On October 13, 1954, I, Bertha Elizabeth Byrum Blanchard was born to Cecil Gilbert and Emma Margaret Layton Byrum. I believe that I was the only one of their daughters born in a hospital, Chowan Hospital. I was named after my maternal grandmother, Bertha Harrell Layton and paternal grandmother, Missouri Elizabeth Boyce Byrum. Shortly after birth, 2 days I believe, Hurricane Hazel hit, turning over Dad's shelter in the back yard. I remember hearing Mom talk about just getting home from the hospital and seeing the shelter turn over while she was feeding me. I remember hearing Mom tell me that I couldn't drink cow's milk and had to be fed Soy milk because of all my allergies. I don't have my birth certificate either, but I do have my "Cradle Roll Certificate" from Center Hill Baptist Church with signatures, Henry V. Napier, pastor; Mrs. Carl Bunch, superintendent of Cradle Roll; and C.W. Slades, superintendent of Sunday School. By the way, the certificate reads: "Berta Byrum". I'm not sure what my sisters slept in, but I slept in a "kiddy coup" which was crib sized, but shorter legs. It was wood with screened sides and a screen top that would swing up, snap, and cover the top to keep me in and the mosquitoes out in the summertime, I suppose. I have it in my attic now. I'd love to refinish it, but haven't had the time. Don't have baby photographs, but I do have a photo when I was about 20 months old (dated July '56). This photo was in front of a flower bed that grew when I spilled a pkg. of flower seeds and then dad just covered them with soil and let then grow where they spilled. Anybody remember why Dad was dressed up with the carnation? As you can see, my hair was "sugar white" (I think that's what Mom used to call it) and fine. It's not fine anymore, and not white, thanks to Clairol! It doesn't appear that the soy milk stunted my growth by looking at my legs and arms!