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I was born and raised on a working ranch twenty-eight miles north of Philip, South Dakota. As a young person, we worked hard and played hard, and events that occurred caused considerable pain to me both mentally and physically. My choices were not the best, and at seventeen, I was much on my own. The saying “I was the only hell my mother ever raised” was probably very accurate. I write this to tell what it was like growing up and to let others know their choices are important to their future.
Our marriage was given about two weeks to two months to survive. We stood two chances of making it work out-slim and none. But through commitment and stubbornness, we hung in there. The name sumpter is in the dictionary and says “a packhorse,” which I relate to a mule, telling Bill he was stubborn as mule. This book tells a little of the years we live in Rapid City and how we grew. I’m sure there are others that have endured more turmoil and grief, but this is my tale of those formative years of marriage.
The major move of our family back to the family farm in 1975 was like a marriage, years of compromise and commitment but sticking with it through the good and the bad. After all, we had made a decision to save the family farm. After the death of dad, the brothers created a very hostile environment and Bill and I were evicted as they took over with their majority ownership and sold the farm.
3 Responses
Yay, brave Marsha May! I knew you were Marsha May but forgot about it! I will read them now that I know you are an author! I have known for a long time you are a writer because of your Betwixt Places in the Pioneer Review! Keep on keeping on! Mary Kay
Thank you Mary Kay, aren’t you the one to find where to comment💕💕
I am enjoying learning about how you grew up. So interesting. Now on to book 2 and 3. It so neat because I can relate a bit having been out to the ranch when I was younger.