The Dallas Journal, Volume 42, 1996 Page: 9

VII

The 1910 census records that Virginia Elizabeth Price Barganier had eight children, but
only four were living at the time the census was taken. In 1880 Virginia wrote the
obituary for one of her children:
On the second day of August death entered our happy home
and took from our love and protecting care our darling baby
Little Johnnie Price Barganier, aged one year and nine months.
He was the sunshine of our home. After suffering two days
with diphtheria, he fell asleep in Jesus. I know that my baby is
unexpressably, inconceivably happy in his bright and blessed
mansion in the skies. O God, help us to bear this heavy trial,
and say, "Thy will be done." For the lamb which is in the midst
of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them unto living
fountains of water, and God shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes. Rev. VII: 17
My mother told me a story about her grandmother. Grandmother Barganier, she said, was
born to a wealthy family. She and her brothers and sisters even had a tutor who lived with the
family. She learned fancy needlework and other delicate arts. Then came the War of Northern
Aggression. Shortly after the war's start, her father died. Her mother then tried to hold things
together the best she could, but the Yankees came and took the livestock and the slaves ran
away. Grandmother married just after the war was over. She was only seventeen; her husband
was more than twice her age. Grandmother lost her first four children because the slaves had
always cared for children and grandmother didn't know how.
I opened my eyes and beheld a beautiful baby in an incubator. "Here's your baby boy," the
nurse said. Somehow, I couldn't believe it. My ether-clouded mind wasn't comprehending.
That was my baby? At first, I stared in utter confusion and disbelief. That perfect little being
was mine? Suddenly, my mind cleared. I was aware of an overwhelming knowledge. I knew;
that was my child --- the beautiful pale coloring, the hint of blond hair, the tiny toes, the tiny
fingers. Next, I became aware of something else which was at first unidentifiable. It was a
strange, yet pleasant sensation; it was frightening, yet assuring. It was love, unquestioned,
undeniable, and complete.

1996DGS Journal

1996

DGS Journal