Old Order Mennonite Memoirs

"Mom, I can't get the 'lapper' off," said Lyla about the husks on the ear of corn she held in her hands. At age 2, pronouncing the word 'wrapper' may yet be too difficult; it might not even be the proper word, but I was impressed with her efforts to help us husk sweet corn. Her voice sounded so cute and besides, since last year's corn day at our house, when walking by herself was a newly-acquired skill, she has come a long way.

She soon lost interest and went to play with dolls and bags, but the boys helped husk until we were done. I was pleased to show them that I pulled all the weeds in the...