The Four-Leaf Miracle
Everyone has some kind of talent, something they can do better than the average citizenry. I believe that’s the way the Creator planned it. Some discover their talent early, hone it and become a sports hero, actor, doctor or rocket scientist. Others waste their God given talent and become short story writers or politicians!
My wife Bertha (Bert) has no designs on becoming a rocket scientist or a politician. But she does have a multitude of talents, and in that mix is one that is pretty difficult to match. At just about any time, she can reach into a patch of clover and come up with one of the four-leaf variety.
It is well known that the four-leaf clover has a reputation as a good luck charm. Its history dates back to the Druids who felt the 1 in 10,000 occurrence certainly insured good luck to the bearer.
Bert has given these good luck symbols to countless relatives, friends and strangers. She has been privileged to hear revelations of how the little green token has brought blessings and well-being. None however is as remarkable as the story of the Stewart family. We became aware of the saga when we were visiting lifelong friends Ellis and Patty Stewart at a community picnic. While Ellis was greeting us, Bert reached into the spring grass, picked up a large clover and presented it to Ellis for a grandson who was entering the service. He smiled, thanked her, and then related this incredible story of family and love of country.
The Stewart family was large, as families were in the era. Lydi and Frank Stewart reared a family of 10 sons and one (very protected) daughter.
Leslie was the oldest son, Newton the youngest. Between them came John Ray, Wilbur (Buzz), George, Carl and Jim, then sister Betty, followed by Bob, Joe, Ellis and Newton.
It’s not that such a large family is unusual, especially in that hard working farm environment. What makes the Stewart story so special is that the family ages bridged the years between World War II through Korea and the Cold War era, and every son served his country in the military.
One by one, as each son came of age, each entered the service, nine serving in the Army, and one, Joseph, in the Navy.
One by one, as they departed, Lydi gave each a four-leaf clover, with the admonition that they were to return it to her at the end of their tour.
One by one as each soldier returned, the good luck charm was symbolically returned to mom.
When the youngest, Newton, returned home, the cycle was complete. Ten farm boys leaving home, 10 strong young veterans returning. Ten four-leaf clovers were preserved and returned.
During WWII, in the midst of the industrial revolution, steel mills were short of help, and Lydi walked every morning to Route 201, caught the mill bus and worked in the steel mill for the duration of the war.
While sister Betty did not enter the service, she served at home, helping with the chores and prayers.
Call it patriotism, dedication, bravery or allegiance – whatever term you come up with seems to fit this family.
No one knows for sure if four-leaf clovers are truly good luck to the bearer. But I believe it would be hard to convince the Stewart family otherwise.
Roy Hess Sr. is a retired teacher and businessman from Dawson.