Chapter Twelve
The Measure of the Woman
Still living in the glow of Gus and Soo-ah’s arrival, the Ericksons began to get used to their new normal. Days turned off the calendar, and much evidence began to tumble out that Gus made a good decision in marrying Soo-ah. Despite being seven months pregnant, she was the hardest-working person the elder Ericksons ever saw; and at just nineteen, she had skills that amazed the entire family.
On Thursday morning, April 18th, 1946, Soo-ah stood beside Henry’s chair. “Grandpa Henry, may I butcher a hog today?”
Henry looked up with an inquisitive smile on his face.
“Well sure, Sue. Why today?”
“Sunday is Easter; we’ll have fresh ham for the feast.”
“Why sure. You go right ahead.”
Grandpa Henry did a good job of concealing his incredulity, no doub
