J.A. Hall: My Mother's Poetry "Mousie Cot"

 

My mother, Clare Oxley, was born in Standerton, South Africa. She and her brother, Michael, lived on her maternal grandfather's plantation. On the plantation they grew beautiful flowers which would be cut and sold to people in the cities. When mother was four years old, she started her formal education. Mother was sent to Saint Ursula’s boarding school in England.  It was at Saint Ursula's that mother wrote her poem booklet. 

When mother finished her formal education at Saint Ursula’s School, she enrolled at the Victoria School of Nursing. Mother's nursing duties sent her to the 7505th United States Air Force Hospital, which was located at the Royal Air Force Station, Burderop Park, Wroughton. My father was stationed at this USAF Hospital and when he saw my mother for the first time, he knew she was the one. They married and had three children. 

From Athens County, Ohio, USA, J.A. Hall is an award-winning children's literature author. She earned her Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Ohio University in 2013. A retiree of Ohio University, Hall spends her time as the proprietor of Little Meadow Farm, an animal sanctuary, where all types of animals find their forever home. She is a member of the ASPCA as well as an active supporter of animal charities. Follow Hall on Facebook @ Little Meadow Farm.