My Aunt Mildred and I talked on the phone about Larry tonight for a good half hour. She said his personality was different from the other boys. She described him as easy-going, sweet, good and tender-hearted, a young boy without a temper.
When he was little, he had a serious infection in his lungs that required him to stay three months in the hospital in Banner Elk. My mom, Steve Shook, talks about what a good patient he was and how all the nurses loved him and spoiled him to death. She talks about how she used to let him put on her glasses when she had to care for him to divert his attention.
Once Larry got home from the hospital, he lost a year of school because he had to stay at home to recuperate. According to Aunt Mildred, he never fussed, and he always helped Grandma (Ruth Shook) around the house while the other children were at home. As she crocheted and quilted, Larry learned as well.
If anyone else has memories of Larry, send them to me, and I'll post them OR you post them on the blog yourself. It has been heartwarming to learn more about him as I write in his memory and honor on this post.
(Posted by Tanya Shook Wilder)
