John Carter Washington (JW): You were my first child,
I was so glad you were born.
I cannot express the way I feel
when I held your sweet little body.
I kissed you, I loved you.
Oh Melva, I was so proud when I started taking you out with me.
You'd take me by the hand, and lead me where you wanted to go.
Melva Washington Toomer (MWT): (Typing)
Do you have any favorite stories about raising us?
JW: Do you... raising us? (Laughs)
One night I did catch you trying to sneak out.
MWT: (Laughs) We knew our parents couldn't see,
and we used to slip out at night, so Daddy started
sleeping in front of the door.
JW: (Laughs) One story is, I was getting ready to give Warren
a bath, but, as I picked him up to put him in the tub, he said,
"Daddy, I've got my shoes on."
(Laughs) MWT: (Typing) What were some of your proudest moments?
JW: What are my proudest moments?
Well, I did not graduate from high school.
So, I began to read books in braille to learn
the ways of life.
And then I taught people to read braille.
So if I could help some person, then my living
will not be in vain.
MWT: (Typing) Do you have any questions for me?
JW: Do you have questions...?
MWT: For me?
JW: Yes, I'm 95, and I might live to be 100!
What are you going to do with me?
MWT: I am going to take care of you the best I can.
JW: You're doing a wonderful job.
God bless you.
MWT: Daddy, I thank you for the interview.
JW: Oh, you're welcome.
Thank you, Melva.
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