Baby Carriage
I was born in 1929 on my parents' farm "Haksengaard", Vejen, Denmark. I don't recall any part of my birth, so all of that is hearsay as far as I am concerned. Much later, I recall lying in a baby carriage, looking up at the ceiling and hearing the clatter of the table being set for a meal. I have no idea how old I was.
The Meadow
I remember being with my parents down at the meadow on our farm and wandering off. I am told my parents didn't know where I was. I did––I was sitting in the grass, enjoying the sunshine. I was hidden because the grass was taller than me. I was completely fascinated by the many interesting insects crawling and flying about.
Counting Cars
When I was about five, I walked up to the highway north of our land. I sat in the ditch and counted the cars that went by. I sat there for a long time. There were not that many cars in those days. Probably there were just as many horse-drawn vehicles.
I sat in that ditch so long; my family finally wondered where I was. They sent my brothers and sisters out to search for me. My sisters eventually found me and carried me home. I was in a state of inertia. I must have fallen asleep or been dazed from the heat. It might have been sunstroke, for my back and neck were badly sunburned.
It was painful, but I recovered within a few days. I don't recall how many cars went by but I can assure you that none were newer than a 1935 model.
More Immigrant Stories:
• See what games young Helge plays on the farm
