope, ensuring things would not fall out. An old knapsack held additional tools, a few kitchen items, some leftover cornbread, jerky, apples from the tree in the back. He walked to the porch and placed his belongings on the bottom step so he could free the chickens and horse. He opened gates and cages, allowing them to fend for themselves or to be found by neighbors. He filled the feeders with whatever he could find and wished them luck.

He gathered the packed belongings and proceeded to the wooded area to check that Molly’s grave was undisturbed. He walked to the copse of trees underneath which his mother and siblings were buried, looked at the graves, bent over to remove the leaves and weeds grown around the stones. He did the task without feelings; they been expended years before. He stood up, stretched his back, and looked once more at the house where he thought he could hear, faintly, hazily, feebly, his name being called. He ignored it. Arranging the necessary items on his back, making sure his three books were safe, throwing his old jacket over a shoulder, he grabbed the full satchel and stood up.

Tomas walked past the outbuilding, the woodshop, and he paused, but decided he could not manage additional tools. He moved towards the main road which split into two: one leading south to the town past the schoolhouse, church, and small businesses struggling to succeed, and the other north away from the town, to unknown places, new circumstances, strange locales. He turned north and began his journey.

Chapter 1

Late Summer, 1918

I almost went back. I turned north on the road and walked about one hundred feet and stopped. I was far from the bedroom, the porch, and path, but I swear I heard his moans and cries. I thought he yelled my name even though I knew he barely had the strength to whisper. I knew his shotgun was on the dresser because he placed it there a month ago, saying it was loaded and ready, but I ignored it. If he wanted to use it on himself, I wouldn’t stop him, but I would not shoot him like he shot Molly, even if he deserved it. He had refused all my help except for the past couple weeks, and then only because he feared he would piss the bed like a baby. Even when I helped, he chided me, told me I should be working harder, doing better, refusing to speak about anything of importance. He was dying, and I wanted him to answer my questions. I wanted to know about my mother, and my twin brother, and the other brothers, things he never told me, questions he had refused to answer, but he just looked at me and sneered. He would die in that bed in a day or two, unless he gathered strength and courage and used the gun. Either way, I would never know. I would be gone. I stood still for a minute, then readjusted my belongings and continued to walk.

I had no idea where I was headed. I knew that I could find the city of Champaign if I turned around and went the opposite way. I considered going there. My Aunt Jennifer and Uncle David had moved there some years ago. For a few years, Christmas days were spent with them at their place, although my father complained about it the entire time he drove there and back. Uncle David had started a business in the city, but I didn’t know what it was. I was confident he would help me get a job. Aunt Jennifer would make him do that. There was also a chance of getting a high school diploma, just like Mr. Jensen told me I could, but I hadn’t even gotten the eighth-grade certificate, so I didn’t know how that would work. There was something in me, a stubbornness my father said I had, that made me travel a different way, away from what I had known, into a different place where I could meet new people. I continued the northward direction.

Parts of the road I traveled on were familiar. I had left the town of Levett, where I grew up, but some of the farmland was known to me. I knew some of the farmhouses I was passing contained a bedframe or a bookcase or a table that my father and I had produced in the woodshop. I remembered traveling to this area and delivering some of the items. I wondered how they were holding up, if they needed any repairs or re-staining. I was sure I could do that, and it would be a way to earn money. But I couldn’t just go to the door and knock. There would be questions about my father, and why I was alone, and where I was going. It was too risky, so I forgot that idea and just continued to walk.

I kept to the main road but over to the side; not that there were too many travelers down this way, but a couple automobiles and a horse and wagon had driven by. They hadn’t seen me. When I heard their noise, I walked into the field and sat low until they passed. I was nervous and anxious. I doubted if anyone who knew me would actually come this way, but I didn’t want to have to answer questions or give explanations. I kept walking until the heat beat down around me, warming my head until I took off my cap and pushed my sweaty hair back. I decided to find a tree and rest and eat some of the cornbread I packed, along with some sips from the jar of water in the knapsack.

As I rested, I began to think through my plan. Or rather, lack of one. I wasn’t sure where I would spend the night or, after the food I had with me was gone, what I would eat. In my hurry to leave, to get away from the farm, I hadn’t planned for all consequences. I was unafraid to sleep in the woods or to be alone, but lack of food and water had me worried. Once I reached a town, I knew I could buy some supplies, but until then, I had to ration what I had. After sitting for a while, I took stock of my supplies and thought I could last a day or two with what I had, if I were careful.

Looking around to make sure no one was spying on me, although I couldn’t imagine who would be in this wooded place, I took out the money I had pocketed and brought with me and decided to count it. Some was my own saved cash. That was three dollars and some change. Together, with the cash I took from the dresser, I had twenty-two dollars and eighteen cents. Most of it was single dollars although I had one five-dollar bill, and it sure seemed like a lot. Because buying supplies for the farm and the woodshop had been one of my duties, I knew some of the costs of foodstuffs at the Nelson General Store, but wasn’t sure if things would cost the same in other stores and different towns. I looked at my money and thought about what my father had once said: Don’t keep all your money in one place. Spread it around in hiding spots. If a thief comes, he is likely to only get some of it. I divided the money up, putting some in the books in the bedroll, some in the bottom of the knapsack, and secreted more in the satchel, in the pocket of the other pair of pants I packed. I left the change and two dollars in my pocket and thought I was being smart. Then I thought back to the advice and felt stupid. What made me think this was the only money my father had? He was sure to have taken his own advice, and there had to be more cash hidden away in the farmhouse. I never looked. Wasn’t going back now, and didn’t think the hidden cash would do him much good anyway. I wondered if whoever found my father’s body would also find his money.

I decided to continue walking and get as far as possible before I needed to find a spot to sleep for the night, so I got up and readjusted my belongings, and started out again. There was a breeze, and I was grateful for it because although it was the second week of September, it was still summer-warm. I kept changing the satchel from hand to hand and began to wonder why I had packed it. There were some clothes and an old towel and a few things I just threw in, not knowing what I would need, but it was heavy. I wondered how much room I had in the knapsack and the bedroll. Maybe I could fit the items in them and leave the satchel. But, if I carried the satchel into a town, I might be able to sell it and get some money for it. Probably not much, but it was in decent shape and I hated to just leave it. In the morning, I would try to rearrange everything and empty it which would make for easier carrying.

My feet were starting to hurt, and I was getting hungry and tired. I didn’t recognize the farmhouses I was passing, so I was sure this was an area where I knew no one. And no one would know me. I thought it was time to look for a place to spend the night. If I could find a stream, I would be able to refill my water jar and splash some cold water on my face. What would it cost to rent a room in a hotel should there be one in the next town? I had never been in one, but the thought of a bed and some warm water sounded inviting. I wasn’t sure I could afford that pleasure. Tonight, I would find a soft spot under a tree and make my own hotel. I walked on and noted that the farmhouses seemed closer together and figured that meant I was near to a town. Wasn’t sure how far I had traveled, but thought at least fifteen miles. I hadn’t stopped for any length of time except for a lunch break, and I had kept a good pace. Time to look for a spot.

Up ahead there were a couple of farmhouses. I considered going to one and asking for a drink from the well and if I could stay in their barn, but I was still travel-shy and worried about strangers. I noted where I was and looked towards the east where I could see a small wooded spot, and I headed towards it. As I crossed over to the trees, I saw some autumn berry bushes, and taking my cap, I filled it with as many as I could and stuffed my mouth with the juiciness. September was the season for them, and I was glad to find something to add to my meager dinner. I took the capful and walked into the trees and looked around for a place to make my bed.

I found a spot and checked it out for poison ivy. I knew the leaves were probably dropped, but the stems could still give a bad itch. I also looked for snake-holes, and once it all seemed clear, I set up my bedroll and secured my belongings behind me. Tomorrow I would need to look for a stream or a friendly farmer’s well, but tonight I would need to make do with the food I allotted myself and the remaining water from the jar. I was grateful for the berries and saved half of them for morning breakfast. No coffee and eggs then. That made me think that I should have hard-boiled some eggs to bring with me. I felt stupid again.

I ate slowly, thinking about what I would do tomorrow, hoping I would find a small town to refill supplies, and wondering about my future. I took out the Sherlock Holmes book Mr. Jensen had given me and was able to reread one of the stories before it became too dark to see the words. This was the book into which he had written his address in Champaign, and I wondered if he were married now, if he still taught school, and I supposed I would never know. I could write him, but what would be the use of that? I wasn’t sure he would even remember me; after all, it was over two years ago he left.

I gathered the blanket around me and settled back. The tree was sturdy, and the rustling leaves were soothing. I looked upwards where a few stars were starting to show and wondered if my father was dead yet. I guess I should have felt sadder than I did, but I had made up my mind and chosen my path. Tomorrow I would, with luck, find a town, get some supplies, and maybe sell the satchel. Beyond that, I wasn’t sure what the future held. As I drifted off, as I fell asleep under the tree and the leaves and the stars, I remembered this day was my birthday. I was sixteen.

***

Eventually, and quickly, my travel-shyness disappeared. The first town I visited didn’t have a hotel, so I spent no money there, but I did buy some supplies at the general store in town and was able to sell the satchel for seventy-five cents. I entered the town’s one small restaurant during the late afternoon when it was not busy, and spent thirty-five cents from the sale of the satchel.

I had only eaten in a restaurant a few times, so I was nervous about ordering, but the advertised special seemed the best thing to get. The plate came with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, beets, and bread and butter. After the little I had to eat the day before, it all tasted great. I also got something called rice pudding which was smooth and sweet. I drank plenty of water, and the waitress kept filling up the coffee cup. Afterwards, I asked to use their bathroom and stayed in it for a time, doing what was needed, but also washing up the best I could. The waitress looked at me strangely when I came out. Probably because my hair was wet. I tried to wash it in the small sink, but I just thanked her, waved, and left with all my belongings on my back.

Traveling became easier after that. I figured things out, and the more I traveled, the gutsier I became. The first time I decided to knock on a farmhouse and ask to fill up my water jar, the