Back Then

In 1944, sixteen-year-old Sophia Weston grew up in a sophisticated family, living in the aristocratic section of Charleston, S.C. Servants were readily available upon hearing her father's fingers snap or the silver bell ringing from her mother’s hand. Sophia dreaded stiff routines. When called ‘blue blood’ she’d reply, "My blood is red like everyone else’s. People are black or white, and rich or poor here. I want color in my life--you know…like autumn leaves.” Though Sophia’s father was demanding, she refused to withdraw from life like her mother. With Sophia, friends felt lighthearted, as though wrapped in warm woolen sweaters of love. Senator Weston believed Sophia’s actions too frivolous. Gazing from windows, he nodded in disbelief, while watching her dance in rustling leaves. Sophia’s breezy informality suited autumn. She desired realizing fall at its finest, which wouldn’t happen there. At twenty, Sophia’s life evolved when she met her future husband while he attended the Citadel. After marrying John they moved to Boston, near Harvard University, where credits were transferred. John and Sophia were remarkable fits. When John finished law school, they built a log cabin near their new gift shop. Upon maturing, Sophia loved visiting home. She realized Charleston’s magnificent beauty, but her daily life would transpire in Boston. Today Sophia and John lovingly watch their grandchildren manage their profitable gift shop filled with northeastern treasures. Still in love with autumns, each frequently smiles at the other, saying, “What a great move we made back then.” Written November 16th, 2001 © on Nov 15 2001 09:20 PM PST   0 • 8