I called Birdie Foshee Veach 'Mother' because she had cared for me since I was six weeks old. She had only a fourth-grade education. She may have lacked formal schooling but she was not unintelligent. Her life was never easy and this picture shows a young and strong woman. Mother was never small, and her arm size suggests that she was accustomed to labor. I think this photo was taken in Rodessa, Louisiana in 1943. A note suggests to 'look on the door for my flag with one star'. I believe this was symbolic of a family with a son serving in the war.